Hall of Fame
Most Promising New Product Award |
Innovator Award |
2019 WINNER: Inari Medical: FlowTriever
2018 Willow: The Willow Pump |
2019 WINNER: Csaba Truckai
2018 Stan Rowe and Stan Rabinovich |
Emerging Growth Company Award |
Lifetime Achievement Award |
2019 WINNER: Silk Road Medical
2018 NeoTract |
2019 WINNER: Tom Prescott
2018 Intuitive Surgical’s Lonnie Smith and Gary Guthart |
Executive of the Year Award |
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2014 Tim Ring, CEO, C.R. Bard | |
Steering Committee
David Amerson TeleflexEdward Anderle Livanova Charlie Attlan Chris Cleary Dennis Crowley Stacy Enxing-Seng
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Mary Fisher ColorescienceMark Foley Former Chairman, President & CEO ZELTIQ Aesthetics Keith Grossman Angela Macfarlane Susan E. Morano |
Maria Sainz AEGEA MedicalSurbhi Sarna nVision Medical Catherine “Katie” M. Szyman Dennis Wahr Bryant Zanko |
Sponsors
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ADVI is a commercial strategy and business development consulting firm that thrives on solving complicated problems in an evolving healthcare system. We are a specialized team of operators, policymakers, and clinicians with extensive experience delivering pragmatic results-oriented approach. We deliver a comprehensive perspective by integrating business, policy, and science to find creative solutions through data, learned insight and compelling strategy to help make decisions across all segments of healthcare. The firm represents a sophisticated client base of Fortune 500 life sciences and health care service companies as well as venture and private equity backed companies in diagnostics, digital health, health IT and health care services. The firm is at the forefront of health care delivery transformation, payment reform, public and private payer coverage, and healthcare merger and acquisition deal flow, within the US and abroad. | |
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Alliant’s Life Science and Medical Products Specialty Group serves clients in every state and in many foreign countries because Alliant team members deliver cost-effective solutions that optimize overage and meet the specific needs of life science companies. Providing coverage audit, insurance/asset protection and risk management services to hundreds of life science manufacturers and distributors; Alliant clients include public and private companies with operations ranging from startups conducting clinical trials to extensive global manufacturing & distribution. Ranking among the 15 largest U.S. insurance brokerages; Alliant provides property & casualty, workers’ compensation, employee benefits, surety, and financial products and services to more than 20,000 specialized clients. | |
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Experien Group – Located in California’s Bay Area and San Diego, Experien Group provides a full range of Regulatory, Quality and Clinical consulting services to medical device companies, customizing each engagement for maximum results and cost-effectiveness. We work with start-ups, commercial companies and public corporations. Our technology expertise includes medical devices, IVDs, combination products and mobile health devices. Our clients benefit from our FDA relationships and our global network of professional contacts and business relationships. | |
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Navigant recently acquired Dymedex Consulting, the recognized leader for medical market development. Navigant has built an international reputation as a preferred expert and trusted partner for Life Sciences companies seeking to mitigate their risks while achieving exceptional growth. Clients turn to our experts to address an ever changing and increasingly complex and heavily regulated global healthcare market, as they strive to deliver innovations that enhance patient care. We provide the answers that help healthcare companies focus limited resources to maximize their commercial potential. | |
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Piper Jaffray is a leading investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. At Piper Jaffray, we help clients Realize the Power of Partnership®. Through a distinct combination of independent thinking, candid counsel, focused expertise and empowered employees, we deliver integrity, insight and impact to each and every relationship. Our proven advisory teams combine deep product and sector expertise with ready access to global capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis with offices across the United States and in Hong Kong, Aberdeen and London. | |
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Silicon Valley Bank is the premier commercial bank for companies in the technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine industries. SVB provides a comprehensive suite of financing solutions, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking services to its clients worldwide. Through its focus on specialized markets and extensive knowledge of the people and business issues driving them, Silicon Valley Bank provides a level of service and partnership that measurably impacts its clients’ success. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company serves clients around the world through 28 U.S. offices and international operations in China, India, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Silicon Valley Bank is a member of global financial services firm SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq: SIVB), with SVB Analytics, SVB Capital, and SVB Private Bank. | |
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SRS Acquiom offers the most comprehensive platform to help deal parties manage complex financial transactions within mergers & acquisitions and bilateral or syndicated loan deals. Our solutions include paying and escrow agent services, online pre-closing solicitation, representations and warranties insurance brokerage, professional shareholder representation, and for loan and credit transactions, administrative, collateral and sub-agent services. Since 2007, we have helped businesses, investors, lenders, and advisors complete transactions as efficiently and effectively as possible, so they can focus on building strong businesses, and maximizing value. | |
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T3 Advisors is a revolutionary global real estate services and consulting firm that inspire leading organizations to think more strategically about real estate and the workplace. Our singular focus is to empower our clients to select the best possible locations around the world and develop high-performance workplaces that will drive maximum productivity and success. T3 Advisors’ services include real estate brokerage, project management, government advocacy, sustainability, real estate portfolio management and global location strategy. | |
