Melbourne, Australia

PPM Summit Melbourne 2026

2nd AU Pharma and Biotech Project, Program and Portfolio Management Conference
KEY INFORMATION

Melbourne, Australia

September 2-3, 2026
07:30 - 18:30 Local Time

Part of the PPM World Tour

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80+
participants
25+
leading speakers
7+
hours of networking
10+
case studies, presentations, panels & fireside chats
10+
interactive breakout sessions (Workshops, Roundtables)
2
days

What to expect

The 2nd AU Pharma and Biotech Project, Program and Portfolio Management Conference is the premier gathering for life sciences executives, portfolio leaders, and decision-makers in pharma, biotech, medtech, and diagnostics. As the Australian life sciences industry continues to evolve into a global leader in innovation, strategic portfolio management has never been more critical. This conference provides a deep dive into the latest trends, challenges, and best practices for optimizing portfolio performance, enhancing decision-making, and leveraging AI and digital transformation for business success.

Through insightful keynotes, case studies, panel discussions, and interactive roundtables, attendees will gain actionable strategies to drive innovation, balance risk, and execute high-impact portfolio decisions in an increasingly complex and competitive market.

Conference format

Our 3-day conference is designed to help you in various key areas, such as resource constraints, managing complex portfolios, or confidently navigating AI adoption in PPM.

In addition to our trusted formats – Keynotes, Case Studies, and Panel Discussions – we are introducing new interactive sessions to deepen learning and real-world application:

TOOLKIT WORKSHOPS

Engage in real-time problem-solving and collaboration through hands-on experiences with peers and experts.

Think-Tank Discussions

Leave with actionable strategies, toolkits, and best practices.

Fireside Chats

Gain deep, focused insights into the challenges industry leaders face and how they overcome them. Learn from their strategies and approaches.

DAY 1

Strategic Alignment & Portfolio Impact

Focus: Building strong connections between corporate strategy and portfolio priorities.
Explore how to elevate PPM as a strategic partner that aligns scientific, commercial, and organizational goals to drive greater portfolio impact.

DAY 2

Cross-Functional Excellence & Execution

Focus: Achieving results through a balance of technology and human leadership. Learn best practices and tools for empowering cross-functional collaboration—where AI supports, not replaces, human judgment, leadership, and team dynamics.

DAY 3

Resource Mastery, Capabilities & Toolkits

Focus: Optimizing resources, building capabilities, and applying modern PPM methodologies. Discover how to create a resilient, scalable project culture through improved resource management, skill development, and next-generation tools.

Track 1

Medical Device Project & Portfolio Management
Unlock the pursuit of excellence in project management with insights from industry leaders. Learn about strategic planning, stakeholder relationships mastery, agile methodologies, and effective data management in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape across all domains, including R&D, clinical development, manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, and business development.
  • Digital Transformation and Integration of AI
  • Supply Chain Disruptions
  • Accelerating Time-to-Market without Compromising Quality
  • Innovating Under Pressure: Managing Risk and Speed in MedTech Projects
  • Agile PPM for Medical Devices
  • Optimizing Resource Allocation
  • Talent Management and Development in Medical Device
  • Navigating Global Regulatory Affairs

Track 2

Medical Device SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
World’s greatest minds in drug safety, pharmacovigilance, data analysis, reporting, government policy, and innovative technology united under the Why Summits will delve into cybersecurity, regulatory challenges, patient safety and human factors engineering. You can expect networking with like-minded professionals and learn the latest trends, challenges, and game-changing ideas.
  • Digital Transformation and Integration of AI
  • Supply Chain Disruptions
  • Accelerating Time-to-Market without Compromising Quality
  • Innovating Under Pressure: Managing Risk and Speed in MedTech Projects
  • Agile PPM for Medical Devices
  • Optimizing Resource Allocation
  • Talent Management and Development in Medical Device
  • Navigating Global Regulatory Affairs

Event speakers

Filippa Shub

COO
Inosi Therapeutics

Colin McLean

COO
Cell Therapies

Audrey Thomson

Senior Director Portfolio and Program Management
Actinogen Medical

Bradley Joblin

Founder & Managing Director
Armstrong Clinical

Mark Buzza

Head of Research, Innovation and Advocacy
Pancare Foundation

Uthayamalar Armugam

Project Manager
DBG Health

Suah Choi

Head of Clinical Operation Excellence
Novo Nordisk

Nicholas Boyd

Head of Biology
Celleo Biotech

Event HIGHLIGHTS

case studies - keynotes OPTION 1
Keynotes & Case Studies
think tanks
Roundtables
workshops
Workshops
IMG_8156 2
Panel discussions
DSC04792 5
Networking
IMG_8199 2
Post-conference networking

Key takeaways

Balancing Innovation, Risk, and Execution in Life Sciences Portfolios
Discover how to navigate funding constraints and regulatory complexity while optimizing portfolio decision-making to drive growth and impact.
From Overloaded to Optimized – Smarter Portfolio Prioritization
Learn how to master resource allocation, trade-offs, and scenario planning to maximize ROI and keep your projects on track in a competitive market.
AI & Advanced Analytics – The Future of Project & Portfolio Management
Uncover how predictive modeling, real-time dashboards, and automation are transforming forecasting, risk assessment, and execution speed.
Agility in PPM – Balancing Flexibility with Compliance
Explore how to implement hybrid and agile methodologies while ensuring regulatory adherence in an evolving pharma and biotech landscape.
Scaling PPM from Strategy to Execution
Overcome execution bottlenecks and cross-functional misalignment to ensure seamless project delivery and business success.

