Phoenix Main

Wednesday, October 8

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The (Real) Phoenix Open: Golf at Grayhawk Golf Club

While a little less raucous than the other Phoenix Open, this event will be a great opportunity to tee it up with your fellow attendees at another prominent Scottsdale golf venue. Grayhawk Golf Club has hosted both PGA events and NCAA golf championships, and its Fazio-designed Raptor course offers a classic desert golf experience in a beautiful setting. Sign up individually or else feel free to suggest your preferred playing partner(s), and we’ll let you know your foursome and tee time prior to the event. Grayhawk is a short drive from the Grand Hyatt Resort, and arranged shuttles will be available to get you to and from the course.

8:00 – 9:30 a.m. tee times

Shuttle times:
Grand Hyatt Resort Scottsdale to Grayhawk Golf Club – 7:00 a.m. & 8:00 a.m.
Grayhawk Golf Club to Grand Hyatt Resort – 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Women in Medtech Networking Lunch & Activity

Think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds? Think again. Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres in Phoenix. Join fellow attendees for a light networking lunch, then enjoy exploring the garden together.

* A shuttle will be provided for all participants to and from the Grand Hyatt Resort and the Desert Botanical Garden.

11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Clinical & Commercial Stage Summits (Parallel Tracks)

We’ll begin our 2025 Phoenix business sessions with two parallel tracks: one focused on clinical stage themes and topics, the other on commercial stage. These smaller format sessions are designed to be more interactive and hands-on, allowing all attendees – whether venture-backed CEOs, corporate executives, investors, or other industry stakeholders – to explore their most pressing issues with a group of expert peers, moderators, and clinical/commercial stage luminaries. Please choose the track that best suits you and come ready to engage!

Clinical Summit Moderators:
Maria Berkman, Partner, Vensana Capital
Caroline Gaynor, Partner, Lightstone Ventures

Commercial Summit Moderators:
Mike Kramer, Partner, Vensana Capital
Elena Pretto, Partner, Strategy& part of PwC network

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception & Dinner

Join us on the lawn for the social kick-off of the 2025 Phoenix Conference.

9:00 p.m.

Nightcaps & Networking

For those looking for a bit more camaraderie, join fellow attendees and gather at the lobby bar and patio.

Thursday, October 9

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

The Current Climate for Medtech Investing – A Data-Driven Discussion

The financing and exit environment for medical device companies is dynamic to say the least. Based on proprietary data that his firm collects and analyzes, Jon Norris of HSBC will discuss the current state of medtech investing in private companies as well as recent trends in M&A and IPO exits.

Presenter:
Jon Norris, Managing Director, HSBC Innovation

9:00 – 9:40 a.m.

Follow the Money: Venture Capital Performance and its Impact on the Future of Medtech

Medtech venture capital has long been perceived as a lower performer relative to other venture sectors, whether broader healthcare or technology. If this is indeed true, it jeopardizes the entire sector, since limited partner investment follows performance, and a decline of investment into medtech venture funds would reduce capital available for venture-backed companies and the innovative products that they develop and that acquiring strategics need to fuel their growth. A panel of experienced medtech VCs will explore this important dynamic and discuss what each of us can do to ensure that strong and sustainable financial returns support a thriving ecosystem.

Moderators:
Kirk Nielsen, Managing Partner, Vensana Capital
Jan Garfinkle, Managing Partner, Arboretum Ventures

Panelists:
James Eadie, Managing Director, Sante Ventures
Andrew ElBardissi, Partner, Deerfield Management
Darshana Zaveri, Managing Partner, Catalyst Health Ventures

9:40 – 10:10 a.m.

Networking Break

10:10 – 10:50 a.m.

Beyond Governance: What Makes for a Great Board?

The best companies in our sector are led by stellar management teams with the support of strong and experienced boards of directors. This relationship between team and board is paramount, yet far too often, it breaks down. Our panel of experienced board members and company executives will explore what makes for a strong, trusting, value-creating dynamic between team and board, with factors that include board composition, founder/CEO transition, mutual expectation setting, and culture. They’ll also discuss what can go wrong, and how everyone around the table can play an important role in driving alignment and ensuring that the board moves beyond simple governance to play a critical role in guiding the company to a successful outcome.