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At Westwood & Wilshire, we recognize that people are an organization’s top asset. We are passionate about delivering premier talent to the world’s most innovative companies. We are particularly focused on companies ranging from VC-backed start-ups to mid-sized commercial entities and our assignments range from C-Suite to mid-management. Based in Los Angeles, California with additional offices in Silicon Valley, we serve our clients on a local, national and global basis. | |
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Founded and led by Chairman and CEO Jim Weiss, W2O Group is an independent network of complementary marketing, communications, research and development firms focused on integrated business solutions to drive change and growth through “pragmatic disruption” for the world’s leading brands and organizations. W2O Group’s network includes WCG, Twist, BrewLife and W2O Ventures with 11 offices in the United States and Europe. |
Organizers
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MedTech Strategist, a leading information and investment conferences provider focused exclusively on the rapidly evolving global medical device industry, is led by managing partners and co-editors-in-chief David Cassak and Stephen Levin, along with a seasoned editorial team and staff. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our team provides our community with both breadth and depth in our industry publication, MedTech Strategist, and access to unparalleled connections at our global investment and partnering conferences. In addition, the MedTech Strategist Community Blog complements the strategic medtech industry coverage that our publication is known for, with candid video interviews and short perspective articles focusing on the people and the passionate innovation behind the most exciting trends in the global device space. Think Strategically. Join Our Community. www.medtechstrategist.com | |
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Lightstone Ventures was founded in 2012 by the General Partners and other key members of the life science teams of Advanced Technology Ventures (ATV) and Morgenthaler. The firm was formed to capture the upside of investing in breakthrough life science companies during a time of unique opportunity in the space. With strategic insight and a proven strategy, we are well-positioned to continue to find unique investments and drive life science innovation for patients. Members of the Lightstone team manage a portfolio of more than 40 medical device and biotechnology companies across the ATV and Morgenthaler legacy funds. The Lightstone team members have been involved in several of the largest, venture-backed life science exits over the last decade including: Acceleron (XLRN), Access Closure, Acclarent, Ardian, Avidia, Cabochon, Calithera (CALA), Five Prime (FPRX), Flex Pharma (FLKS), FoldRx, Hypnion, MicroVention, Plexxikon, Portola (PTLA), Proteolix, Threshold, and Zeltiq (ZLTQ). Lightstone has offices in Boston MA, Boulder CO, Menlo Park CA and Dublin, Ireland | |
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NEA is a global venture capital firm focused on helping entrepreneurs build transformational businesses across multiple stages, sectors and geographies. With more than $13 billion in committed capital, the firm invests in information technology and healthcare companies at all stages in a company’s lifecycle, from seed stage through IPO. NEA’s long track record of successful investing includes more than 195 portfolio company IPOs and more than 320 acquisitions. For additional information, visit www.nea.com | |
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PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC’s) PwC’s Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Industry Group is dedicated to delivering effective solutions to the complex strategic, operational and financial challenges facing pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies. We provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for our clients and their stakeholders. More than 195,000 people in 157 countries across our network of firms share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. |
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Vensana Capital is a venture capital & growth equity investment firm dedicated to partnering with entrepreneurs who seek to transform healthcare with breakthrough innovations in medical technology. Launched in 2019 by Kirk Nielsen and Justin Klein, Vensana is actively investing in late development and commercial stage companies across the medtech sector, including medical devices, diagnostics, drug delivery, digital health, and tech-enabled services. | |
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Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is the premier provider of legal services to life sciences, technology, and growth enterprises worldwide. The firm is nationally recognized as a leader in corporate governance, public and private offerings of equity and debt securities, mergers and acquisitions, securities class action litigation, intellectual property litigation, joint ventures and strategic alliances, and technology licensing and other intellectual property transactions. Over the past two decades, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has developed an integrated life sciences practice specifically focused on addressing the business and legal issues facing life sciences companies. We advise a large number of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostic, medical device, and healthcare information and services companies at all stages of development. In addition to the new Boston location, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offices in Austin; Beijing; Brussels; Hong Kong; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com |
Agenda
Wednesday, October 16 |
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3:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Registration | ||||||||||
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. | A Girls Guide to the Roadshow (Not Just for Women) with Featured Speaker Erica Rogers, CEO of Silkroad Medical Join Erica Rogers for a lively discussion about her journey to CEO and IPO. Silk Road Medical is a company focused on reducing the risk of stroke and its devastating impact. Erica will provide a candid view of her career path culminating in raising over $100M in the public market. There will be pearls and laughs for everybody to take away. As always, you will have an opportunity to network with other women leaders in medical device. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your peers and kick off the Phoenix conference with one of the most talked about CEO’s of 2019.
