Life Science Partnering Conferences: Evaluating the ROI

By Cameron Hurlburt, Director of Business Development, LSN

Greg Mannix VP of European Sales at Life Science Nation is also CEO of Novaurum Biosciences and has attended 15 life science partnering conferences in the last two years as a startup CEO. After this extensive experience, he shares his insights on whether these events are worth the investment and what constitutes a good return on investment (ROI) in terms of outcomes and the number of investor meetings secured. Attending partnering conferences can be a significant investment for life science companies, especially startups and early-stage firms. Mannix emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating the potential ROI before committing resources.

A successful conference should yield tangible outcomes, such as securing funding, establishing strategic partnerships, or gaining valuable industry insights. Mannix suggests that a good ROI can be measured by the number of quality investor meetings scheduled during the event. “For a conference to be considered successful, I aim to secure at least 10-15 meetings with potential investors or partners that align with our company’s goals and stage of development,” Mannix explains. “These meetings should lead to meaningful discussions and potential collaborations or investment opportunities.”

To maximize the value of partnering events, Mannix recommends a strategic approach. Thorough preparation, targeted networking, and effective follow-up are crucial. “It’s essential to research the attending investors and companies beforehand and strategically request meetings with those that are the best fit,” Mannix advises. “During the event, actively participate in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions to gain industry insights and make valuable connections.” Mannix also emphasizes the importance of prompt and professional follow-up after the conference. “Timely and personalized communication with the contacts made during the event can significantly increase the chances of securing partnerships or investments,” he adds.

RESI Europe is taking place in Barcelona on June 17 (in-person) and June 18-19 (virtual). This conference aims to connect startups and early-stage investors, offering a platform for fundraising and partnership opportunities. With a 1:1 ratio of investors to companies and over 250 life science investors in attendance, RESI Europe promises to maximize the number of meetings and potential collaborations. Partnering has opened, and you can register today to secure meeting slots while they are still available.

While life science partnering conferences require an investment, they can provide substantial returns in terms of funding, partnerships, and industry insights when approached strategically. By carefully evaluating the potential ROI, preparing thoroughly, and actively engaging in networking and follow-up, companies can maximize the value of these events and propel their growth in the life science industry.