DCAT Week, New York, USADCAT Week, New York, USA

If you work in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry and are serious about building meaningful business relationships, then DCAT Week in New York is the place you want to be. It’s not your typical trade show or exhibition. DCAT Week is a one-of-a-kind event where companies from every part of the drug development and manufacturing chain gather under one city skyline for high-level meetings, networking, and strategic partnerships.

Where and When?

Venue: Various locations around Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Dates: March 17 – 20, 2025
Main Hotel Hub: InterContinental New York Barclay (headquarters hotel)

Unlike traditional expos confined to one big hall, DCAT Week spreads its activities across top hotels and private meeting spaces throughout Midtown Manhattan. It gives the event a unique, business-focused vibe that fits perfectly with the fast-paced energy of New York.

What is DCAT Week?

DCAT Week is organized by the Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT). It’s known as the premier event for companies involved in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and supply.

Here, you won’t find exhibition booths or product demos. What you will find is a highly professional setup where pre-scheduled, private meetings take center stage. Think boardrooms, lounges, and coffee shops transformed into deal-making zones.

From suppliers and CDMOs to big pharma executives, everyone comes to talk strategy, supply, and business partnerships.

Who Should Attend?

If your company plays any role in the development, manufacturing, sourcing, or supply of pharmaceuticals, this event is built for you. Common attendees include:

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
CDMOs and CMOs
API and excipient manufacturers
Packaging and equipment providers
Supply chain and logistics firms
Procurement teams and business development professionals
Regulatory and compliance consultants
Investors and M&A advisors

Whether you’re a senior executive or part of the sourcing team, this is where critical decisions and partnerships are made.

What You Can Expect

DCAT Week is focused and highly organized. It’s all about getting the most from your time through targeted meetings and informative sessions. Here’s what happens during the week:

Private Business Meetings: Reserved rooms for confidential discussions with potential and existing partners
Networking Receptions: Evening events for relaxed, high-value networking
DCAT Member Company Meeting Suites: Hotels offer dedicated spaces for member companies to hold back-to-back meetings
Education Sessions: Focused talks on market trends, drug supply, and pharma economics
The DCAT Member Mixer: A fun and informal gathering of industry peers
DCAT Dinner: A formal and elegant event with keynote speakers and dinner service—one of the most anticipated nights
Women’s Networking Breakfast: Dedicated to highlighting leadership and inclusivity in the life sciences sector

Cost and Registration

DCAT Week operates a little differently than other events. The event itself is open to DCAT member companies only, and participation comes through your organization.

DCAT Membership: Required to schedule meetings, access suites, and attend official events
Membership Fee: Varies depending on company size and type
Registration: Employees from member companies can then register individually for the sessions and events they’d like to attend
Event Fees: Some events (like the DCAT Dinner) may have separate ticket costs
Travel and Hotel Costs: Handled individually by each company

In summary, you need to be a DCAT member company to get the full benefit, but the return on investment for serious industry players is well worth it.

Where to Stay Nearby

Midtown Manhattan is packed with top-tier hotels, many of which become unofficial DCAT Week hubs. If you’re looking to stay close to the action, here are some excellent options:

InterContinental New York Barclay – DCAT’s headquarters hotel
Grand Hyatt New York – A favorite for company meeting suites
Lotte New York Palace – Elegant and centrally located
New York Marriott East Side – Great for quick access to meetings
Waldorf Astoria (if reopened) – A classic NYC hotel experience

Staying in Midtown means everything is walkable or just a short taxi ride away.

Perks of Attending

What makes DCAT Week different is how personal and purposeful the experience feels. Here’s why it stands out:

You set the agenda – With pre-scheduled meetings, your time is always well-spent
All key players are in one place – Decision-makers across the supply chain under one roof
It’s about real deals – People attend with purpose, ready to talk contracts, capacity, and collaboration
No distractions – No loud expo floors, just focused conversations
High-level insights – Get access to current trends, challenges, and projections
Networking in NYC style – Enjoy top-tier venues, food, and service while building connections
Build long-term relationships – Many partnerships begin with a handshake at DCAT Week

This is an event where people come prepared, professional, and ready to do business.

Is It for You?

If you’re expecting a trade show with free pens and product samples, DCAT Week isn’t that. But if your work involves pharmaceutical supply chains, business development, or manufacturing strategy—then this is where the real work happens.

It’s designed for professionals who are ready to talk deals, explore partnerships, and gain industry foresight from the people leading the field.

Even if you’re new to the event, DCAT Week is incredibly welcoming. And being in New York only adds to the energy and value of the experience.

Exploring NYC After Hours

Since you’ll be right in the heart of Manhattan, why not make the most of it? Some things to do after meetings wrap up:

Walk through Central Park just a few blocks away
Grab dinner in Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen, or Bryant Park
Visit MoMA or The Met for an art break
Take in a Broadway show if you have time
Enjoy rooftop drinks at spots like 230 Fifth or The Skylark

Final Thoughts

DCAT Week is all about focused business and genuine connections. It’s not flashy—it’s effective. The companies that attend are serious about growth, about supply partnerships, and about staying ahead in a fast-moving pharma world.

Held in one of the most iconic cities in the world, this event offers the perfect balance of strategic work and world-class hospitality. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, close a deal, or better understand where the market is heading, DCAT Week is where it all starts.

To register or learn more about attending DCAT Week, visit:
https://dcat.org