If you’re working in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing space—whether in process engineering, quality assurance, operations, or research—the PDA BioManufacturing Conference in Bethesda is an event you’ll want to attend. Hosted by the Parenteral Drug Association, this conference brings together real people working in real-world biomanufacturing environments, from established pharma to innovative biotech.
Over three days, you’ll discover practical insights, forge valuable connections, and learn how to get products through development and into patients’ hands. It’s the kind of conference that combines professional growth with warm human moments—and the venue reflects that tone perfectly.
When & Where It’s Happening
- Dates: October 20 to October 22, 2025
- Venue: Hilton Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Schedule: Sessions typically run from morning to late afternoon, with social events in the evenings
Located just outside Washington D.C., the Hilton Bethesda offers easy access to the Metro, a bustling downtown area, and top dining options. It’s convenient for attendees and inviting for casual conversations after the day’s sessions.
What Is the PDA BioManufacturing Conference?
This gathering is focused squarely on biologics manufacturing—from early development through commercialization. The agenda emphasizes:
- Upstream and downstream process development
- Quality systems and risk management
- Analytics, automation, and digital tools
- Facility design and technology implementation
- Supply chain resilience
- Regulatory trends specific to biologics
There’s no fluff here—just case studies, lessons learned, and discussions led by people who are living this work every day.
Who Should Attend?
Here’s the kind of mix you’ll find in the room:
- Process engineers and operational leaders
- Quality assurance, validation, and compliance teams
- Analytical scientists and tech operators
- Innovators from biotech or CDMO environments
- Regulatory and supply chain professionals
- Technical service providers
- Students and early-career professionals eager to learn
The variety ensures diverse perspectives and deeper conversations on challenges we all face in biologics manufacturing.
What to Expect
1. Real-World Presentations
Hear from professionals sharing successes and setbacks—covering viral vectors, mAbs, cell therapies, and more. These sessions dive into data, strategy, and the lessons behind the headlines.
2. Focused Breakouts
Smaller roundtables and panels on GMP troubleshooting, automating your line, implementing PAT, and leveraging analytics for better decision-making.
3. Poster Sessions
Researchers highlight niche innovations, pilot projects, and new tools. This is a relaxed way to connect one-on-one, ask direct questions, and dig into details.
4. Technology Showcase
A compact exhibit area filled with demo stations—where you can see bioreactor setups, filtration systems, cleaning validation tools, and software platforms in action.
5. Evening Exchanges
Courtyard chats, reception mixers, and meetups provide plenty of face-to-face time with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.
Benefits of Attending
- Practical know-how: These aren’t theoretical lessons—they’re field-tested strategies and solutions
- Relevant tools: See the latest in automation, analytics, mess-free sampling, and digital operations
- Stronger network: Meet people who can share insights, answer questions, or offer career guidance
- Regulatory clarity: Understand the evolving expectations regulators have for biologics facilities
- Career advancement: Get mentoring tips, hear from decision-makers, and stay top-of-mind in the industry
Cost & Registration
The conference is structured to serve all roles and budgets:
- Full Conference Pass: Includes all sessions, posters, exhibit access, and evening events
- Industry rate: around $1,200
- Academic or government discounts available
- Student ticket: lower fee to support new professionals
- Workshops or add-ons may carry extra fees (e.g., half-day forums on facility design or technology implementation)
- Group discounts are often available for teams from the same organization
Early registration usually offers the best price and guarantees a seat in limited-capacity sessions.
Where to Stay
The Hilton Bethesda Metro Center is the official hotel—located right by the event rooms and community events. Alternatives nearby include:
- Upscale city hotels for a more polished stay
- Mid-range chain hotels a short walk or ride away
- Budget-friendly options or short-term rentals for students or teams
- Boutique inns or local guesthouses offering charm and comfort
Booking early is key in Bethesda, where accommodations fill up during conference season.
Getting Around
Getting to and from the conference is smooth:
- Metro: Bethesda station is a short walk away, connecting you to D.C. and airports easily
- Ride-share and taxis: Quick and reliable for point-to-point travel
- Walking: Everything from lodging to restaurants is within a few blocks
- Driving and parking: Local garages and hotel parking decks are available, though rideshare may be cheaper
Tips for Maximum Value
- Map the agenda ahead: With parallel talks, identifying key sessions in advance saves time
- Bring your essentials: Notebook or device, business cards, and comfortable shoes
- Engage in person: Ask presenters for details—you’ll be surprised how open they are
- Frequent the poster corner: Great for one-to-one conversations and deep dives
- Chat during breaks: The casual moments are often where real connections begin
- Follow up the next day: Send a note while the event is still fresh in people’s minds
Final Thoughts
The PDA BioManufacturing Conference in Bethesda offers everything a biomanufacturing professional could hope for: practical learning, strong connections, and a friendly community. You’ll walk away with not just new ideas, but with action plans, troubleshooting tools, and relationships that extend far beyond the event.
If you care about biologics—whether you work in development, manufacturing, or quality—this is one conference that can make a real impact on your work.
To learn more and reserve your spot, visit:
https://www.pda.org/events/pda-bio-manufacturing-conference-2025