Join BioForward on May 1st for a lunchtime event of networking and celebration at our largest member-only event!

On Annual Member Meeting 2023

Great event today!  Thank you for all your time and talent putting it together.  

It was nice to visit with some former colleagues and with new people too.  I was impressed with the food, the program and how it all went so smoothly.

Barbara Bielec

MS Genetics Program Assistant, UW School of Medicine & Public Health

May 1, 2024 | 11:00AM – 1:15PM
Overture Center

 

All tickets include buffet lunch, networking opportunity, and exclusive access to Annual Member Meeting Programming.

Tickets Remaining

This year has been a triumphant journey of growth, achievement, and dynamic collaboration for BioForward and our visionary members!

Join the Excitement:

  • Immerse yourself in lively conversations with biohealth community peers during our vibrant lunchtime gathering.
  • Stay informed with updates on how BioForward is propelling the biohealth industry towards new heights of growth and innovation.
  • Dive into the future with insights from our project leads on the WI Biohealth Tech Hub Phase 2 Application.
  • Be part of the applause as we proudly congratulate and honor our outstanding community service award winners.

This event is a repository of opportunities and inspiration—don’t miss the excitement! Secure your spot and be part of the BioForward journey shaping the future of biohealth.

This is a BioForward Members-Only Event. Please verify your company is listed in the BioForward Membership Directory if you are unsure.

Agenda

11:00 AM – Check In

11:45 AM – Lunch

12:15 PM – Program Begins

  • BioForward Fiscal Year-End Review– an update on the state of BioForward, the successes of our members, and what is coming up next 
  • Community Service Awards Presentation– At BioForward, we believe in more than just progress within laboratory walls—we believe in leaving a lasting impact on the communities we call home. This year, we are thrilled to continue our tradition of recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions of our member companies through the Community Service Awards.
  • Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Phase 2 Unveiled– This is an opportunity to learn about the Tech Hub projects that pave the foundation for transforming the future of personalized medicine.

1:15 PM – Conclusion

Elevate Your Experience at the BioForward Annual Member Meeting 2024!

 

  • Casual Networking Extravaganza

  • Revamped Venue Sparks Conversations

  • More Collaboration Power

  • Cheers to Community Triumphs: Let’s Celebrate!

On Annual Member Meeting 2023

The exposure to folks like Lisa Johnson is exactly why we make it a priority to send our young high potential scientists to Bioforward events.  Huge value add for our business and employees.  We should probably talk more about that as a reason to join Bioforward. 😊

Edward Ladwig

GM & VP, Chemistry Operations, Eurofins, Board Member, BioForward

Tech Hub Panel Presentation Speakers

Wendy Harris

Wendy Harris

Regional Innovation Officer, Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub

Wendy Harris is a seasoned healthcare industry professional with a remarkable 33-year career marked by her leadership and expertise in various aspects of the medical technology field. She has excelled in roles encompassing medical technology, imaging service, clinical training, operational and program management, and business leadership. Wendy’s career has been dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the business and identifying opportunities for improvement. Her skill set includes strong leadership, education and training, service, sales, clinical applications, operations, marketing, business management, and P&L leadership. Wendy’s extensive experience also highlights her proficiency in process improvement.

Andrew S. Nencka, PhD

Andrew S. Nencka, PhD

Associate Professor of Radiology and Operational Director of the Center for Imaging Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Andrew S. Nencka, PhD is an Associate Professor of Radiology and the Operational Director of the Center for Imaging Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The Center for Imaging Research leads advanced clinical MRI in the Milwaukee region and supports over 200 ongoing imaging research projects. He received his BS in Physics & Mathematics from Marquette University in 2004 and his PhD in Biophysics from MCW in 2009. Dr. Nencka’s research focuses on advancing MRI techniques and applications, including image acquisition acceleration, image reconstruction, metal artifact reduction in MRI, and deep learning. He oversees research imaging informatics at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is, with Drs. Mara Lord and Kevin Koch, one of the architects of the CAREScan project of the EDA application.

Jay Hill

Jay Hill

VP Advanced Technology, GE HealthCare

Jay Hill is an experienced business and technology executive with a strong background in business leadership, advanced technology, product development, and research. He is responsible for leading global teams of engineers in the development of new technologies for the world-leading diagnostic imaging business of GE HealthCare.

Kurt Zimmerman

Kurt Zimmerman

Senior Director, Office of Biohealth Industry Partnerships, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Kurt J. Zimmerman’s portfolio includes management of Conflict of Interest for physicians and faculty and collaborations with UW-Madison’s academic health system, UW Health, in support of medical innovation.

Zimmerman also serves as director of the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program at UW-Madison, a cross-disciplinary program with nearly 500 alumni and students working across the biotechnology industry.

Zimmerman serves on the leadership team of the Site Accreditation and Standards Institute (SASI), which is affiliated with the Alliance for Clinical Research Excellence and Safety (ACRES). In this role he leads the SASI Quality Accelerator Program, supporting clinical research sites as they move towards accreditation under the first global quality standard for clinical research.

Mark Thomas, EdD

Mark Thomas, EdD

Chief of Staff, Madison College

Dr. Mark Thomas has served Madison College for the past decade, overseeing the college’s policy, strategy, finances, administration, and operations. He currently is the college’s Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President for Institutional Policy and Strategy. Prior roles at the college include Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, as well as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Prior to working at the college, Dr. Thomas held executive leadership positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Chicago and southwestern Michigan for 20 years, serving in roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Budget Director. He has lectured on finance and administration at the University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson

BioForward, CEO

Lisa Johnson is a seasoned leader in Wisconsin’s biohealth sector, currently serving as the CEO of BioForward Wisconsin. With a background in finance and a degree from UW-Madison, Lisa’s journey in the industry began in 1989 when she co-founded the life science reagents company, Novagen. Her extensive experience includes global roles at Merck KGaA/EMD, where she worked closely with brilliant scientists, providing her with invaluable insights into the life sciences field. In her current role as CEO of BioForward Wisconsin, Lisa is dedicated to the growth and development of Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem. She is a strong advocate for action-oriented individuals who exhibit positive energy in driving the state’s economy.

Thank You Sponsors!

Luncheon sponsor:

PRESENTATION SPONSOR:

General Event Sponsors:

Platinum Medallion Member Sponsor:

Gold Medallion Member Sponsors:

Exact Sciences logo

Annual Member Meeting 2024 at the Overture Center for the Arts

Overture Center

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Photos from the 2023 BioForward Annual Member Meeting!

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