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6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner with Featured Speaker Scott Gottlieb, 23rd Commissioner of Food and Drugs, U.S. FDA Sponsored by Piper JaffrayDr. Scott Gottlieb is a physician, medical policy expert, and public health advocate who previously served as the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs and before that, as a senior advisor to the FDA Commissioner. Join Dr. Gottlieb as he shares some insights from his time serving as the commissioner of the FDA and a view of the future of FDA. |
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Thursday, October 17 |
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7:00 – 8:00 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast | ||||||||||
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Impact of AI on the Future of Medical Devices Artificial Intelligence has made an impact in industries from finance to manufacturing to automotive and has begun to make inroads into healthcare. Medical technologies have a unique set of clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement challenges that will impact the incorporation of AI in this market. This panel will explore the likely future of AI’s impact on the development and commercialization of medical device technologies.
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8:45 – 9:30 a.m. | Corporate Spotlight with Ashley McEvoy Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Medical Devices, Johnson & Johnson Over the past several years, Johnson & Johnson has been one of the most active acquirers in the medical device industry, building on powerful existing franchises in areas like, but not limited to, surgical technology and orthopedics, while creating whole new businesses in spaces like robotics and digital health. But J&J’s medtech franchise has not been without its challenges. In this Corporate Spotlight, Ashley McAvoy, recently named to head J&J’s medical device business, offers insights into the medical device industry in general and J&J’s businesses in particular.
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9:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Networking Break | ||||||||||
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. | The Million Dollar Account “Going deep” is critical to commercial success, yet there are numerous challenges to fully developing accounts. Many companies fail to crack this code, with the result being less efficient sales efforts, slower revenue ramps, and ultimately, less value created at exit. Join our panel of experts as we explore factors that help maximize the potential of every customer, from account targeting, to practice development tactics, to commercial execution.
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10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | The Phoenix Rises Emerging from one of the most challenging periods in our sector’s history a decade ago, large medtech companies have established a positive trajectory for themselves. As we anticipate the next cycle, how will they continue to reinvent their businesses to further accelerate their growth and sustain a leadership role in healthcare?
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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: *Note: Golf participants need to dress accordingly, as the tournament has a shotgun start time at 12:30 p.m. Arrive at the club house at 12:00 pm. to pickup lunch boxes & settle in with your foursomes. Half Moon Bay Coastal Bike Tour: Small Plates Challenge: |
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6:30 p.m. | The Phoenix Hall of Fame Reception, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony Sponsored by Silicon Valley BankThe Phoenix Hall of Fame for Medical Device & Diagnostic Leadership will honor the accomplishments of companies and individuals in the following categories:
Please join us in honoring the recipients of the Phoenix 2019 Awards. |
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Friday, October 18 |
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7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast | ||||||||||
8:30 – 9:15 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, representatives of Piper Jaffray, Silicon Valley Bank, and SRS Acquiom 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.
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9:15 – 10:00 a.m. | State of Medtech Investing Today The investment climate for Medtech investing has improved in recent months. Medical Device venture investment surpassed $6B last year while Medical Device IPOs are at a 5-year high. M&A activity remains remarkably steady as well. Despite these gains, traditional early stage venture investors have been slow to return to the sector. This resurgence is being fueled, in part, by the emergence of a new class of investor. This panel will take a look at these current trends including the role that crossover investors, corporations, family offices, and other types of non-traditional institutional investors are playing in the space.
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10;00 – 11:00 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.Join David Cassak of the Medtech Strategist in a discussion with the recipient of this year’s award, in which he will discuss his career path that led to his honor. |
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11:00 – 11:30 a.m | Networking Break | ||||||||||
11:30 – 12:15 p.m. | Innovating MedTech Reimbursement Reimbursement remains one of the biggest challenges for companies commercializing innovative medical technology. The path to obtaining coding, coverage, and payment is an “Alice in Wonderland” world with multiple decision makers and variable processes. Fortunately, there are efforts underway to improve the process for reimbursing innovative medical devices. Join us for a discussion of efforts to innovate the process of medical device reimbursement.
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12:15 – 2:00 p.m | Lunch Keynote with Mehlman & Castagnetti – “Future of Capitalism” Sponsored by Westwood & Wilshire |
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2:00 p.m. | Departure Fellow CEOs depart with new insights gained from Phoenix 2019. |
Phoenix Home
As the organizers of the Phoenix Conference, we take a great deal of pride in our annual event, which has long provided medical device and diagnostic executives with an unrivaled experience that helps to inform and shape company strategy for the years ahead. At the same time, our top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in our program. As a result, in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to postpone the 2021 Phoenix Conference.
That said, we are excited to announce that we will be holding the next Phoenix Conference at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay in October 19 - 21, 2022. At that time, we will be able to bring the medtech community together for a lively celebration of the industry’s incredible, life-saving work throughout the pandemic, as well as an in-depth discussion of where the sector is headed in the coming years.
In the meantime, we wish you and yours continued good health—and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Organizers

2019 Sponsors
