Cultivating connections and conversations for biopharma communicators
Welcome to Ticket to Biotech (T2B) – bringing together life science comms practitioners of all kinds and across all career stages to address our distinctive challenges. We share on-the-job insights and resources, learn from each other, and in turn, collectively improve our craft while paying it forward to the next generation.
Upcoming Programming
T2B Monthly
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© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
ABOUT T2B
Many comms practitioners are natural conveners. But we don’t always do a good job convening ourselves.That's where Ticket to Biotech (T2B) comes in. T2B is a communicator community with a mission to cultivate connections and conversations. Launched in October 2023 by Lynnea Olivarez, we seek to elevate our profession by bringing together experienced and emerging life science comms practitioners, alike, to address our distinctive challenges. We share on-the-job insights and resources, learn from each other, and in turn, collectively improve our craft while paying it forward to the next generation.T2B’s base 2024 programming is free and includes weekly community discussion topics in a private Slack workspace, press panels and media Q&As, monthly fireside chats with various subject-matter experts, AMA sessions, peer-coaching groups, and regional meet-ups. We also recently launched our first premium program from our Leadership Lab, the Corporate Advisor Series for senior communicators. We currently have 500+ members and continue to expand in support of biopharma communicators globally.
OUR STORY
I got hooked early.I've been a life science communicator for my whole career, supporting all stages of drug development and a variety of biopharma firms along the way.Although I've been incredibly privileged to build a durable support network, there've been so many other amazing comms pros in our niche field who I've wanted to meet and learn from. As I began to attain seniority, myself, more and more connections started asking me to share learnings, guidance and sometimes simple how-to's, too (for ex., what's with all the "potentially's"?).
Despite valuable experiences with the preeminent cell and gene therapy society and national PR association, it became abundantly clear that comms practitioners in our industry face unique challenges: Operating in a highly regulated environment while simultaneously striving to develop strategies that reflect the innovation biopharma is known for.To address this catch-22, I launched T2B, a dedicated space for our corner of comms. In addition to bringing fellow biopharma communicators together for a continuous, open dialogue, T2B provides a spectrum of networking and professional development offerings.I hope that joining our community will be as enriching for you as creating it has been for me. Thank you for coming aboard and being a part of this journey!
Getting Involved
Our goal is for T2B to be a space where you feel comfortable asking questions and imparting your own thoughts and perspectives, regardless of where or for whom you may work. Follow our community on LinkedIn, subscribe to our monthly emails, and if you’re a comms professional in our industry, join us. Whether you’re here to express your ideas or simply listen, we welcome you to T2B.
We're open to custom program and event sponsorships, including hosting future T2Bmeets. Contact us at tickettobiotech@gmail.com to talk!
Founding Advisory Board
Comprising communicators of all kinds, at all career stages, and from several global biopharma hubs, our ad board provides strategic guidance, feedback, and ideas to support T2B’s mission. This group plays a critical role in shaping our programming and growth strategies to ensure T2B's platform meets the evolving needs of our community.
Cynthia Clayton
Vice President,
Communications and Investor Relations
Third Rock Ventures
Cynthia joined Third Rock Ventures in 2015 as Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations. In this role, she leads the firm’s external and internal communications strategy and initiatives. She also works closely with the firm’s portfolio of companies to guide them on their communications and investor relations best practices. Prior to joining Third Rock, Cynthia served as Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals for 10 years. Before that, Cynthia was Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Synta Pharmaceuticals. She joined Synta after four years in roles of increasing responsibility at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where she worked as part of the team driving the company's communications and investor relations efforts. Cynthia began her career in Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Curis. She earned her B.A. with honors in Communications from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
Mikel Legette
Recent Graduate
Aspiring Biopharma Communicator
Mikel is a Caribbean American and a first-generation college graduate with a profound passion for healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing. He holds a double bachelor's degree in Psychology and Corporate Communication, Advertising, and Marketing from Baruch College, CUNY. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Mikel continually challenges change and innovation processes, takes initiative, amplifies voices, and achieves noteworthy outcomes through resourceful solutions. Mikel has interned at top Fortune 500 companies and pharma advertising agencies across the United States. Mikel started his career at JP Morgan Chase as a Data Analyst. He then transitioned to healthcare marketing, interning at Publicis Health Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness and later as Global Communications Intern at Merck & Co. Inc.Mikel's interests extend beyond his professional pursuits. He has a deep passion for the culinary arts and a meticulous eye for digital design. His love for travel adventures, exploring different cultures, and listening to music not only enrich his life but also contribute to his creativity and analytical thinking, setting him apart as a young individual.
