Women in Pharma® at the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo: Leadership, Continuous Improvement, AI, and Networking Opportunities
Professionals attending the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo, taking place 18-21 October in Washington, D.C., USA, and virtually, will have multiple opportunities to connect with industry leaders, develop practical leadership skills, and explore emerging trends through the event's Women in Pharma® programming.
This year's Women in Pharma® activities include the interactive workshop, "The Future of Pharma: Agility, Growth, and Continuous Improvement Strategies," and the signature Women in Pharma® Monday Night Networking Event, "Mission: Possible — ISPE Women in Pharma Breaking Boundaries." Together, these events will provide attendees with actionable insights on continuous improvement, operational excellence, generative AI, quality and compliance, and leadership development while creating opportunities to build meaningful professional connections across the global pharmaceutical industry.
What Is the Women in Pharma® Workshop at the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo?
Taking place on Sunday, 18 October, the Women in Pharma-supported workshop, "The Future of Pharma: Agility, Growth, and Continuous Improvement Strategies," will explore how pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations can successfully navigate today's challenges while preparing for the future.
The workshop brings together industry executives, quality experts, emerging leaders, and a former US Food and Drug Administration regulator to share real-world experiences and practical strategies for driving organizational improvement. Participants will gain insights into building agile organizations, strengthening operational excellence, and developing leadership capabilities that support long-term success.
Through interactive discussions and breakout exercises, attendees will engage directly with subject matter experts and peers while exploring best practices that extend beyond compliance and support sustainable growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Featured Participants
Together, these experts bring extensive experience in quality, compliance, regulatory affairs, operational excellence, technology adoption, and organizational leadership.
How Can Pharmaceutical Companies Balance Compliance and Innovation?
One of the key topics attendees will explore is the challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with innovation and continuous improvement.
According to workshop presenter Janie Miller, pharmaceutical companies often face significant obstacles when pursuing continuous improvement initiatives. Strict regulatory requirements, operational complexity, and limited resources can make it difficult for organizations to innovate while maintaining compliance.
Many teams find themselves navigating a constant tension between preserving established processes and embracing new approaches that improve efficiency, quality, and organizational performance. During the workshop, participants will learn strategies for overcoming operational risk aversion and creating environments where continuous improvement can thrive without compromising compliance.
Discussions will focus on practical approaches to balancing regulatory expectations with innovation and helping organizations build cultures that support both quality and progress.
How Is Generative AI Transforming Pharmaceutical Operations?
Generative AI has become one of the most talked-about topics across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, particularly within quality and compliance functions.
The workshop panel will explore how organizations are beginning to leverage AI-powered tools to enhance continuous improvement efforts and operational excellence. Examples include applications in root cause analysis, Kaizen events, workflow optimization, data analysis, and quality investigations.
Rather than spending weeks manually evaluating operational data, companies are increasingly exploring AI technologies that can identify patterns, surface insights, and accelerate decision-making. These capabilities have the potential to improve efficiency, support compliance objectives, and help organizations achieve long-term operational goals more effectively.
Panelists will discuss how emerging AI applications are helping pharmaceutical organizations modernize processes, strengthen quality systems, and create measurable business value while maintaining regulatory rigor.
Why Is Continuous Improvement Important in Pharma?
Continuous improvement remains a critical driver of success across the pharmaceutical industry because it enables organizations to become more efficient, adaptable, and resilient.
By continuously refining processes and identifying opportunities for optimization, organizations can:
- Improve operational efficiency
- Reduce waste and rework
- Strengthen risk management efforts
- Enhance employee engagement
- Increase organizational agility
- Improve product quality
- Support reliable product supply for patients
- Maintain long-term competitiveness
As pharmaceutical markets, technologies, and regulations continue to evolve, organizations that embrace continuous improvement are better positioned to respond to change and deliver sustainable results.
The workshop will provide attendees with practical strategies that can be applied immediately within their own roles and organizations to support ongoing improvement efforts.
What Will Participants Learn from the Workshop Presenters?
Workshop presenter Dori Gonzalez-Acevedo will join fellow presenters in delivering a highly interactive learning experience focused on agility, leadership, and continuous improvement.
As Gonzalez-Acevedo shares in her preview video, she and the other workshop presenters will engage participants through interactive exercises designed to challenge assumptions, encourage new ways of thinking, and foster meaningful discussion. Through collaboration and hands-on activities, attendees will explore how to build agility that can withstand constant industry change and develop the skills needed to lead effectively in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Throughout the workshop, panelists will share practical strategies for navigating evolving regulatory expectations, advancing operational excellence, and strengthening continuous improvement efforts across pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. Discussions will also examine emerging technologies and innovative approaches that are helping companies improve efficiency, enhance quality, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Participants will leave with actionable insights, fresh perspectives, and practical tools that can be applied immediately to support leadership growth, organizational agility, and long-term success.
What Is the Women in Pharma® Monday Night Networking Event?
Following a day of learning and collaboration, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at the Women in Pharma® Monday Night Networking Event, returning in 2026 with the inspiring theme: Mission: Possible — ISPE Women in Pharma Breaking Boundaries.
This signature event brings together professionals from across the pharmaceutical industry for an evening of networking, conversation, and community building.
Attendees will enjoy dinner and meaningful engagement with colleagues, industry leaders, allies, and emerging professionals who are helping drive innovation and progress throughout the pharmaceutical sector. Designed to go beyond the traditional conference reception, the event provides a welcoming environment for participants to exchange ideas, build new relationships, and strengthen existing professional connections.
Whether reconnecting with longtime colleagues or meeting new peers, attendees will have the opportunity to expand their networks and engage with a community that is committed to advancing leadership, collaboration, and excellence throughout the industry.
Please note: Separate registration and an additional fee are required. Capacity is limited.
How Can You Secure a Spot at the Networking Event?
Attendance at the Women in Pharma® Monday Night Networking Event requires separate registration and an additional fee. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. View the Register page below and scroll down to Additional Options.
Why Attend the Women in Pharma Events at the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo?
The Women in Pharma-supported events at the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo offer more than traditional conference sessions and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain practical insights from industry leaders, explore emerging topics such as generative AI and continuous improvement, participate in collaborative learning experiences, and build relationships with professionals from across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Whether your goals include advancing your leadership skills, learning new approaches to operational excellence, strengthening quality and compliance programs, or expanding your professional network, the Women in Pharma events provide valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
Register for the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo
Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Women in Pharma-supported workshop and Monday night evening networking event to connect with industry leaders and join peers from around the world at one of the pharmaceutical industry's premier events.
Learn more and register for the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo
