For many organizations, the next decade will not just be about scientific innovation—it will hinge on how quickly, flexibly, and intelligently facilities can respond to evolving market, regulatory, and patient demands. That is why the Facility Design track at the 2026 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference is more relevant—and more needed—than ever before.
This track brings together leaders from across industry to share what’s working, what must evolve, and what it will take to build and modernize facilities capable of supporting the expanding therapeutic landscape—from biologics and cell and gene therapy to continuous manufacturing and digital operations.
Beyond Production: Facilities Must Deliver More
Facility design decisions made today must support:
- Modalities we haven’t fully commercialized yet
- Workforces that look and operate differently
- Increased modularity and production flexibility
- Decentralization and outsourcing strategies
- Capacity to surge in global emergencies
- Sustainability targets that are no longer optional
This track moves beyond theory, offering case studies, operational strategies, and forward-looking perspectives that attendees can apply as soon as they return to their sites.
Spotlight Sessions and Themes Leading the Conversation
Organizations everywhere are learning that facility decisions rooted in assumptions or static utilization numbers are no longer good enough—especially as science moves faster and lab needs shift year-to-year. This session explores how Biogen commissioned IPS for a planning study to analyze its multi-building, dual-site lab portfolio and develop a comprehensive master plan. The resulting plan defined a long-term vision for creating a flexible framework for future space requirements, informed by industry best practices.
Attendees will learn:
- Design strategies for improving spatial inefficiencies
- How to integrate benchmarking data into the planning process to drive informed decisions
- How data-informed decisions can guide spatial planning and support lab right-sizing, streamlined workflows, and flexible, future-proof spaces
This is a must-attend for anyone facing space constraints, juggling multi-site operations, or preparing for strategic capital investments.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove the global pharmaceutical industry to explore new approaches for rapid manufacturing mobilization at an unprecedented pace and scope.
Schuler will walk attendees through:
- How an existing biologics facility was repurposed to support COVID-19 vaccine production
- Key technical and operational considerations in making urgent pivots
- How to maintain readiness during non-pandemic periods
- Future-forward trends to increase responsiveness and flexibility for future health emergencies
This session provides a rare inside look at execution under formidable conditions—and how to institutionalize readiness to prepare for the future.
Adapting to a rapidly changing landscape requires flexible, forward-thinking project concepts and true collaboration to ensure long-term success. Bayer’s Solida 1 represents a prime example of this shift—with a state-of-the-art facility designed to integrate new technologies and a modular and highly flexible structure with a highly collaborative execution model.
Jürgen will detail:
- How to enable successful outcomes, even in uncertain times and with pressing external forces
- The role of digitization across the design, construction, and operational lifecycle
- The benefits of adopting an integrated project delivery model
This session offers a powerful blueprint for companies looking to embark on digitalization initiatives or explore more collaborative planning.
This dynamic panel will explore industry trends shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, including:
- Challenges and opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing
- AI integration in manufacturing operations and other emerging tools and technologies
- Decentralized manufacturing model compared with the traditional manufacturing paradigm
- The benefits of stakeholder engagement to maximize cost efficiency
By grounding these trends in real examples, the panel gives attendees a pragmatic view of what is hype, what is real, and what decisions leaders must make now.
What Attendees Will Take Back to Their Teams
Attendees will leave the Facility Design track with:
- Frameworks for planning capital projects in uncertain markets
- Models for repurposing and modernizing existing spaces
- Strategies for building agility into facilities from day one
- Tactics for collaboration across engineering, quality, and operations
- New approaches to stakeholder alignment, design development, and digital integration
- Real case studies and templates that accelerate internal conversations
- The confidence to design buildings that can evolve, rather than facilities that need to be replaced
Why This Track Matters
The future of manufacturing will not be based on incremental upgrades.
Innovative facility design approaches have the power to optimize:
- Speed to market
- Cost of goods
- Sustainability footprints
- Business continuity
- The ability to deliver therapies to patients faster
This track benefits professionals across pharmaceutical manufacturing—whether shaping plans, setting capital priorities, managing labs, or driving organizational growth—by providing real-world examples and strategic guidance on how to turn next-generation facility concepts into a reality.
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