Lina Li
Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Intellia Therapeutics
Lina is a senior director of investor relations and corporate communications at Intellia. Since joining Intellia in 2017, Lina has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s public and investor-facing communications through various stages of clinical development for its gene editing therapies. She was responsible for leading the communication strategy for the landmark data presented in 2021, supporting the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to specifically edit genes inside a human body. She has deep experience translating complex science associated with novel gene editing technologies and across multiple therapeutic areas for the investor and media audience. In her role, she has successfully supported over $1B+ of capital market financings to drive Intellia’s research and development forward. Prior to Intellia, Lina held roles of increasing responsibility in finance and accounting at KKR and PwC. She graduated with a dual B.S./M.S. degree in Accounting from the New York University Stern School of Business and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Ilke Limoncu
Lead, Communications and Public Affairs, Business Unit Oncology
AbbVie
Ilke is a seasoned, strategic healthcare communications executive who achieves top-tier results to build, maintain and protect reputations for Fortune 50 biopharma companies. A 20-year veteran of Abbott and AbbVie, she currently leads integrated communications for AbbVie’s oncology portfolio. Her experience extends across all facets of proactive and issues management external (media, consumer, social) and internal (executive, employee) communications, and she has launched multiple pharmaceutical brands, indications and high-profile campaigns. Prior to Abbott and AbbVie, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Baxter Healthcare, Weber Shandwick, Golin and GCI Health. Ilke’s and her teams’ work has been widely recognized, including through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Silver Anvil and Ragan Communications and Reuters Pharma awards for best campaigns in Corporate, HIV/AIDs, Cardiovascular Health and Oncology communications. Ilke is a member of the Daughters of Ataturk International, PRSA and Ragan Communications, and she is a founding member of the Ticket to Biotech advisory board, promoting excellence in healthcare-industry communications. She holds a Journalism degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Sarah MacDonald
CEO
Life Science Cares
Sarah joined Life Science Cares as Employee #1 in 2017 and has overseen the organization’s explosive growth and strategic direction since. As CEO, she drives the alignment, efficiency and effectiveness of LSC’s five affiliates. Under her leadership, Life Science Cares has invested more than $16 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours to support a portfolio of community organizations providing access to basic needs, access to education and access to opportunity.Before joining LSC, Sarah served as Executive Vice President at MassBio, the industry trade association. In that role, Sarah led policy, communications, events and strategic functions of the 1,000+ member company organization. Prior to MassBio, Sarah held a variety of association and policy positions. She is a graduate of Hartwick College and has a Master’s degree from Northeastern University.Outside of work, Sarah is active in her community and enjoys time with her husband, Sean and son, Griffin.
Trista Morrison
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff to the CEO
Voyager Therapeutics
Trista is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive advisor and cross-functional strategist, with 20+ years of experience in corporate affairs and stakeholder management (investors, media, employees, patients) for public companies. Trista currently serves as the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Voyager Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VYGR). She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Network of Tyrosinemia Advocates (NOTA) and the Advisory Board of The Termeer Foundation. Prior to joining Voyager, Trista served as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Saniona, where she built and led communications, investor relations, patient advocacy and government relations, in addition to serving as a member of the executive committee. She previously founded the consulting firm PR with Purpose, and her prior roles include Vice President of Communications and Patient Advocacy for rare disease company Sobi in North America, Head of Communications for Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, and reporter and editor for BioWorld Today, as well as various positions at multiple communications agencies. Trista received a B.S. in marketing and biology from Tulane University.
Sherry Pudloski
Group President of Client Solutions, Integrated Communications
Real Chemistry
Sherry is a strategic advisor at Real Chemistry with experience and expertise across the entire healthcare ecosystem in product and corporate communications, healthcare policy, public affairs, investor relations and sustainability. Most recently, Sherry was Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Seagen, where she was instrumental in supporting the company’s $43 billion acquisition by Pfizer. Previously, she served in various communications, strategy and corporate affairs leadership roles at Pfizer, Novartis, Zoetis and Guardian Life and led Ogilvy PR’s global health practice. At Pfizer, she was the Founder of the N.Y. Women's Council and served as the U.S. Chair for its Global Women's Council. Sherry currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Jhpiego Corporation, a Johns Hopkins affiliated international health organization providing services for women and families in more than 155 countries and is vice chair of the Board of Trustees at Maryvale Preparatory School. She lectures in communications at New York University and Georgetown University.
Priyanka Shah
Founder & CEO
Elephant Head Communications LLC
Priyanka is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Elephant Head Communications, LLC, a strategic communications consultancy dedicated to helping companies in the life sciences, biopharma, and biotech sectors effectively convey their innovations and purpose. With over 18 years of experience, Priyanka is known for her strong work ethic, rooted in hard work, grit, empathy, and humility, offering an influential perspective for leaders navigating business challenges. In her previous leadership roles at Kinnate Biopharma and Mirati Therapeutics, she played a pivotal role in shaping their external affairs strategies during crucial transitions. At Bristol Myers Squibb, she led corporate communications through significant milestones, including the acquisitions of Celgene and Myokardia and managed global oncology communications for flagship products like Opdivo and Yervoy. Priyanka has been recognized as a leader of influence by the San Diego Business Journal and PRWeek. She also dedicates her time to community service, supporting organizations like Penn Medicine and Mama’s Kitchen. Priyanka holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Communications from Rutgers University.
