Your guide to RAPS Convergence 2023: How to make the most of your experience
RAPS Convergence 2023 is just around the corner, as global regulatory professionals gather in Montreal from 3-5 October for the world’s largest regulatory-focused event.
RAPS Convergence brings together representatives of industry, regulatory bodies, research, academia, and clinical organizations that are directly involved in managing the regulatory process and aligning science, regulation, and business strategy.
“Future Forward” is the theme of this year’s conference. Attendees can expect sessions, networking activities and more elements dedicated to preparing regulatory professionals for the future.
“We’re looking forward to getting together again in person, bringing back that energy and maybe bringing it up just a little bit more,” says Kimberly Belsky, chair of the RAPS Convergence planning committee. “We’ve got this amazing experience planned for you.”
RAPS spoke with the 2023 planning committee and a few attendees of past conferences to get an idea of what attendees can expect at this year’s event, along with tips for attendees to make the most of their journey.
Still on the fence? Click here to learn more about what you can expect at RAPS Convergence 2023.
Explore the agenda before you arrive
“The planning committee has been meeting up and being very intentional about creating an agenda that appeals to you,” says Susan Speicher, a member of the Convergence planning committee and the director of regulatory affairs and quality compliance at Wolters Kluwer.
“Whether you’re at the advanced stages of your career—so, creating content that is quite nuanced—or you’re a beginner, where you really want to make those connections, you have those burning questions you want answered. Whatever you need, we’re looking to design it to suit you.”
The full RAPS Convergence 2023 agenda includes:
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Over 100 education sessions addressing the latest developments in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and IVDs by top experts in the profession
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Direct access to over 40 representatives from noted health authorities and notified bodies such as Health Canada, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
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Networking and collaborative activities such as Solutions Circles and Conversation Starters
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Insightful and impactful conversations through Health Authority Forums and Conversations that Matter sessions
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A robust Student Program offering career development sessions, capstone presentations, and mix and mingle gatherings (plus, special registration rates for students)
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Networking sessions and special events to engage and bring the community together
Explore the agenda here. (Note: Preconference workshops are not included in your conference registration and require an additional registration fee.)
Get ready to (re)connect with your regulatory community
“When I think about what RAPS Convergence means to me, it’s about connecting with my regulatory community," says Erin Oliver, vice president, regulatory affairs at Haleon and another member of the planning committee. "It's the sessions, but it’s also the impromptu conversations where the amazing things happen.”
Convergence might help you find your lane in the regulatory world, says Chris Whalley, a Convergence planning committee member and the director and head of global regulatory policy and intelligence at Seagen.
“But also, I’m looking forward to meeting up with friends who I’ve seen at previous year’s [events]. I don’t get a lot of chances to interact with them throughout the year, so it’ll be a good catch-up time for us.”
When RAPS Convergence comes to town, you won’t be alone. And that feeling extends far past the confines of the exhibit hall.
“I think you get as much from talking to people between sessions and the networking events as you do the sessions themselves,” says Olga van Grol-Lawlor, manager of global regulatory intelligence and advocacy at Boston Scientific. “I’ve even just made connections just sitting up at the bar or eating dinner, or at Starbucks in the morning.”
Make time for some attendee favorites
“What I’m most looking forward to is the Solutions Circles,” says Belsky. “That opportunity to meet with the experts, continue the learning, continue the discussions, that energy of being together.”
Solutions Circles are longtime attendee favorites. These 30-minute sessions, led by industry experts, provide attendees with the opportunity to dive into thought-provoking topics, tackle regulatory challenges specific to their domain, or bounce ideas off fellow professionals - all within a smaller group environment.
(Pro tip: entrance to Solutions Circles is not guaranteed and space is limited, so arrive early!)
The full lineup of Solutions Circles can be found here.
If this is your first RAPS Convergence, you’re not alone
Rest assured; this is a place for regulatory professionals. You will meet people who share the common interests and problems regulatory professionals have.
“If you go to other types of conferences, regulatory is not the main focus. But at RAPS Convergence, it is,” says Kristen Ortiz, regulatory affairs manager at BD. “You can relate to a lot of people.”
“Even if a person is shy, people will just walk up to you and talk with you,” says planning committee member Niedre Heckman, director of regulatory affairs strategy, CMC, medical devices, combination products at Tekada.
Make the most of your surroundings and trust the locals
The location of RAPS Convergence 2023 is rich in history—and attractions.
Read our guide to making the most of your trip to Montreal for ideas from local regulatory professionals on what to do while you’re in town. One thing everyone we spoke with agreed on: you have to try the bagels.
Make the most of your RAPS Convergence 2023 experience
If you have not yet booked your ticket, there’s still time to do so here. If you’re already registered, keep the conversation going in our attendee community on Regulatory Exchange (RegEx) here.