Moderators:
Beckie Robertson, Managing Director, Versant Ventures; Board Chair, Ceribell / Tandem Diabetes

Panelists:
Bill Hoffman, Venture Partner, Vensana Capital; former CEO, Inari Medical
Dana Mead, Board Member, Inspire Medical / BVI Medical / MicroTransponder
Bess Weatherman, Special Limited Partner, Warburg Pincus

10:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Bringing Together Builders and Buyers: Structuring Deals for Success

Navigating medtech M&A in today’s economic environment is more complex than ever. Success requires not only strategic vision but also nuanced knowledge of deal structures and terms that can make or break a transaction. Join a panel of seasoned bankers who will share their perspective on how deals come together and insights into creative structures to ensure alignment between parties, overcome concerns around dilution and integration risks, and maximize total transaction value.

Moderator:
Justin Klein, Managing Partner, Vensana Capital

Panelists:
Philippe McAuliffe, Partner, Perella Weinberg
Brandon Rice, Managing Director, Piper Sandler
Bruno Stembaum, Managing Director, Medical Technology Investment Banking, BAML
Neil Oberoi, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim

11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Inaugural Phoenix Pickleball Open

Whether you’ve never picked up a paddle or you’re a local legend, join us for a fun afternoon playing the country’s fastest growing sport. We’ll provide the courts, the equipment, and the first-aid kits – you simply bring your game. We plan to split players into three groups – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced – with each group playing for approximately 75 minutes. Beginners will learn the game with the help of a pro, while Intermediate and Advanced groups will be paired up for tournament play, with the winners taking home some prize money for their favorite charities.

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Inaugural Phoenix Cornhole Jamboree

This activity has something for everyone. While cornhole (aka “bags”) will be the main attraction, we’ll also set up a few other classic backyard games for you to try. This will all take place in the same location as the Pickleball Open and will be held in a casual, drop-in format, so stop by whenever you can, grab a refreshment, meet some new friends, and have a little fun before the watch party.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The Phoenix School of Rock

In honor of its 30th anniversary, the Phoenix Conference will “bring the band back together” in a special performance by the Phoenix School of Rock Band at the Hall of Fame dinner. You can participate as a musician or a performer in the rehearsal of a popular song with lyrics re-written with a medical device theme. Anyone from professional musicians to the simply curious are encouraged to join.

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Paddles & Pints: Phoenix Pickleball Open Finals Watch Party

Nothing better than watching amateur athletes sweat the pressure while they battle it out for pride and (charity) prize money, so let’s bring a center court atmosphere to the Pickleball Open Finals. We’ll have music, drinks, cornhole and other games, and of course, what should be some highly entertaining pickleball. The finals of both the Intermediate and Advanced tournaments will be held side-by-side, with the winners taking home the inaugural trophies along with some dollars for their favorite causes.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Pre-Reception Break

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

The Phoenix Hall of Fame Reception & Dinner

For 30 years, the Phoenix Conference has recognized exceptional medtech leaders. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other luminaries who made significant and lasting impact on the industry over the course of their careers. The Innovator Award winner will join other medtech pioneers who developed products that launched successful companies, redefined standards of care, and most importantly, helped patients. Join us in celebrating the 2025 Phoenix Hall of Fame award recipients — and enjoy a special performance by the Phoenix School of Rock Band!

2025 winners:
Lifetime – Bess Weatherman
Innovator – Amar Sawhney

9:30 – 10:30 p.m.

After-Dinner Networking Reception

Join in post dinner cocktails & desserts while congratulating this year’s award recipients.

10:30 p.m.

Nightcaps & Networking

For those looking for a bit more camaraderie, join fellow attendees and gather at the lobby bar and patio.

Friday, October 10

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

Wednesday, October 11

3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Registration

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Women’s Reception
Featured Panel: Medtech’s Hidden Figures – Open to all conference attendees
There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to bring novel medtech innovations to patients. Engage with women leaders creating value in our ecosystem through effective strategies for clinical evidence generation, reimbursement & market access, and building the next generation of great medtech companies.

Moderator:
Lisa Wipperman Heine, Nyra Medical

Panelists:
Mary Hailey, Relievant Medsystems, Inc.
Jinny Lee, Edwards Lifesciences
Stacey Pugh, Endogenex

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
Sponsored by Piper Sandler

Thursday, October 12

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

8:00 – 8:40 a.m.