Scott White
Executive Vice President & Principal Recruiter
HireMinds
Scott is an EVP and Principal Recruiter at HireMinds. He has over two decades of professional executive recruiting experience. Scott specializes in placing communications, marketing, investor relations, and patient advocacy professionals in many industries. Most of his work is in the pharma, biotech, and medical device sectors. He works with clients and candidates across the country.Scott is a frequent lecturer at universities and professional associations, where he shares tips on how to write cover letters, resumes and LinkedIn profiles, how to leverage your network and how to prepare for interviews. When he’s not recruiting, he loves to travel, work on home projects and play catch with his Goldendoodle, George.
Matt Worrall
Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Matt has been in working in healthcare and life science communication for more than 20 years for a wide range of organisations including charities, trade associations and medical societies before switching to work for pharma and biotech for AbbVie, Merck & co (MSD) and now Ferring. Matt is passionate about the important role industry must play in supporting health literacy and accessible information for all. He works to develop the strategic impact pharma communicators can have through stakeholder engagement, story telling, policy development and adoption of media technology.
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
WHO T2B IS FOR
Public / media relations and external communications
Corporate and/or public affairs
Integrated communications
Marketing communications
Internal communications
Strategic communications
Visual storytellers and graphic designers
Aspiring biopharma communicators
The following are ineligible to join the T2B community, but are welcome to follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our email updates:
In-house recruiters / TA and recruitment agencies
Reporters and bloggers
Tools or platforms providers
Anyone else trying to directly sell something or get leads; this includes folks in business development or sales, even if you work for a biopharma comms firm
JOIN THE CONVO
Ticket to Biotech Slack workspace channels provide a variety of ways to participate. Join one or join them all!
#announcements
We curate snapshots, which we also post to LinkedIn. Topics include: recent #hot-topics takeaways, new #resources, and new job openings for #talent.
#hot-topics
We seed ≥one topic per week. Ex: corporate social activism areas, hybrid working strategies, AI(!), cool internal tools having a moment… and more.
#water-cooler
Post those questions that you think are silly but that everyone is actually thinking about. Tell us what’s on your mind.
#resources
Our knowledge center. We post reports, Substack and LI posts that caught our eye, and home-grown content over time.
#talent
Share any biopharma comms job openings you have on your team or that you’ve seen somewhere on a public channel.
REGIONAL NETWORKING
A highly sought-after feature by the T2B community is the chance to connect with biopharma comms peers locally.The T2B Slack workspace offers dedicated networking channels for the many of the leading life science hubs:
Greater Boston
NY/NJ
D.C. Area
RTP
Chicagoland
San Francisco Bay Area
San Diego/LA (SoCal)
London
As the T2B community expands, we'll continue to introduce more regional networking channels.
T2B Resources
Special resources designed just for biopharma communicators! Join T2B for access to the Biopharma PR & Comms Firms Directory and more insider insights.>> Fierce Pharma PR East AI Resources
>> Biopharma Communicator Career Ladder
>> Professional Groups & Societies
>> 2024 Awareness Days & Holidays
2024 Programming
This year's offerings are based on T2B community feedback, numerous conversations and our own past experience. We hope that at least one of these catches your eye and that you’ll stick around to engage as part of our burgeoning communicator community. Click below + follow us on LI and in Slack for details. All base programming is free and open to T2B community members. Request to join T2B here to engage and attend. Sign up for our T2B Monthly email updates here (T2B membership not required).💬 Weekly Community Discussion Topics
Timely topic tied to what’s happening in the news, an emerging industry trend, or an upcoming T2B event or resource release. We started these last year, and members have asked us to keep the discussion going! How it works:
- We seed a discussion topic ~each week in Slack with a corresponding LinkedIn post
- Watch the weekly video to hear more about the situation, our take, and community questions🔥 Monthly Comm Convos
SME 1:1 fireside chat or moderated panel highlighting biopharma comms interest areas. How it works:
- Vetted expert shares perspective and practical tips, followed by open Q&A
- Speakers will be a combination of folks from industry and people we love and admire beyond biopharma, to bring the outside in
- Log into Slack for recordings of February's Comm Convo, “Op-Ed Edge With Jake Meth"; March's Comm Convo, "Patient-Focused Comms With Jen Helfer"; April's Comm Convo, “Service-Driven Success With Sarah MacDonald, of Life Science Cares”; May's Comm Convo, "Navigating the Biopharma Comms Hiring Landscape With Alma Villaseñor Hembree;" June's Comm Convo, "Embracing Diversity & Allyship in Biopharma Comms With Lex Clay;" July's Comm Convo, "Practical AI Applications for Corporate Affairs With Daniel Mendez;" August's Comm Convo, "(Social) Influencing for the Future With Nia Patel;" September's Comm Convo, "Creative Digital Storytelling in Science and Biopharma Communications With Tod Plotkin;" and October's Comm Convo, "Policy, Politics, and Public Perception of Biopharma."
- Registration now open for our November Comm Convo, "Demonstrating Corporate Affairs’ Value by Measuring Impact With Angela Dwyer."🎙️ AMA Series
Reddit-style Ask Me Anything series on our private T2B Slack workspace with various thought leaders. How it works:
- We've had AMAs with a recruiter, DEI strategist and AI powerhouse so far.
