What’s Shaping the Future of Life Sciences

The California Leadership Forum brings together CEOs, executives, and policymakers for an afternoon of candid conversation on the issues defining the life sciences sector in 2026. From the evolving political landscape to what it means to lead during a period of profound transformation, the Forum offers a unique opportunity to engage with the leaders shaping the future of California life sciences.

Agenda

2:00 – 2:30 PM
Check-In / Registration
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Welcome Remarks & State of the Sector

› Mike Guerra, President & CEO, California Life Sciences

2:45 – 3:25 PM
2026 Elections Outlook

This session will dive into key state and federal races for the November 2026 elections. Both state and federal polling experts will provide their crystal ball assessment of how the political environment and key variables will impact the outcome of major ballot initiatives, the California Governor’s race, and key races on both the state and federal levels.

Panelists to be Announced

3:30 – 5:15 PM
The Executive Roundtable: Leading at an Inflection Point

A candid, peer-to-peer conversation with executives from across the California life sciences ecosystem about what it means to lead during a period of profound transformation. Structured as three focused conversations, the session explores the distinct challenges and opportunities facing organizations at every stage and across every corner of the industry.

› Libby Greer, Forbes Tate (Moderator)

3:30 – 4:00 pm | Mid-Size / Growth Companies

Growth stage biotech and medtech/diagnostics executives on navigating capital-constrained environments, clinical trial complexities, scaling through headwinds, and the lessons learned from setbacks along the way.

Panelists to be Announced

4:00 – 4:30 PM | Academia & Research Institutes

Institutional leaders on research funding uncertainty, clinical trial access, and what the current policy environment means for innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.

Panelists to be Announced

4:30 – 5:15 PM | Large Enterprise

Leaders from established organizations on commercialization strategies, FDA headwinds, and how they are approaching AI and workforce transformation at scale.

Panelists to be Announced

5:15 – 5:30 PM
Closing Remarks

› Mike Guerra, President & CEO, California Life Sciences

5:30 – 8:00 PM
The Nineteenth Hole Reception

Close out the day with heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a chance to put your chipping skills to the test, all set against views of the 18th green and the Pacific Ocean. Grab a seat, take a swing, and unwind with fellow attendees as the sun sets over Torrey Pines.

C-Suite or VP+ level executives from life sciences member companies receive complimentary admission.
Please contact [email protected] to receive an invite.

See What You Missed in 2025

See the Full 2025 Photo Album

  • Four (4) tickets to attend the California Leadership Forum and Nineteenth Hole Reception
  • Verbal recognition during welcome and closing remarks
  • Opportunity to introduce one speaker segment during the program
  • Prominent logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials
  • Post-event attendee introductions facilitated by CLS
  • Pre- and post-event recognition across CLS social media channels
  • Two (2) tickets to the California Leadership Forum and Nineteenth Hole Reception
  • Hosted branded reception station during the reception
  • Logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials
  • Pre- and post-event recognition across CLS social media channels
  • Two (2) tickets to the California Leadership Forum and Nineteenth Hole Reception
  • Logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials
  • Recognition across CLS social media channels

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