As the year draws to a close, for many in the life sciences sector, this period isn’t merely about holiday preparations; it signals the imminent start of the annual pilgrimage to the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPMHC). For emerging companies, particularly those focused on showcasing proprietary assets, securing critical investment, and establishing strategic collaborations, JPMHC is more than just a conference — it’s a high-stakes, performance-driven environment. It’s where strategic trajectories are often defined, setting the tone for the fiscal year ahead.

Over the years of reviewing countless pitches, I’ve developed a unique perspective on what truly makes an impression. The anxiety I’ve observed in first-time or even seasoned attendees often boils down to one question:

Are we adequately positioned for impact?

To answer this question, I’ve consolidated a critical set of “dos and don’ts.” Today, rather than commenting on high-level market trends, I want to share a few tactical insights—practical maneuvers—that can immediately elevate an attendee’s partnering experience from merely transactional to demonstrably successful.

Strategic Pillar I: Audience Intelligence and Mapping

Success begins with a deep comprehension of your counterparty. The foundational questions are: “What is the precise profile of our target partner?” and “What is the quantifiable objective we must achieve in this engagement?” These two elements are dynamically intertwined and inform the entire planning process.

While the natural inclination is to prioritize industry giants, attendees benefit immensely from broadening the scope. JPMHC hosts hundreds of thousands of companies. I advise mapping out a tiered portfolio of target organizations, categorized by strategic fit rather than size.

Crucially, knowing your audience means conducting thorough commercial and scientific due diligence prior to the meeting. This preparation not only ensures you are ready to engage but allows you to tailor your discussion agenda to their current portfolio, M&A history, or publicly stated strategic needs. It’s about being relevant from the first handshake.

Strategic Pillar II: Execution and Time Capitalization

The intensity of partnering at a global forum like JPMHC demands flawless execution and rigorous time management. Once your target list is prioritized, how do you strategically allocate your most valuable asset—your time—during the event?

Early Engagement for High-Priority Partners: Highly sought-after partners will have their calendars saturated weeks even months in advance. Initiate contact early to navigate their often complex scheduling logistics due to the sheer volume of inbound requests.

Account for Friction: Crucially, block non-negotiable transit time between meeting locations. Even short walks can compound into significant delays that impact subsequent meetings.

Maintain Flexibility: Be prepared for inevitable schedule shifts. While structure is key, a flexible mindset allows you to capitalize on organic opportunities and pivot your approach based on the momentum of a conversation. Sometimes, the quality of engagement supersedes the formality of the initial agenda.

Strategic Pillar III: Cross-Cultural Acumen

JPMHC is a global nexus, drawing companies from every continent. A conscious acknowledgment of cultural nuances is not merely polite; it is critical for relationship building in high-stakes, in-person meetings.

These nuances manifest across communication styles, professional etiquette, and humor. There is a fine, often subtle, line between projecting competence and over-eagerness. Developing cross-cultural acumen ensures your professionalism is understood and respected globally, fostering an environment conducive to trust.

Summary

While I only scratched the surface today, covering outreach tactics, impression management, and turning meetings into tangible follow-on steps requires dedicated focus. If you wish to equip your team with the full tactical skillset, consider enrolling in our dedicated JPM Partnering Course. I firmly believe that impactful science deserves visibility and validation. With the right tactical framework, partnering events are an exceptionally efficient mechanism to build trusted relationships and secure the collaborations your organization needs.