- Missed past AMAs? View transcripts via the #ama channel in Slack.🌐 Annual Peer-Learning Practicum
Peer-coaching group model enables communicators with diverse focus areas and experience levels to find unique value from each other and network on a deeper level. How it works:
- Virtual program opens participation opp to communicators globally and at all levels
- Ties into monthly Comm Convo focus area for a seamless experience
- 2024 PLP registration closed
- Now recruiting 2025 PLP Volunteer Cohort Leads (must have >10 years experience); details here💼 Leadership Lab
As T2B's first premium program, the Corporate Advisor Series is designed to elevate the influence of communications leaders in highly regulated environments like ours, aligning directly with both our functional and corporate objectives.
- Fall six-week virtual workshop for senior biopharma communicators
- Exclusive networking opportunity
- Private 1:1 executive coaching session
- Program details and pricing here - applications are closed for our fall 2024 cohort✨ Monthly Pulse Narratives
Series shines a light on the diverse and dynamic professionals in the T2B community, facilitating new connections. How it works:
- Participants select favorite topics from robust question bank
- Each Narrative covers background, deep dive on biopharma comms expertise, experience with T2B, and a fun fact, motto or quote; first edition here
- Nominations (self-nominations OK, too!) now open📰 Monthly Biopharma Beats Bulletins
Helping beat reporters help T2B members -- spotlight resulting in short, action-oriented guide for T2B members. How it works:
- Requested by T2B members as a high value-add resource
- Bulletin posted to Slack covers the profiled journalist’s background, beat overview, what they’re watching, pitching tips, pet peeves, events/conferences they plan to attend, and a key quote
- Profiled journalists include GEN's Alex Phillipidis, C&EN's Rowan Walrath, BioSpace's Jef Akst, DD&D's Brian Buntz, DDN's Stephanie DeMarco, IBD's Allison Gatlin, Scrip's Mandy Jackson, Science News' Tina Saey, and pharmaphorum's Jonah Comstock (full guides in T2B Slack)🎤 ~Quarterly Press Pass Panels
Moderated panels where reporters share their candid take and best practices. How it works:
- Bring together several top reporters for interactive virtual session
- So far we've held a pre-JPM panel and a session with Endpoints News.
- More info coming soon on our second annual pre-JPM panel, which will again be hosted right after Thanksgiving.🤝 T2Bmeets
Free industry event companion meet-ups.
- Lots of fantastic energy at our most recent T2Bmeets @ JPM ‘24 and BIO '24, and at our regional SF Bay Area meetup @ AbbVie, Boston meetups @ MassBio and Third Rock Ventures, and NY meetup @ Real Chemistry!
- Now accepting RSVPs for our upcoming networking mixer, T2Bmeet @ London, on 20th November.💡 Topic-Specific Roundtables
Roundtables provide specialized expertise and strategic input on topic-specific programming and professional development for the community.
- Each roundtable, comprising a chair and five members, actively contributes to the conceptualization, production, and hosting of T2B’s offerings related to a specific focus.
- Launched in July 2024, the first is the Media Minds Roundtable, chaired by Becky Vonsiatsky, of Real Chemistry. Meet the inaugural members here. This is a pilot initiative, with the intent to introduce more groups in 2025.📇 T2B Member Directory
New resource coming soon capturing T2B members’ existing contact info and background. Directory will maximize community connections for networking, learning, and job searching.
Press Pass to JPM highlights reel... Stay tuned for 2024 panels
T2B SLACK GUIDELINES
Chatham House Rule – sort-of.
We totally get that Slack = putting things in writing, but we ask all community members to go by the honor code: OK to cite (but not attribute) examples and ideas in your internal company discussions. No screenshots or mentions on external channels without prior permission from the community contributor. T2B-provided materials and resources should not be shared outside our community.
No solicitations or ads for services.
Period. This includes no “open to work” or resume posting. If you see a job you want to apply for in the #talent channel, contact the poster directly. While we encourage idea exchange, T2B also does not facilitate intros for the purpose of business development or permit unsolicited sales pitches among members.
GET CONNECTED
After we verify your participation eligibility, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a direct link to the T2B workspace. You'll also be eligible to register for upcoming T2B programming.If you haven’t used Slack before, visit Slack.com to create a free account. You can easily access Slack in several ways:
In your internet browser
On the go using the iPhone app or Android app
Remember to follow us on LinkedIn
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
TICKET TO BIOTECH (T2B) PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: August 29, 20241. IntroductionWelcome to Ticket to Biotech (T2B). We are committed to protecting your personal data and complying with all applicable privacy laws, including GDPR, PIPEDA, and CalOPPA. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, join our community, and use our services, including any future paid services or community memberships. Ticket to Biotech is the controller and responsible for your personal data.---2. The Data We Collect About YouWe collect personal data you provide directly, including name, contact information, payment details (for paid memberships or events), and preferences. We also collect data automatically via cookies and similar technologies, as well as data from third-party service providers.---3. How We Use Your Personal DataYour data is used to:- Provide, improve, and personalize our services, including processing payments for any paid memberships or events.
- Communicate with you about your account, transactions, or any issues related to payments.
- Send you promotional content, subject to your consent via requesting to join the T2B community or one of our events or directly signing up for our email distribution list.---4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)We process your data under the following legal bases:- Your explicit consent.
- Fulfillment of contractual obligations (e.g., processing payments).
- Compliance with legal obligations.
- Legitimate interests pursued by us or a third party.--5. Payment Information Collection and Processing
We collect payment information when you sign up for paid memberships or events. Payment processing is handled by secure third-party providers who comply with industry standards, including PCI-DSS. Your payment information is encrypted and used only for transaction processing.---6. Data Sharing and TransfersWe may share your data with:- Service providers who assist in our operations, including payment processors.
- Event sponsors (with your consent, see Event Privacy Policy below).
- Legal authorities when required by law.If data is transferred outside the EU, we ensure adequate protection through standard contractual clauses or other approved mechanisms.---7. Data RetentionWe retain personal data, including payment information, only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. You have the right to request deletion of your data.---8. Cookies and Tracking TechnologiesWe use cookies and similar technologies for analytics, functionality, and marketing. You can manage your cookie preferences in your browser settings.---9. Data SecurityWe implement the following security measures:- Encryption of data in transit and at rest, including payment information.
- Access controls restricting data to authorized personnel only.
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Secure data backups and incident response plans.---10. Your Privacy RightsYou have rights under GDPR, PIPEDA, and CalOPPA, including:- Access to your data.
- Correction of inaccuracies.
- Deletion of your data.
- Objection to or restriction of processing.
- Data portability.
- The right to withdraw consent at any time.--11. Do Not Track (CalOPPA)Our website currently does not respond to “Do Not Track” signals. You can control tracking through your browser settings.--12. Age LimitOur services, including event participation and community membership, are intended for individuals aged 18 and older. By accessing our website, requesting to join our community, or registering for any events, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from individuals under 18. If we become aware that personal data of a person under 18 has been collected, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.--13. Changes to This Privacy PolicyWe may update this policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.--14. Contact UsFor questions or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:Community curator: Lynnea Olivarez
Email: tickettobiotech@gmail.com---By using our website and applying to join the Ticket to Biotech community, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
T2B EVENT PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: August 29, 20241. IntroductionThis policy applies to all Ticket to Biotech (T2B) events, both online and in-person. By requesting to join or RSVPing for an event, you agree to this policy, which also covers any paid events.--2. Information We CollectWhen you register for a T2B event, we may collect the following information:- Name, title, and affiliation.
- Email address and other contact details.
- Event preferences and attendance data.
- Payment information for paid events.
- Photos and videos taken during the event.--3. Use of Your Information and Data SharingYour data is used for:- Event management and communication.
- Processing payments for paid events.
- Sharing with sponsors (with your consent, by requesting to join or RSVPing for our events). Sponsors may contact you for promotional purposes.
- Adding you to our email list. You will be added to T2B’s email distribution list, even if you are not currently a member.
- Promotional use of photos and videos.--4. Consent (GDPR)By registering, you provide explicit consent for data processing, including data sharing with sponsors, inclusion in T2B's email distribution list, payment processing, and promotional use of images and video. You may withdraw consent at any time.--5. Payment Information Collection and Processing
For paid events, payment information is collected and securely processed by third-party providers compliant with industry standards, including PCI-DSS. Your payment data is encrypted and used solely for transaction purposes.--6. Data SecurityWe use encryption, access controls, and regular audits to protect your data, including payment information, during and after the event.--7. Data RetentionWe retain your data, including payment information, only as long as necessary for event-related purposes or as required by law. You may request deletion of your data at any time.--8. Your RightsYou have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your data, as well as the right to withdraw consent.--9. Changes to This PolicyThis policy may be updated periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revision date.--10. Contact UsFor questions or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:Community curator: Lynnea Olivarez
Email: tickettobiotech@gmail.com---By requesting to join or RSVPing for our events, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Event Privacy Policy.
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
Press Pass to JPM: A Pre-Conference Conversation with Top Reporters
T2B's inaugural event is designed specifically for biopharma communicators! As we gear up for the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM) in January, it's time to delve deeper into the journalistic perspectives that shape our industry's narratives.📅 Date: Tuesday, November 28th
🕐 Time: 1-2 p.m. ET
📍 Location: VirtualOpen to all T2B community members, this is a panel with life science journalists and JPM veterans, Allison DeAngelis (STAT), Emily Mullin (Wired), and Gwendolyn Wu (BioPharma Dive). We'll explore their intended focus areas at JPM '24, the trends that will pique their interest for next year, and the sources and expertise they're looking for. We've scheduled this event to aid the T2B communicator community in forging meaningful connections with reporters right when outreach for JPM interactions begins.
WHY ATTEND?
Gain exclusive insights into the journalistic focal points for the upcoming JPM.
Understand the trends and topics that will dominate life science reporting in 2024.
Discover the companies and expertise journalists are eager to engage with.
Strategize your outreach effectively by knowing who to target for JPM meetings.
