Why the Publications Lounge Should Be on Every Attendee’s 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo Agenda
With a packed conference schedule, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your time between educational sessions, networking events, and visits to the Expo Hall. At the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo, one destination deserves a place on every attendee’s agenda: the Publications Lounge (Pub Lounge).
More than just a place to take a break, the Pub Lounge is a dynamic hub where attendees can connect with peers, engage with industry thought leaders, explore ISPE’s renowned body of knowledge, and gain fresh insights into the trends shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
A Must-Visit Destination on the Expo Hall Floor
Conveniently located within the Expo Hall, the Publications Lounge offers attendees a welcoming space to sit, relax, recharge, and connect with colleagues from across the industry. Whether attendees are meeting longtime peers, making new professional connections, or simply looking for a quiet place to reset between sessions, the Pub Lounge provides the perfect environment.
Visitors can also browse ISPE’s extensive collection of gold-standard Guidance Documents, discover valuable industry resources, and pick up a copy of ISPE’s award-winning Pharmaceutical Engineering® magazine. The lounge serves as a central gathering place where education, networking, and thought leadership come together.
Spotlight Sessions: Big Ideas in a Compact Format
One of the most popular features of the Publications Lounge is the series of Spotlight Sessions, short 10 to 15-minute presentations held during conference program breaks.
These sessions are intentionally designed to deliver meaningful insights in a concise format, making it easy for attendees to learn something new without committing to a full technical presentation. Led by experienced subject matter experts, Spotlight Sessions offer practical perspectives on some of the most important topics affecting the pharmaceutical industry today.
Trending Topics Taking Center Stage
The 2026 Spotlight Sessions will feature discussions on several high-interest industry topics, including:
- Oligonucleotides and peptides, including emerging manufacturing considerations and the growing importance of these therapeutic modalities discussed in the new ISPE Guide: Oligonucleotides and Peptide Manufacturing Facilities; presented by Jim Love (CRB Group) and Chris Palte (Agilent Technologies)
- “Digital Standards Delivered: Introducing USP MethodConnect for a Vendor-Neutral Lab Stack,” presented by Kyle Larsen (USP) and “USP Analytical Standards and Solutions for ATMP Quality” presented by Ben Clarke (USP); both sessions are sponsored by USP
- Overview of the ISPE Baseline® Guide: Pharma 4.0™ and related Good Practice Guides, presented by Christian Woelbeling (Körber) and Yvonne Duckworth (CRB Group)
- “The Billion-Dollar Execution Gap: Why Pharma Manufacturing Investments Still Struggle at Start-Up,” presented by Sheena Dempsey (President and CEO of CAI); sponsored by CAI
- Validation 4.0, exploring modern approaches to validation that leverage digital technologies, automation, and data-driven decision-making; presented by Chip Bennett (Project Farma)
- Sterile product manufacturing facilities, with insights into facility design, operational excellence, contamination control, and regulatory expectations as featured in the ISPE Baseline® Guide: Sterile Product Manufacturing Facilities (Third Edition); presented by Jörg Zimmermann (Vetter Pharma) and Norm Goldschmidt (Genesis AEC)
- “Construction at the Speed of Pharma,” presented by Kyle Sugrowe (HITT Contracting); sponsored by HITT Contracting
- Overview of the ISPE Baseline Guide: Commissioning and Qualification (Second Edition), presented by Steve Wisniewski
- “How Regional GMP Warehousing and Storage Streamlines the Global Supply Chain and Reduces Risk,” presented by Andrew Mancini (SciSafe); sponsored by SciSafe
These topics are especially relevant as the industry continues to embrace advanced therapies, accelerate digital transformation, modernize manufacturing facilities, and navigate evolving regulatory and quality expectations. Through concise, expert-led discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into the innovations and strategies shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
A Different Kind of Learning Experience
Unlike traditional conference presentations that may last an hour or more, Spotlight Sessions are designed to be highly focused, accessible, and interactive.
Attendees can quickly gain practical insights, hear expert perspectives, and identify areas they may want to explore more deeply during the conference. The shorter format also creates opportunities for spontaneous engagement and discussion, allowing participants to maximize learning during breaks between scheduled sessions.
It is an ideal way to stay informed on critical industry developments without disrupting an already full conference agenda.
Meet the Experts Behind the Guidance
The Pub Lounge also offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the experts who help develop ISPE’s trusted guidance documents.
Attendees will have the chance to meet guidance document authors, contributors, and subject matter experts, ask questions, discuss implementation challenges, and gain valuable perspectives on current industry practices. These informal interactions often lead to some of the most meaningful conversations of the conference, providing insights that extend beyond what can be captured in a publication or presentation.
Whether attendees are seeking clarification on a specific guidance topic or exploring new approaches for their organization, the Pub Lounge creates a setting that encourages dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Make Time for the Pub Lounge
Even if one’s 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo schedule is already packed, the Pub Lounge is well worth a visit. In a single stop, attendees can recharge, expand their professional network, discover valuable publications, engage with industry experts, and attend concise educational sessions focused on today's most pressing topics.
The Pub Lounge embodies ISPE’s commitment to advancing pharmaceutical excellence through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and professional development. As attendees plan their 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo experience, be sure to leave room on the agenda for this unique gathering place in the Expo Hall.
ISPE looks forward to seeing attendees at the Pub Lounge at 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo
