A Recap of 2025 ISPE Facilities Of The Future Conference

The 2025 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference, held January 27-28 in San Francisco, California, brought together leaders and stakeholders from the pharmaceutical industry to discuss advancements in facility design, manufacturing, and sustainability.  Hixson Director of Client Development, Chad Pendergrass attended the conference with Hixson’s Paul Thamann, Manager of Architecture and the lead of Hixson’s Science & Technology Strategic Business Unit.

According to Chad, key themes at the show included innovative approaches to planning and constructing agile and flexible facilities, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and emphasizing sustainability through carbon footprint reduction and waste minimization. “Industry experts explored how these advancements would support the evolving needs of pharmaceutical production while maintaining a strong focus on ethical practices and operational efficiency,” said Chad.

The event featured notable speakers such as Gunter Baumgartner of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Kevin Trivett of Eli Lilly, and Joydeep Ganguly of Gilead Sciences, among others. Discussions highlighted solutions to current industry challenges and the future of pharmaceutical facility development. The conference provided attendees with a comprehensive agenda, insightful presentations, and opportunities to engage with key industry figures.

Hixson’s attendance at shows like this helps us closely monitor trends and engage with ISPE membership. Chad adds that it “also allows us to identify new opportunities to offer innovative design solutions that meet the evolving demands of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, particularly in creating adaptable, sustainable, and technology-driven facilities.”