SPEAKERS
Allison DeAngelis is a biotech reporter at STAT, covering biopharma startups and venture capital. Prior to joining STAT, Allison covered the drug industry at Insider and the Boston Business Journal. She was named the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association's News Writer of the Year in 2016. She is based in Boston.
Emily Mullin is a staff writer at WIRED, covering biotechnology. Previously, she was an MIT Knight Science Journalism project fellow and a staff writer covering biotechnology at Medium's OneZero. Before that, she served as an associate editor at MIT Technology Review, where she wrote about biomedicine. Her stories have also appeared in National Geographic, Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine and The Washington Post, among other outlets. She has a master's degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Gwendolyn Wu is a reporter at BioPharma Dive covering biotech startups, venture capital and the ecosystem that supports them. Previously, she authored Bay Briefing, the San Francisco Chronicle’s flagship weekday newsletter, and covered COVID-19 and the business of healthcare for the Houston Chronicle. Outside of the newsroom, Gwendolyn co-directs the AAJA Young Professionals Network, and teaches at the California Scholastic Press Association summer workshop. She has degrees in history and sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Thank you for your interest in T2B! Join our community by requesting an invite via the link below. Gain access to a recording of this event and be the first to know about future programming.
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
Join us to kick off T2B's 2024 Comm Convo series, where we'll have candid, monthly 1:1 conversations with top-notch comms experts. During each fireside chat, we'll pull back the curtain on a specific topic to inform your own life sci comms strategies. We'll also devote a section of every Comm Convo for open audience Q&A.
Op-Ed Edge: Crafting Compelling Narratives with Jake Meth
February's Comm Convo features Jake Meth, founder of op-ed consultancy Opinioned and former editor of commentary at Fortune magazine. He'll share his insights on spotting opportunities for impactful op-eds and bylined articles, emphasizing the importance of a unique point of view in the crowded biopharma landscape. Get his take on how to craft narratives that not only inform but also influence, and learn practical strategies for pitching them to top-tier editors effectively.📅 Date: Tuesday, February 6th
🕐 Time: 1-2 p.m. ET
📍 Location: VirtualFor more on Jake’s approach to op-ed success, check out his free "Pitches Get Stitches" newsletter.
WHY ATTEND?
Gain first-hand knowledge from Jake, leveraging his experience as a top-tier editor to elevate your op-ed strategy.
Learn how to identify and articulate perspectives that make your op-eds stand out in the biopharma sector.
Understand how to integrate op-eds into a broader thought leadership program, enhancing your brand’s influence.
Hear Jake's tips for pitching and landing your pieces with leading publications, beyond the typical trade press.
Meet Our SPEAKER
Jake Meth started Opinioned because he wanted to see more original ideas in the media after spending five years building and editing Fortune magazine’s commentary section.Drawing on his editorial leadership experience, Jake founded Opinioned and now guides various industry leaders -- and communicators like us at T2B -- in shaping thought leadership programs with narratives that resonate on a global stage.Jake started in journalism after graduating from college, when he moved to Egypt for two years to cover the Arab Spring uprising for a local newspaper. Following that, he relocated to New York and worked in media relations for Foreign Affairs magazine and the Council on Foreign Relations.Jake received the 2020 New York Press Club award for excellence in journalism in the magazine consumer reporting category for his Fortune investigation into the epidemic of laundry pod poisonings among young children.He lives in Jersey City, NJ., and enjoys doing improv, eating good food and being a plant dad.
Registration Closed
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Comprehensive sponsorship tracks are in the works, but in the interim, we’re making available a one-time only opp to sponsor our February programming a la carte. There are limited sponsorships available for this February Comm Convo and other offerings. Help us keep programming free this year!
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR FALL 2024 COHORT
This six-week virtual workshop is designed for senior biopharma communicators (≥15 years of experience) who seek to elevate their influence as corporate advisors and leaders in a complex and highly regulated environment. As the first offering in Ticket to Biotech’s Leadership Lab program, the Corporate Advisor Series will highlight the comms function’s evolution toward a strategic corporate affairs role by exploring leadership in three parts: leading the business, leading yourself, and leading others.Executive coach Carly Goldsmith will facilitate a blend of interactive executive development and practical application sessions that empower senior professionals from agency, consultancy, and in-house backgrounds to challenge conventional preconceptions, augment your critical business advisory skills, and enhance your effectiveness in decision-making roles.You’ll also meet individually with Carly for a one-hour coaching session to address any specific challenges, further improve personal leadership skills, and directly apply learnings from the workshop.
What to Expect: ROI
• Exclusive Networking: Connect with other veteran biopharma communicators facing similar challenges, sharing learnings and best practices.• Executive Professional Development: Capitalize on small-group leadership coaching to hone competencies tailored to the unique demands of our highly specialized profession.• Enhanced Leadership Influence: Gain skills to position the comms function – whether you’re an individual contributor or lead a large team – as a key decision-making partner.
Meet Carly at Our Complimentary "Master Your Message" Workshop
Deciding whether now is the right time to invest in tailored executive coaching? Experience T2B's second Leadership Lab program, and get a sense for Carly's style while you're at it:Ironically, we comms folks are not always great about promoting ourselves, even though we do it for others for a living!In T2B Slack, view the recording of this short workshop, where Carly equipped us with a refreshed strategy for refining personal messaging.
