Navigating the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference: A Guide for Emerging Executives and Entrepreneurs

David H. Crean, General Partner at @1004 Venture Partners, Managing Partner at Cardiff Advisory LLC, and co-founder of CEOthreesixty, provides practical guidance to emerging founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs on their preparation efforts and planning for the annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, CA.

"Will I see you at JPM? What's our messaging going to be at JPM? Who's on our meeting schedule for the conference? Which social events are we attending?"

Do these questions sound familiar? The JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM) is an annual four-day gathering in San Francisco that serves as a critical nexus for the healthcare and life sciences industry. Thousands of global executives, investors, bankers, attorneys, and service providers converge in the city, transforming its landscape into a bustling hub of professional networking and strategic discussions.

The conference is renowned for its intense atmosphere, where companies from Fortune 100 giants to micro-cap startups discuss market trends and innovations, hotel and transportation costs surge dramatically and even 30-minute cafe tables can cost up to $100. Nonetheless, JPM never seems to disappoint with market news and networking. Wall Street analysts use the event as a barometer for the upcoming year’s industry trends.

Despite lacking an official guide, the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference is considered a pivotal moment for understanding upcoming therapeutic areas, potential transactions, and investment structures. Professionals attend to maximize networking opportunities and gain critical industry insights during this concentrated four-day event.

As a 20+ year veteran of the JPM conference and an advisor or mentor to numerous founders and entrepreneurs of life sciences companies, I was recently asked to provide practical guidance to them and their teams as they prepare for and plan their excursion to Union Square for the 43rd Annual Healthcare Conference that will take place on January 13-16, 2025. In several cases, the 2025 conference will serve as the CEO's first time attending JPM. The objective of this article is to add to my many prior writings on the topic.

Have a Plan and Be Prepared

Navigating the conference is akin to exploring a complex galaxy where every connection can lead to significant opportunities. To succeed, you need to:

- Chart Your Course: Identify key investors and companies you want to engage with. Use tools like the BIO's JPM Events Guide to plan your meetings. There are various Event Guides now popping up through other sources.

- Strategic Networking: Treat each meeting as a potential gateway to future opportunities. Every connection matters in this interconnected network of industry leaders.

Be Strategic in Your Approach

Given the high-density environment of the conference, it’s crucial to be strategic and concise:

- Leverage Networks: Use your personal and professional networks to set up meetings. Board members and advisors can facilitate introductions to key contacts.

- Utilize Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) can help identify relevant people and secure introductions.

Communicate Effectively

Your company’s presentation is a critical tool for conveying your message:

- Polish Your Deck: Ensure your non-confidential presentation is clear, concise, and visually appealing. Limit slides to focus on essential information that can be presented in 15-20 minutes.

- Seek Feedback: Review the deck with trusted advisors to refine messaging and clarity. Consider professional design input for visual appeal.

- Communicate your story without the need for slides: Be prepared to tell your story on the street or at one of the many social events. It's a classic elevator pitch in 1-3 minutes.

Seek Productive Meetings

Maximizing your time at the conference involves prioritizing quality over quantity:

- Tailored Pitches: Research potential partners’ strategic priorities to tailor your discussions effectively.

- Selective Scheduling: Focus on meetings that promise the most relevance and potential.

- Engage Casually: Attend social events for informal networking that could lead to valuable follow-ups.

- Document Key Takeaways: After each meeting, note key points and action items for effective follow-up.

By following these strategies, you can ensure that your participation in the Healthcare Conference is both productive and rewarding, setting the stage for future growth and partnerships.

Action Items

[ ] Polish and review the non-confidential company presentation deck.

[ ] Ensure non-disclosure agreements are in place with companies you expect to have conversations with on a deeper level.

[ ] Engage with advisors (bankers, lawyers) to get their views on the market and timing for potential capital markets transactions.

[ ] Be mindful of Regulation FD compliance when sharing information with investors during one-on-one meetings.

[ ] Leverage personal networks (board members, investors) to set up meetings with target companies/investors.

[ ] Attend the various receptions and networking events organized during JP Morgan week to make new connections.

[ ] Keep detailed notes after each meeting on who attended and high-level discussion topics.

[ ] Have fun and enjoy meeting great people.

[ ] Have a follow-up plan the week after JPM.

So what questions do you have regarding the Conference? I'd love to hear from you. If you're a veteran of the conference similar to me, please share your thought leadership. Please weigh in on the conversation and share your knowledge.

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Disclosures

Dr. Crean is a General Partner for 1004 Venture Partners, a global specialist venture capital fund focused on investing in early-stage startup companies. 1004 Venture Partners positions itself as more than just an investor but as a partner in building innovative companies that can make a significant impact on health, wellness, and longevity. More information on 1004 Venture Partners can be accessed at https://1004venturepartners.com.

Dr. Crean is also a Managing Partner for Cardiff Advisory LLC, an M&A investment banking strategic advisory firm focused on the Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors. More information on Cardiff Advisory can be accessed at https://cardiffadvisory.com.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, subscribe for or issue any securities. The principals of Cardiff Advisory LLC are registered representatives of BA Securities, LLC Member FINRA SIPC, located at Four Tower Bridge, 200 Barr Harbor Drive, Suite 400 W. Conshohocken, PA 19428. Cardiff Advisory LLC and BA Securities, LLC are unaffiliated entities. All investment banking services and securities are offered through BA Securities, LLC, Member FINRA SIPC.