How Medtech Leaders Manage Company Building in a Constrained Environment
In today’s environment, company leaders are being challenged to guide their organizations amidst an array of constraints, including balancing growth and profitability, managing new expectations in workforce culture, and navigating dynamic capital markets. This panel delves into the strategies employed by visionary executives to foster innovation, build and support teams, and achieve near- and long-term strategic initiatives.

Moderator:
Cynthia Yee, Vensana Capital

Panelists:
Charlie Attlan, Boston Scientific
Andrew Cleeland, Fogarty Innovation

8:40 – 9:20 a.m.

Medtech Moneyball:  Leveraging Real-World Data to Optimize Product Portfolios, Clinical Trials, Reimbursement, and Commercial Execution
Over the past decade there has been an explosion in the availability and accessibility of real world data that provides new and important insights on healthcare delivery across payers, providers, and patients.  Despite the big data hype and its transformational potential, medtech companies are still in the early stages of learning how to apply these data and insights to meaningfully improve their day-to-day operations.  On this panel, you’ll hear from several leading medtech executives who are leveraging real world data to enhance their capabilities and execution around product portfolios, clinical trials, reimbursement, and commercial execution.

Moderator:
Greg Banker, Vensana Capital

Panelists:
Sumaira Macdonald, Silk Road Medical
James Min, Cleerly
Aaron Smith, Artelon

9:20 – 9:40 a.m.

Networking Break

9:40 – 10:10 a.m.

Fireside Chat:  Ashley McEvoy (Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, MedTech at Johnson & Johnson) and Lisa Earnhardt (Executive Vice President, Medical Devices at Abbott)

10:10 – 10:50 a.m.

Generative AI – The Medtech Revolution
Generative AI is already here and its commercial benefits are rapidly emerging. Forward-thinking medtech companies are currently leveraging AI to find new ways of identifying business development opportunities, exploring adjacencies, and monitoring the market to understand where complementary opportunity for innovation might exist.

Join strategic industry thinkers, innovators and AI experts as we explore how the med tech ecosystem is expected to shift and how innovative companies can differentiate themselves to take advantage of the new opportunities presented by generative AI.

Moderator:
Elena Pretto, PwC

Panelists:
Ali Alemozafar, Wilson Sonsini
Tak Cheung, NEA
Don Crawford, Corvista Health
Tyler Mansfield, PwC
Siddarth Satish, Stryker

10:50 – 11:30 a.m.

Tapping the FDA:  A Discussion of the FDA’s Total Product Lifecycle Advisory Program (TAP)
FDA’s newly established TAP program has been established to help spur more rapid development as well as more rapid and widespread patient access to safe, effective, and high-quality medical devices of public health importance.  TAP’s intent is to advise companies on commercialization related issues, including reimbursement.  In this session, individuals from FDA will discuss the goals and specifics of this program.  Other participants across the innovation ecosystem will also weigh in on the opportunities and challenges that TAP is likely to provide/encounter.

Moderator:
Mike Carusi, Lightstone Ventures

Panelists:
Doug Kelly, FDA CDRH
Josh Makower, Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign
Michelle Tarver, FDA CDRH

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon break

2:00 p.m.

Planned Social Program and Leisure Activities

Golf Tournament:
Half Moon Bay Golf Link, The Old Course

Opening in 1973, The Old Course is an American classic designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane. A lush parkland links design, features distinguishing edges and corridor views of the Pacific. The Old Course finishes at one of the highest ranked holes in the world—the 405-yard par four 18th hole that culminates on a bluff with dazzling coastal vistas. At 7,001 yards, this parkland style Bay Area golf course has played host to numerous U.S. Open Qualifiers, commands strength, strategic tee shots and will test all facets of your game.

*Note: Golf participants need to dress accordingly, as tee times range from 11:30 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. Arrive at the club house 15 minutes prior to tee time to pick up lunch boxes & settle in with your foursomes. Foursomes will be announced on-site.

Half Moon Bay Coastal Bike Tour:
Take a leisurely, scenic ride along Half Moon Bay’s coastal trail, led by experienced guides who provide insightful information about the area and history of Half Moon Bay. Relax as we “coast” along, taking in views of the vast Pacific Ocean, native wildflowers, and unique coastal wildlife. The tour departs from the property after each guest is equipped with a mountain bike.