Program Details
All participants will receive a T2B Leadership Lab certificate upon completion of the Corporate Advisor Series.Module 1: Leading the Business
Whether you have seat at the table or are trying to get one, the ability to express a point of view and influence the direction of the business is critical. Carly will equip the group with new ways to advocate for the role Comms/Corporate Affairs can play in the success of the business. We’ll take a fresh look at opportunities to effectively advise leaders on what to do and where to invest to drive business goals and decisions, as well as how to educate key stakeholders — whether internal business partners or clients — on the most effective means of collaborating with our function. Our practical applications lab in week 2 will provide a supportive space for participants to share insights, experiences, and strategies for growth with one another.• Week 1: Interactive Executive Coaching Session
Tuesday, 9/3 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET• Week 2: Practical Application Lab
Tuesday, 9/10 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. ETModule 2: Self-Leading
Evolving Comms roles means that more and more will be demanded of us. A rapidly changing, complex and ambiguous world requires communicators to increase self-awareness and self-management. By fostering self-trust and embracing vulnerability, we can cultivate positive and sustainable practices and embrace a growth mindset. Reflecting on the beliefs and doubts that might be holding us back, we’ll learn strategies for increasing the self-management and confidence required to meet these demands. In week 4, Carly will guide a practical applications lab where participants can discuss both learnings and fears, from managing stress to imposter syndrome.• Week 3: Interactive Executive Coaching Session
Tuesday, 9/17 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET• Week 4: Practical Application Lab
Tuesday, 10/1 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. ETModule 3: Leading Others
Whether leading a department of one or of many, biopharma communicators are building relationships down, up, across, and sometimes outside of the organization. Alignment with key stakeholders on our business function’s goals and objectives, strategy, and scope undoubtedly will become even more integral to our success with the evolution of our role. Carly will coach us on approaches to effectively provide feedback to colleagues, collaborate with others across the organization or client base, and develop staff to meet the expanded demands of both the business and the role in this changing environment. Our final practical applications lab will offer a space to reflect on the considerations and challenges of managing expectations, relationships, and teams.• Week 5: Interactive Executive Coaching Session
Tuesday, 10/8 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET• Week 6: Practical Application Lab
Tuesday, 10/15 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET1:1 One-Hour Individual Executive Coaching Session
In this customized 1:1 coaching session with Carly, you’ll have an opportunity to address any specific challenges you’re having, enhance your personal leadership skills, and directly apply learnings from the workshops. You’ll be able to schedule this session at your convenience in September or October. Details to be provided following program acceptance.
About Our Facilitator
Carly Goldsmith is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over 20 years of experience coaching high-potential senior and emerging leaders and their teams. She is a versatile and trusted partner who supports leaders to create real impact and sustainable results through improvements in their effectiveness, cohesion, and performance. Compassionate and intuitive by nature, Carly’s style is often described as engaging, insightful, and empowering.Carly has coached leaders across multiple industries throughout the US and globally. In addition to her coaching, she has designed and facilitated in-person and virtual workshops, leadership development programs and team coaching engagements. Recent clients include Deloitte, Amazon, Charles River Associates, Verve, ImmunoGen/AbbVie, Teradata, Alnylam, Dragonfly, Broad Institute, Mass General Brigham, Dana Farber, Alexion, Morgan Stanley, SCAN Foundation, and Needham Bank.
Certifications/Credentials:
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
• The LVI 360 (Kaiser Leadership)
• The Hogan Suite
• Embodied Transformation (Strozzi Institute)
• Benson-Henry Stress Management & Resiliency Training program
• Fearless Organization Scan (Psychological Safety)
• Smart Collaboration Accelerator
• Team Coaching Core Program (Corentus)
• Team Diagnostics (Team Coaching International)
• Voices 360 (Korn Ferry)
• EQ-I 2.0 (MHS)
• MBTI
Workshop Participant qualifications
The Corporate Advisor Series Fall 2024 cohort is limited to 15 senior biopharma communicators. Program acceptance subject to T2B organizer discretion.• T2B member (confirm your eligibility, and complete our two-minute intake form if you’re not already part of our community)
• ≥15 years of experience as an advanced senior- or executive-level communicator (see Biopharma Communicator Career Ladder)
• Commitment to reflect, learn, and engage, including completing pre-workshop survey and periodic homework assignments
Application
STEP 1: Complete this application form.Your application will not be reviewed until full payment is received (see Step 2 below). Each submission will be evaluated individually, with full refunds issued for any unapproved applications. Under no other circumstances will we issue refunds.
STEP 2: Select the appropriate payment option.To take advantage of our BOGO free promotion, select the BOGO option below, and on the payment page enter the name of your friend or colleague who has already registered or will be registering for the program also at this reduced rate. Note that to take advantage of the BOGO offer, the other person you're pairing up with to sign up does not have to work at your same organization; they can be a friend outside of your workplace, as long as they independently meet the qualifications for participation in this series.If you are interested in participating in this program but do not have the L&D budget or accessible funds otherwise, please contact us at tickettobiotech@gmail.com to discuss further. We'll evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of communicators can participate in this program?
