If you’re working in drug delivery, formulation, biomaterials, or controlled release, the CRS Annual Meeting & Expo in Minneapolis is the flagship event you won’t want to miss. This gathering brings together scientists, formulators, engineers, and industry experts to share progress, inspire innovation, and push forward the next generation of therapies.
Whether your focus is gel technologies, nanomedicine, implants, or 3D‑printed delivery systems, this conference offers real talk about real solutions—plus chances to connect with the people driving change in this field.
When & Where It’s Happening
- Dates: July 12–16, 2025
- Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Daily Schedule:
- Day 1: Short courses and satellite symposia to kick things off
- Day 2–4: Main program with plenaries, sessions, and poster presentations
- Day 5: Optional workshops, interactive roundtables, and closing events
Situated downtown, the event puts you close to hotels, dining, cultural attractions, and the city’s riverfront charm—great for grabbing fresh air between sessions.
What Makes CRS Special
CRS is more than a meeting—it’s a hands-on exploration into the science and business of delivering drugs in smarter ways. Topics covered include:
- Extended-release injectables, implants, and microspheres
- Oral controlled release and gastroretentive systems
- Nanoparticles and targeting strategies
- Responsive hydrogels, 3D printed frameworks, and depot technologies
- Molecular and device innovations for local/targeted delivery
- Policy talks involving regulation, scale-up, and commercialization
If you’re thinking about how to get drugs to the right place at the right time, you’ll find like-minded peers and practical insight here.
Who Should Be There
This meeting attracts a diverse group of professionals:
- Formulation and delivery scientists in pharma and biotech
- Biomedical, chemical, and materials engineers
- Preclinical and translational researchers
- Regulatory and QA/QC specialists
- Process development and manufacturing leaders
- Nanotech and biomaterials innovators
- Students, post-docs, and early-career researchers
Anyone invested in the science—or application—of controlled release therapies will find value here.
What to Expect
1. Short Courses & Wisdom Weeks
Day‑long classes on things like PLGA particle design, physiologically‑based modeling, microneedles, implantable pumps—complete with worked examples and group discussion.
2. Plenary Talks
Hear expert perspectives on current challenges and breakthroughs in drug delivery, regulatory trends, new technologies, and areas shaping future treatments.
3. Scientific Sessions
Hundreds of oral talks covering formulation methods, depot technologies, clinical advancement strategies, and emerging technologies like extracellular vesicles.
4. Poster Presentations
These include early-stage research and late-stage development work—posters create a great space to talk to authors in a casual, focused setting.
5. Toolbox & Technology Expo
Vendors display tools, bioreactors, analytical systems, software, materials, GMP production services—everything you need to go from lab to GMP-ready.
6. Roundtables & Interactive Workshops
Smaller group discussions, often on scale-up, regulatory review, translation challenges, or commercialization options—spaces for peer learning and direct problem-solving.
7. Networking Events
From friendly coffee lounges to evening receptions, CRS builds in chances to socialize, repeat conversations, and meet new collaborators in a relaxed atmosphere.
Benefits of Attending
- Gain insight into the latest drug delivery methods—often before they hit journals
- Learn how companies have navigated scale-up, FDA submission, and commercialization
- Trial new equipment or software in-person with vendor support
- Build relationships with faculty, CROs, CMO partners, and peers across sectors
- Spot trends early—like mRNA depot systems, long-acting injectables, or regenerative hubs
- Earn continuing education credits and sharpen your professional edge
Cost & Registration
Here’s what registration often looks like:
- Member Registration (early): About $900–$1,100
- Non-Member Rate: Higher—but sometimes includes one‑year membership
- Student / Trainee Fee: Discounted—typically $200–$400
- Short Courses: Added cost, usually $200–$500 per course
- Industry vs Academic Rates: May vary slightly based on early vs late registration
- Group Packages: Team rates and exhibition bundles may include discounts
Early sign-up secures seats in short courses and can save you money.
Where to Stay
Options near the Convention Center include:
- Full‑service downtown hotels with conference room access
- Mid-tier stays with good breakfast and downtown access
- Budget-friendly options a bike or ride‑share away
- Riverfront boutique hotels and Airbnbs for groups or longer stays
Reserve early—Minneapolis fills up fast during July events and festivals.
Getting Around Minneapolis
- By air: MSP Airport is a quick 15‑minute ride to downtown
- By car: Street parking and garages are plentiful
- Ride-share & taxis: Widely available downtown
- Light Rail & Transit: MetroLINK serves the city center
- Walking/Biking: Comfortable transit options, especially around the riverfront
Tips for Your CRS Visit
- Plan your schedule early—short courses fill fast and run parallel with session days
- Bring a notebook or tablet—you’ll attend dozens of talks and demos
- Meet some presenters in the poster hall—these small-group chats can spark big connections
- Visit the expo—vendors love demo questions and talking through workflow use
- Attend roundtables—you’ll leave with peer-tested advice
- Network in social hours—it’s where many collaborations begin
- Follow up right after—so connections turn into ongoing conversations
Final Thoughts
The CRS Annual Meeting & Expo in Minneapolis is where drug delivery moves from possibility to action. Over five days, you’ll be inspired, informed, and connected with people who share your mission—balancing science, patient need, engineering, and regulation.
If you’re working to create smarter, safer therapies—make this conference a career highlight. You’ll come home ready to apply what you’ve learned, with new equations, equipment contacts, and peer support.
To learn more and grab your ticket, visit:
https://www.controlledrelease.org/annual-meeting