Everything you need to know about This event in one spot.

Join us at PPM Summit Melbourne 2026 to shape the future of Pharma & Biotech portfolio management – and take home the insights, tools, and connections to deliver smarter portfolios, stronger projects, and faster results.

See What the Industry Says about us

PAST AND PRESENT

Our valued partners

TESTIMONIALS

Thank you for the opportunity to share insights. The fireside conversation format brought out the best of our knowledge and experiences.
Rated 5 out of 5
Anne Woollett
Associate Director Operations and Strategy, Deakin Trials Hub
Deakin University
I had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural AU Pharma and Biotech Project Program and Portfolio Management Conference hosted by Why Summits. A stellar panel discussion on external partnerships and collaborations in portfolio execution. The atmosphere was inspiring, full of curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful industry conversations.
Rated 5 out of 5
Amanda Xiaoqing Mao
Managing Director and Founder
Acurit Medical Communications Pty Ltd

It was a pleasure to speak at the inaugural Melbourne PPM Summit. Two days filled with valuable insights, learning and meaningful connections across our thriving life sciences sector.
Rated 5 out of 5
Taneen Hisgrove
Clinical Research Professional Clinical Trial Strategy and Execution, Biotech and CRO Global Clinical Operations
Great to participate in the Why Summits Biotech & Pharma PPM Conference last week. A focused, dialogue driven event for leaders managing complex programs in life sciences. Thank you for the opportunity to share insights with industry peers
Rated 5 out of 5
Lauren Eve Kelly
Senior Director Targeted Translation Research Accelerator, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease
MTPConnect

“Always Be curious

Who should attend?

PHARMA & BIOTECH – Heads of Clinical Operations & Development, Drug/Product Development, Project Management, Portfolio Strategy, Site Management, R&D Operations, Manufacturing.

CROS & SERVICE PROVIDERS – Clinical, operational, and data management leaders partnering with pharma on critical programs.

DIGITAL, AI & PPM TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS – Offering solutions for forecasting, dashboards, decision intelligence, and digital transformation.

CONSULTANCIES & ADVISORS – Supporting governance, change management, and large-scale project execution.

Event partners

Event registration

2 day Conference

REGISTRATION
AUD$ 3399
  • Access to all conference sessions
  • Access to all networking activities during the conference
  • Conference materials
  • Coffee breaks with snacks and refreshments
  • Networking lunch

MASTERCLASS + CONFERENCE

REGISTRATION
AUD$ 5399
  • Two-day masterclass with Dr. Richard Bayney
  • Full conference access (all days)
  • Priority access to sessions and networking
  • Networking lunch
  • The complete learning experience

MASTERCLASS

REGISTRATION
AUD$ 3699
  • Access to the Masterclass with Industry Veteran Dr. Richard Bayney
  • Individual consultancy with the trainer
  • Colored hardcopy of training materials in a binder
  • Electronic copy of trainer's textbook
  • Certificate of completion issued by the trainer

Pre-conference masterclass

Decision Analysis & Portfolio Management Masterclass Melbourne 2026
Date: August 31-1 September, 2026
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Learn to shape the strategic and financial goals of your company by using compelling and actionable portfolio analysis to influence corporate decision-makers. Examine portfolio theory and learn to utilize a comprehensive approach to value maximization by employing a holistic portfolio management framework.

Position Your Brand Where Projects & Portfolios Take Shape.

Get in front of the teams that manage pharma’s biggest programs. Explore sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at PPM Summit Melbourne 2026.

Our Past Sponsors

upcoming Events

PPM Summit Melbourne 2026
Date: September 2-3, 2026
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Australian edition of 2-day in-person conference filled with leading industry speakers. This is our annual Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Conference in Pharma & Biotech with a focus on LifeSciences.
PPM Summit Frankfurt 2026
Date: September 23-24, 2026
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
European edition of 2-day in-person conference filled with leading industry speakers. This is our annual Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Conference in Pharma & Biotech with a focus on LifeSciences.
PPM Summit Hyderabad 2026
Date: September 29-30, 2026
Location: Hyderabad, India
Indian edition of 2-day in-person conference filled with leading industry speakers. This is our annual Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Conference in Pharma & Biotech with a focus on LifeSciences.
PPM Summit Boston 2026
Date: October 14-16, 2026
Location: Boston, USA
American edition of 3-day in-person conference filled with leading industry speakers. This is our annual Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Conference in Pharma & Biotech with a focus on LifeSciences.

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Conference
10-Pack for Teams

10 Tickets for your team

One package. Access to any Why Summits’ conferences, with flexible selection via email throughout the year.

$9,990 / €9,990

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