2025 Fall
Senior Executive
Conference
THE FUTURE OF PHARMA: Strategic Priorities Driving Innovation
12–14 October 2025
Zurich, Switzerland | The Dolder Grand
2025 Fall
Senior Executive
Conference
THE FUTURE OF PHARMA: Strategic Priorities Driving Innovation
12–14 October 2025
Zurich, Switzerland | The Dolder Grand
ALDA’s 2025 Fall Senior Executive Conference will bring together senior leaders from across the analytical, life science, and diagnostics industry to explore The Future of Pharma: Strategic Priorities Driving Innovation. From drug discovery to AI to investment priorities, sessions will focus on what lies ahead in these and other strategic, dynamic areas for pharma companies. The program also features two world-renowned speakers who will open and close the conference with timely insights and global perspective.
A pillar of ALDA’s semi-annual conferences, attendees will have the chance to exchange ideas and strengthen connections with fellow leaders and top executives from ALDA member companies.
ALDA’s semi-annual meetings are for presidents, CEOs, COOs, and senior executives from our member companies.
Countdown to ALDA in Zurich
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CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Program times are shown in 24-hour format, Central European Summer Time (CEST).
Saturday, 11 October
18:00–22:00 (approx.)
Pre-conference Member-Hosted Event
ALDA members Tecan, Mettler Toledo, and Volpi invite conference attendees to a special evening in Zurich. Enjoy a relaxed apéro, followed by a diverse flying dinner and captivating live music–all set in the charming atmosphere of Zurich’s historic Zunfthaus zur Saffran. Look forward to an evening filled with great conversations and new connections.
Experience Zurich’s vibrant traditions up close!
Sunday, 12 October
16:00–18:00
Registration
18:00–21:15
Welcome reception and seated dinner with guest speaker:
Sir Niall Ferguson
Renowned Historian, Author, and Commentator on Global Politics and Economics
One of the world’s leading historians and public intellectuals, Niall Ferguson, will explore the powerful global forces reshaping the geopolitical, economic, and technological landscape in which ALDA member companies operate.
Drawing on his deep expertise in financial history, international relations, and the history of empires, Ferguson will provide a provocative and insightful analysis of the emerging global order — including the shifting dynamics between the US, China, and Europe; the rise of AI and transformative technologies; and the political and economic uncertainties facing markets worldwide.
Niall Ferguson is a British historian and author, acclaimed for his work on economic history, empire, and globalization. He is currently the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University. Niall is a prolific commentator and consultant on contemporary economic and political issues, known for his ability to connect historical insights with current global trends.
Monday, 13 October
09:00–16:15
The Future of Pharma Programming.
Global Pharma Strategy: Navigating Investment Priorities & Divergent Trends
In this dynamic opening session, Jo Walton with UBS will present an expert overview of the global pharmaceutical landscape, highlighting key investment trends, the rise of new therapeutic modalities, evolving pricing dynamics, and the latest in M&A activity. Jo’s presentation will offer a strategic lens into how pharma companies are allocating capital and reshaping their priorities across the globe.
Following her remarks, Jo will be joined by Dan Leonard, Head of Life Science Tools & Diagnostics Research at UBS, for a candid interview focused on what these pharma trends mean for the conference attendees in the tools and diagnostics sectors. Expect insights tailored specifically to ALDA members—whether you’re tracking emerging customer needs, evaluating partnership opportunities, or anticipating shifts in global demand.
Speakers:
Jo Walton
Pharmaceutical analyst with over 40 years’ experience, including 21 years at Lehman Brothers, 16 years at Credit Suisse, and most recently 2 years at UBS
Dan Leonard
Managing Director, Research Analyst
UBS
10:15–11:00
Networking Break
Drug Discovery in the AI Era – Innovations Transforming R&D
Experts will discuss how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are accelerating drug discovery. This session highlights advances in AI-driven design of therapies and the implications for scientists, biotech, pharma, and the ALDA community.
Speakers:
Eli Bixby
Co-Founder & ML Lead
Cradle
Raphaël Gottardo
Director, Biomedical Data Sciences Center
Professor of Immunology, Immunotherapy, Single-Cell, Statistics and Machine Learning
UNIL & CHUV, SIB
12:00–13:30
Lunch
13:30–13:50
Annual Business Meeting
Beyond the Pill – Precision Medicine and Advanced Therapies
This session will examine how pharma’s pipeline is evolving beyond traditional approaches, with growing investment in personalized medicine, mRNA vaccines, gene editing, and regenerative therapies. Speakers will share their perspectives on how these scientific and strategic shifts are impacting drug development models, supply chains, and technology needs across the life sciences ecosystem. As new therapeutic modalities continue to scale, they are reshaping partnership models and creating new opportunities—and challenges—for companies that enable innovation across discovery, development, and production.