Mindfulness Meditation:
Mindfulness meditation is an ancient practice through which we learn how to be present in our body-mind. It asks us to pay attention to the present moment with non-judgment and unleash our natural curiosity about the workings of the mind. We will approach our experience with warmth and kindness, both to ourselves and others. Join us for a session to learn how to practice mindfulness meditation.

Phoenix Conference Love-Love Medtech Tennis Classic:
A casual, round-robin format tennis event featuring rotating mixed doubles teams. We’ll figure out the pairings, bring the cocktails and even a radar gun for some fun out on the courts.

6:30 p.m.

The Phoenix Hall of Fame Reception, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony
Sponsored by HSBC

The Phoenix Hall of Fame for Medical Device & Diagnostic Leadership will honor the accomplishments of companies and individuals in the following categories:

• Most Promising New Product Award
• Emerging Growth Company Award
• Phoenix Innovator Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Please join us in honoring the recipients of the Phoenix 2023 Awards.

Friday, October 13

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

8:30 – 9:10 a.m.

The Current Climate for Medtech Investing – A Data-Driven Discussion
The financing environment for medical device companies has become quite challenging in the last few years. Based on the data that their firms collect and analyze, Jon Norris of HSBC, will discuss the current state of medical device investing in private companies as well as the environment for exits, both through M&A and public offerings.

Presenter:
Jon Norris, HSBC

9:10 – 9:50 a.m.

Cardiovascular M&A:  Strategies for Inorganic Innovation and Growth in Medtech’s Most Dynamic Category
Cardiovascular medicine stands at the forefront of innovation and life-saving advancements, and no medtech sector receives more investor or strategic interest.  Even against this exuberant backdrop, cardiovascular business development has been particularly notable of late, highlighted by J&J’s bold return to the category via its $16B acquisition of Abiomed.  This panel of business development leaders will explore the strategic considerations, opportunities, and challenges that characterize deal activity in the cardiovascular field.

Moderator:
J.P. Peltier, Piper Sandler

Panelists:
Chris Eso, Medtronic
Finn Haley, Edwards Lifesciences
Jennifer Kozak, Johnson & Johnson

9:50 – 10:10 a.m.

Networking Break

10:10 – 10:50 a.m.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
This year’s honoree will stand shoulder to shoulder with past luminaries, as previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners include Tom Fogarty, John Simpson, Bill George, and John Brown. Over a career that spanned decades, Casey McGlynn established himself as the leading lawyer to the medtech industry, and served as a critical advisor to hundreds of companies, both large and small, public and private. At this year’s Phoenix Conference, we pay tribute to Casey in recognition of the contributions he’s made to this industry.

Join David Cassak of the Medtech Strategist in a discussion with Casey McGlynn, in which he will discuss his career path that led to his honor.

10:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Charting the Course: MDIC Panel on Early-Stage Clinical Development
Today’s early-stage innovators face an array of considerations in charting their course to generate clinical evidence with results that are both informative and efficient. Where should we go internationally? Are we a good candidate to consider FDA’s Early Feasibility Study pathway? What questions are we trying to answer, and at what stages of our evidence generation plans? With the support of members from the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC), this panel brings together regulatory and clinical trial leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss early medical device development, including optimizing first-in-human experience, navigating the FDA’s Early Feasibility Study program, and streamlining the management of clinical trial sites. We’ll explore the challenges, opportunities and latest policy initiatives that influence early-stage innovation and the strategies for clinical evidence generation to support FDA approval and reimbursement coverage.

Moderator:
Justin Klein, Vensana Capital

Panelists:
Conor Hanley, FIRE1
Mark Pacyna, Reprieve Cardiovascular
Jaime Walkowiak, Temporis Consulting

11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Fireside Chat: Commercial Banking Post Crisis
David Sabow is currently the Head of Technology & Healthcare at HSBC, but he also previously spent nearly 11 years with SVB and most recently led their North America Technology and Healthcare practice until the collapse earlier this year. Join us in a fireside chat with David as we get an on-the-ground look at the events that transpired, explore how the commercial banking landscape has evolved post-crisis, and discuss how medtech startups should think about their commercial banking relationships and funding sources moving forward.

Moderator:
Tiffany Le, NEA

Panelist:
David Sabow, HSBC