For pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing new therapies, time and resources are precious. Every activity needs to contribute to advancing your program, from discovery to clinical proof of concept.
So it’s fair to ask: Is investing in conference participation really worth it?
At Profil, we see the answer every year: for sponsors in drug development, scientific conferences are among the most efficient and valuable arenas to build momentum, validate innovation, and accelerate collaboration. Here’s why.
1. Conferences connect you directly with the clinical research ecosystem
Behind every successful trial stands a network of experts: clinical investigators, CRO partners, regulatory specialists, and scientific thought leaders. Sponsoring or attending a conference gives you direct access to this ecosystem. It’s a chance to discuss study concepts, feasibility, and site capabilities in person long before the first protocol draft is finalized. These early conversations often lead to smoother trial starts and stronger collaborations later on.
2. Strengthen scientific credibility and visibility in your target indication
Presenting or sponsoring sessions at leading metabolic or diabetes meetings (like ADA, EASD, or Obesity Week) positions your company as a serious player in the field. Visibility in such scientifically respected settings builds trust not only among investigators, but also among potential partners and investors. Being present where key data are discussed shows that your development program belongs to the front line of innovation.
3. Gain real-time feedback on your therapeutic concept
Conferences offer a rare opportunity to test your ideas with experts who see hundreds of studies every year. Informal discussions often reveal practical insights about trial design, patient population, or endpoint selection. This kind of feedback, gathered early, can save months of development time and help ensure your clinical program resonates with both regulators and clinicians.
4. Monitor competitor and partner activities
Scientific meetings are also where pipelines take shape publicly. Keeping track of poster sessions, symposium topics, and networking discussions helps you benchmark your own program and identify potential synergies. For sponsors in rapidly evolving areas like GLP-1, GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists, or MASH therapies, these insights are critical for staying ahead of the curve.
5. Build strategic partnerships faster
From clinical research organizations and biomarker labs to technology vendors and data partners: the people you need to move your trial forward are at these events. Face-to-face conversations can rapidly evolve into collaborations once mutual interests are clear. A well-planned conference participation ensures that these meetings happen efficiently and that your presence is noticed by the right audience.
6. Amplify your science beyond the conference
A sponsorship isn’t limited to the physical event. It creates valuable content for ongoing communication like short interviews with investigators, summaries of symposium highlights, or behind-the-scenes impressions from your study team. Used across LinkedIn, websites, and investor updates, these materials extend your visibility and underline your company’s scientific leadership.
7. Measure what matters: awareness, contacts, collaborations
The return on investment from conferences can be tangible when tracked correctly. Count not only booth visitors, but high-quality contacts established, meetings conducted, follow-ups scheduled, and potential collaborations initiated.
When approached strategically, a conference is not a cost. It’s a catalyst for your next phase of development.
If you are already searching for the next conference, how about visiting the following conferences and directly meet the Profil team?
CPHI Frankfurt, October 30, 2025. Frankfurt, Germany. Schedule your meeting here.
Bio Europe, November 03-05, 2025. Vienna, Austria. Request a meeting through the partnering tool or visit us at booth C114-03 in the German pavilion.
Obesity Week, November 04-06, 2025. Atlanta, Georgia, US. Schedule a meeting here or visit us at booth 912.
Medica, November 17-20, 2025. Düsseldorf, Germany. Book a meeting here.
ATTD, December 09-11, 2025. Singapore. Schedule a meeting here.
Regularly review our conference updates and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date about which conferences we attend.