Speakers:
Marcel Imwinkelried
CEO
Siegfried
Miroslav Gasparek
CEO & Co-Founder
Sensible
14:50–15:15
Networking Break
Executive Perspectives on Global Pharma R&D
Pharmaceutical R&D is undergoing a period of rapid transformation driven by scientific advances, digital innovation, and new expectations for collaboration. In this session, Steve Rees will share his perspective on how AstraZeneca and the broader pharma industry are rethinking discovery and early development in a changing global environment. He will highlight:
- How discovery science is evolving with new tools and technologies, including AI, automation, and advanced molecular platforms.
- The importance of translational approaches and data integration to accelerate pipeline progress.
- Opportunities for deeper collaboration between pharma and the life science tools sector to unlock new insights, enhance productivity, and bring medicines to patients faster.
Attendees will gain an inside look at how a leading global R&D organization is addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of pharma, and what it means for partners across the innovation ecosystem.
Speaker:
Steve Rees
SVP, Discovery Sciences, R&D
AstraZeneca
16:15
End of Monday Programming
17:30–21:00
Reception and Buffet Dinner
Join your ALDA colleagues for a reception highlighting Swiss traditions, from cheese and chocolate to a watchmaking demonstration. Then move into the Gallery for a buffet dinner, providing more opportunities to meet new peers and continue the day’s discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday, 14 October
08:00–09:15
Keynote session with guest speaker:
Sanna Marin
Former Prime Minister of Finland, Global Leader on Innovation, Resilience, and Democratic Values
As Finland’s former Prime Minister and one of the youngest world leaders in recent history, Sanna Marin brings a fresh and deeply informed perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing democracies, industries, and societies in an era of rapid change.
In her address, Marin will reflect on lessons from her time leading Finland through the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating security threats on Europe’s doorstep, and advancing a forward-looking innovation agenda — all while elevating the role of younger generations and women in leadership. She will speak to the critical importance of resilience, adaptability, and international cooperation in today’s volatile world, offering insights directly relevant to ALDA member companies operating in global markets
Sanna Marin served as the Prime Minister of Finland from 2019 to 2023. Appointed at the age of 34, Ms. Marin served as the youngest Prime Minister in the world when taking office in 2019. She is a vocal advocate of human rights, civil rights, and democracy.
REGISTRATION CANCELLATION POLICY
No refunds of meeting registration fees will be made for registration cancellations after Friday, 3 October; however, if you must cancel, please remember that you are also responsible for canceling your hotel reservations.
LOCATION & HOTEL INFORMATION
Zurich, Switzerland
The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
Between city and nature, The Dolder Grand offers scenic views of Zurich, the lake, and the Alps. Guests can unwind at the Dolder Grand Spa or explore nearby wooded walking trails, while the vibrant center of Zurich is just a few minutes’ drive, offering a lively mix of culture, dining, and shopping.
Attendees must make their own hotel reservations.
Hotel Accommodations: Our room block at The Dolder Grand has a few rooms still available. Please contact Group Reservations at groupreservations@thedoldergrand.com or by calling (41) 44 456 6009 for assistance.
Note: There may be penalties for rooms vacated prior to the scheduled departure date, and “no-show” reservations will be billed to your account for the full dates of the reservation.
FAQs
What can I expect?
Opportunities to make valuable connections, gain strategic insights on emerging trends, and draw inspiration from industry-leading peers.
When is the conference?
The conference begins on Sunday, 12 October, at 18:00 with a guest speaker and dinner, then wraps up with our keynote speaker on Tuesday, 14 October, around 09:15.
Please plan to arrive early for a special pre-conference event on Saturday, 11 October, hosted by ALDA member companies, Tecan, Mettler Toledo, and Volpi.
Who should attend?
Presidents, CEOs, COOs, and senior executives from ALDA member companies. Spouses are also welcome to attend the Sunday and Monday dinners and the closing session on 14 October.
**This conference is for ALDA members only. If you are interested in attending and are not a member, please contact ALDA staff regarding membership and the necessary next steps.
What is the cost to attend?
- First attendee from your company: $2,795
- Each additional attendee: $2,295
Where can I stay?
Attendees must make their own hotel reservations. ALDA’s room block at the conference host hotel, The Dolder Grand, has a few rooms still available. Please contact Group Reservations at groupreservations@thedoldergrand.com or by calling (41) 44 456 6009 for assistance.
I have more questions – who can I contact?
Please email Carol Starke, ALDA Meetings and Administration Manager, or call her at (703) 282-0902 with any questions.