Making the Most of JPM: A Readiness Guide for Life Sciences Companies

The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is the most important week of the year for life sciences companies, investors and dealmakers. With more than 50,000 participants converging in San Francisco, the event is a whirlwind of meetings, networking and strategic opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned executive, preparation is key to maximizing your attendance and advancing your company’s goals.

Craft a compelling and credible narrative

Your story is your currency at J.P. Morgan. It’s essential that investors and potential partners leave meetings with a clear understanding of your milestones, the rationale behind your strategy and the value you’re creating – both in the near term and long term. Let your science shine, but tailor your message to your audience. Focus on progress, inflection points and commercial potential. Practice your pitch, stick to your script and avoid overpromising. Remember: Competitive intelligence is a two-way street, so be disciplined and concise in your messaging.

Prepare your materials and digital footprint

J.P. Morgan is a series of “speed dates.” Your deck should be concise, impactful and tailored to each meeting. Consistency across your website, social media and press releases is critical. Many attendees will use artificial intelligence tools to research your company before meetings. Update your digital footprint ahead of the conference and continue to refresh it during the week. For public companies, be mindful of Regulation FD and embargoed data; for private companies, highlight your milestones and cash runway. Consider preparing both confidential and nonconfidential decks for different audiences.

Know your audience and plan your meetings

Research who’s attending each meeting, and look at calendar invites to see which executives have accepted to tailor your message accordingly. Understand the deal precedents and strategic priorities of your potential partners. Review confidentiality agreements in advance, check their scope and expiration, and be clear on what you’re authorized to disclose. Meetings are often highly scripted and choreographed; align your team on what to say and what to hold back.

Maximize networking inside and outside the conference

The real action often happens outside the official conference. Attend offsite events, panels and parties. In addition, plan ahead to meet key contacts, as chance encounters are rare in such a large crowd. Leverage internal and external networks for warm introductions; a single connection can make all the difference. Challenge yourself to meet new people and build relationships that last beyond the week. Quality trumps quantity – five meaningful interactions are more valuable than 50 superficial ones.

Take notes and follow up

During meetings, assign someone to capture questions, attendee names and key reactions. After the conference, send personalized thank you notes to meaningful contacts and document all follow-up actions in a spreadsheet or checklist. Timely follow-up is crucial – send requested materials, schedule next meetings and keep the momentum going. Building trust and credibility takes multiple interactions; be persistent and organized.

Be strategic and stay resilient

J.P. Morgan is an ultra-marathon, not a sprint. Rest up, pace yourself and be intentional with your schedule. The conference sets the tone for the year, so come prepared to articulate how your company fits into the strategic priorities of investors and pharma partners. Stay flexible, adapt to changing circumstances and focus on building relationships that drive long-term value.

Final thoughts

Preparation is everything. From crafting your narrative and refining your materials to planning meetings and following up, each step is an opportunity to advance your company’s mission. As the life sciences industry continues to evolve, J.P. Morgan remains the premier stage for innovation, partnership and growth.