Phoenix Main

Wednesday, October 7

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.

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Guided Hike and Brunch

Kick off your morning with a scenic hike through breathtaking desert landscape. This easy-to-moderate trail winds through iconic saguaro cacti, rugged boulder formations, and open terrain — all in the cool of the morning. The early start means comfortable temperatures and golden light, perfect conditions for a refreshing two-hour adventure. Cap it off with a well-earned Hikers Brunch to celebrate the morning’s adventure. Sturdy athletic shoes, a water bottle, and sunscreen are recommended. All fitness levels welcome.

3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Medtech by the Numbers: Key Trends in Financings, M&A and IPOs, and Financial Returns

The financing and exit environment for medical device companies is dynamic to say the least.  Close observers of the industry, who have collected and analyzed their own proprietary data, will discuss the current state of medtech investing in private companies as well as the recent trends in M&A, IPOs, and financial returns.

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

The Great Debate: Bull vs. Bear

A group of panelists will take a “tastes great/less filling” approach to debate a variety of topics across the industry.  Topics could include early vs. late stage investing, the importance of robotics, the impact of AI on medtech, etc.  The session will also solicit input from conference attendees on potential topics of discussion.  Panelists will be “forced” to take a pro or con position.

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception & Dinner

Join us on the lawn for the social kick-off of the 2026 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 8

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Networking Breakfast and Juice Bar

8:00 – 8:45 a.m.

View from DC – Medtech State of Play in Regulatory and Reimbursement

What’s next for medtech innovation in Washington? This panel will explore the latest federal policy and reimbursement developments impacting medical devices, including emerging legislation for Breakthrough Devices, evolving CMS and FDA initiatives, and creative strategies companies are using to secure coverage, payment, and adoption in an increasingly complex environment.

8:45 – 9:30 a.m.

Cracking the Code: Selling Medtech into Hospitals in 2026

A practical discussion of how medtech companies navigate the complex, often opaque hospital buying process. Panelists will share real-world lessons on what actually drives adoption, where companies struggle, and how to build a repeatable sales playbook in today’s increasingly economically driven environment.

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Break

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Radical Capital Efficiency – Is There a Leaner Way?

‘Everything costs more and takes longer’ can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Is there a leaner way?  Executives and investors will share lessons learned and tangible case studies in capital efficiency.  We will discuss geographic strategies, infrastructure and resource mix, efficient org charts, how to drive an ownership mindset across the cap table, and AI as enabler of capital efficiency.

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“If Only I Had Known…”: Hard-Won Lessons from Seasoned Medtech CEOs

Building a successful medtech company is rarely a straight line. In this candid discussion, experienced CEOs share the decisions they would rethink, the surprises they didn’t see coming, and the lessons that fundamentally changed how they operate. From financing and team building to company strategy and exits, this session distills practical advice for navigating the realities of building and scaling a medical technology company.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

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.

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

Back for its second year, the Phoenix Conference is proud to present another 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 popular songs 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 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 2026 Phoenix Hall of Fame award recipients — and enjoy a special performance by the Phoenix School of Rock Band!

9:30 – 10:30 p.m.

After-Dinner Networking Reception

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

Friday, October 9

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Networking Breakfast and Juice Bar

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