If you’re already a T2B member and have at least 15 years of biopharma comms experience, you’re already eligible to join. If you’re new to T2B, confirm your eligibility here and request to join here before registering for this program. Note that our fall 2024 cohort is limited to 15 senior biopharma communicators, and program acceptance subject to T2B organizer discretion.Do you offer refunds?
Each submission will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with full refunds issued only for any unapproved applications. Under no other circumstances will we issue refunds. Otherwise, the program fee is nonrefundable. In certain circumstances, we may be able to switch your registration with an alternate program candidate on the waitlist, though this is not a guarantee. Contact us at tickettobiotech@gmail.com for details.Is there a waitlist?
Contact us at tickettobiotech@gmail.com and we’ll add you to the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis.What if I can’t join all six sessions?
We understand that things come up – no problem. We encourage you to catch up on key takeaways via our email recaps. (There will be no makeup sessions.) You'll have the opportunity to schedule your 1:1 one-hour executive coaching session with Carly at your convenience in September or October.Will workshop sessions be recorded?
To preserve confidentiality, the sessions will not be recorded, but we'll provide session recaps to the cohort.
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
The T2B Media Minds Roundtable provides specialized expertise and strategic input in this critical pillar of programming and professional development for the community. Roundtable member volunteers will actively contribute to the conceptualization, production, and hosting of T2B’s media-related offerings.We seek to enhance our awareness of reporters’ distinctive and evolving needs by directly improving working relationships with journalists who cover our industry. Ultimately, the goal of all T2B media relations programming is to create a more cohesive and efficient communicator ecosystem across the life sciences to shape the future of storytelling in healthcare.This roundtable launch is a pilot initiative aimed to enhance T2B’s offerings in media relations by leveraging the unique insights and connections of its members. If successful, we’ll roll out additional topic-specific roundtables in 2025.
Roundtable Objectives
• Conceptualize and develop quarterly press panel ideas and create outreach lists.
• Identify targets for monthly Biopharma Beats Bulletins (media Q&As), with opportunity to provide input on questions and potentially sit in on the interviews.
• Develop media invite lists for specific T2Bmeets.
• As needed, leverage professional connections to engage reporters in T2B events and programming.
• Suggest updates and/or new programming ideas focused on media relations.
Why Join
• Enhance your professional visibility and impact among the T2B community of 500+ communicators.
• Build on your media relationships and establish new connections by leveraging T2B's brand and mission (vs. pitching for your company or client).
• Help set the standard for biopharma media relations best practices and strategies.
About the Chair
As Practice Leader of Earned Media at Real Chemistry, Becky Vonsiatsky is a versatile communications strategist known for her leadership to build and scale high-performing teams, deliver award-winning communications and marketing results spanning the healthcare ecosystem, and her ability to creatively address operational challenges with solutions that are widely adopted.Her future-forward approach to storytelling helps healthcare companies reach their stakeholders and drive measurable business outcomes. Working on the frontlines with leading pharmaceutical, medtech and biotech clients, her strategy is rooted in a deep understanding of today’s complex health environment, the evolving media landscape, and tomorrow’s consumption habits.Becky serves as an advisory council member for Harvard Business Review and has been recognized for her accomplishments as one of Medical Marketing and Media's (MM+M) 2023 40 Under 40.
Roundtable Member Role Scope
Term: This pilot will run during 2H2024 (July-December). If determined to be successful, the chair and members will have the opportunity to continue in their roles for the following calendar year, through YE 2025.Time Commitment: Estimated 3-5 hours/monthResponsibilities:
• Actively participate in quarterly meetings and contribute ideas and feedback.
• Assist in conceptualizing press panel topics and developing target lists.
• Help identify and reach out to potential editors and reporters for T2B events.
Roundtable Member Eligibility
The Media Roundtable is limited to five members. Program acceptance subject to T2B organizer and Roundtable Chair discretion.• Must be a T2B member (confirm your eligibility, and complete our two-minute intake form if you’re not already part of our community)
• Experience in life sciences media relations is preferable.
• Open to communicators with a passion for and commitment to developing their media relations skills and reporter relationships.
Application
Register your interest in joining the Media Minds Roundtable by completing this application.Deadline: EOD PT Monday, July 22nd. We'll notify accepted candidates later that week.Questions? Contact us at tickettobiotech@gmail.com.
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY
This come-and-go continental breakfast is free and open to all T2B community members. Whether you're based in SoCal or visiting for BIO, we hope to see you there.📅 Date: Tuesday, June 4th
🕐 Time: 7-10 a.m. PT
📍 Location: 2031 Commercial St, San Diego, CA 92113BIO International Convention registration not needed, but advance breakfast signup is required. If you're new to T2B, first confirm that you're eligible and fill out this form to join our community.
Silver Sponsor
Click here for more info on sponsoring T2Bmeet @ BIO.
© 2024 Ticket to Biotech. All rights reserved.
T2B PRIVACY POLICY