Change has become a constant in pharma as new regulatory leaders, policies and market shifts impact where the industry is headed. Upcoming conferences in 2026 promise a way to navigate myriad opportunities and challenges shaping pharma’s future.
Attendees at these events can dive into discussions and sessions around the industry’s most pressing trends such as AI, investments in the biotech market, dealmaking, obesity drug development, tariffs, manufacturing, notable policies around pricing, regulatory changes and more.
From exhibits that showcase the latest in cutting-edge technologies to keynote addresses from top industry leaders, here’s a look at what’s in store at the key conferences for pharma executives and professionals in 2026.
Top pharma industry conferences in 2026
J.P. Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference
Jan. 12-15, 2026
San Francisco, California
The largest pharma industry gathering is one of the first of the year, hosting thousands of leaders in San Francisco for business updates and dealmaking opportunities.
Scope Summit
Feb. 2-5, 2026
Orlando, Florida
This clinical research focused conference brings together the entire ecosystem of R&D industry discussion, strategy and networking.
Pittcon Conference
March 7-11, 2026
San Antonio, Texas
A yearly event dedicated to laboratory research, Pittcon offers opportunities to learn about the latest technologies while gaining hands-on experience with advanced scientific instrumentation.
American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions
March 28-30, 2026
New Orleans, Louisiana
This conference brings together the world of cardiology with a focus on cardiovascular innovation and clinical advances.
World Vaccine Conference
March 31-April 2, 2026
Washington D.C.
The industry’s largest vaccine-focused conference features over 550 speakers and exhibits from solutions providers.
American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting
April 17-22, 2026
San Diego, California
Oncology research is a core pillar of the biopharma industry, and the AACR’s annual meeting is home to some of the biggest breakthroughs and advances in cancer treatment research.
Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association Annual Meeting
April 24, 2026
San Diego, California
HBA’s hallmark annual event boasts networking opportunities and an awards program for women in healthcare, including pharma professionals.
American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting
May 11-15, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts
With innovation in gene and cell therapy pushing the frontiers of the industry, the ASGCT annual meeting is where scientists and biotech leaders showcase their work.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
May 29-June 2, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
The most advanced and important clinical studies in the world of cancer research are the focus at this gathering of oncologists that brings together the biggest names in the pharma arena.
Drug Information Association Global Annual Meeting
June 14-18, 2026
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The DIA’s annual meeting is a gathering of leaders from biotech, pharma and health tech to discuss the many ways the research landscape is evolving.
BIO International Convention
June 22-25, 2026
San Diego, California
The largest meeting of biotech professionals features the latest in cutting-edge research, presentations from industry leaders and a place to network with colleagues from around the life sciences.
BioProcess International
Sept. 22-25, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts
Bioprocessing innovations — including cell and gene therapy manufacturing advances — take center stage at this large, yearly event.
CPhI Worldwide
October
Milan, Italy
Pharma professionals from around the world convene each year at this massive event dedicated to the latest in manufacturing technologies.
American Heart Association Annual Meeting
Nov. 7-9, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
The AHA’s annual conference is a place to catch up on the latest cardiovascular treatments and candidates in the pipeline.
