By John Stuttard Industry Vice President, Reed Exhibitions

The concept of continuous improvement – a principle of quality management which aims at improving efficiency by optimizing a process and eliminating wasted efforts – is not new. But it has only recently begun to be applied to the pharmaceutical industry.Today, both pharmaceutical manufacturers and the FDA recognize that the industry must employ a combination of innovation, cutting-edge scientific knowledge, engineering expertise and quality management techniques to meet the challenges of new discoveries, an evolving regulatory environment and a dynamic global marketplace

But continuous improvement is not possible without continuous education.That’s why attending the INTERPHEX Conference is more important than ever. The industry’s technical knowledge is growing at an unprecedented rate – some experts estimate that the sum of technical knowledge is doubling every two years – so even the most dedicated professionals need to continuously update their skills, evaluate new strategies and explore cutting edge developments that can have significant impact on the way they do their jobs – and their company’s profitability.

The INTERPHEX 2005 Conference is designed to provide both the latest tools for good practice as well as the ideas and information that facilitate good performance in every aspect of pharmaceutical manufacturing, from processing and packaging to systems design, facilities engineering and maintenance, even outsourcing relationships.

An environment conducive to learning

The INTERPHEX Conference provides the opportunity to get away from the routines and stresses of the workplace. You’ll be surrounded by gifted instructors and peers who have similar interests and responsibilities. This collegial atmosphere makes it easy to absorb information, ask questions, form opinions and explore possible solutions in a way that is all but impossible to achieve in any other situation or setting.All three days of the event open with keynote sessions that feature some of the best minds in the industry, from top regulatory officials and policy makers to influential CEOs and innovative business leaders. Next, conferees can explore high-interest, provocative issues at informative General Sessions, then move to individual breakout sessions. Each day will also feature a conference luncheon, and opportunities to share ideas and information with colleagues. Breaks provide time to source the latest products, technologies and services at the INTERPHEX exhibits.

Plan your personalized learning agenda

This year’s program features four main conference tracks, 115 all-new sessions, and greater flexibility. The new, flexible format allows you to mix and match sessions of your choice from any or all tracks to create your own personal curriculum. The PharmaManufacturing track focuses on mission-critical skills to help you meet – and even exceed – high performance expectations. The PharmaFacilities track features proven strategies to make your laboratories and large production plants more productive, energy efficient, flexible and environmentally friendly. The PharmaIT track helps you master the challenges of implementing, integrating and validating state-of-the-art information technologies, from ERP to RFID. And the PharmaSourcing & Services track provides fresh perspectives on outsourcing issues, trends and best practices.

Innovation-driven education for every pharmaceutical industry professional

Conference sessions are designed to bring you up to speed quickly on the issues and technologies that are most critical to productivity improvement, and provide practical insights and techniques that you can implement now. Here are just some of the goals that the INTERPHEX Conference can help you achieve:

Learn effective implementation strategies for PAT, RFID, laboratory automation, continuous processing, data security, data mining and data warehousing, knowledge management and more!

Update your blueprint for regulatory compliance at seminars on 21 CFR Part 11; enterprise calibration management; FDA advisory committee meetings; compliance process management; and GAMP requirements for validation.

Review best practices for speeding drug submissions with information technology; change management; lean manufacturing; Six Sigma; risk management; technology transfer; supply chain management; network qualification; offshore outsourcing; green sustainable design and more!

Benchmark your performance against the industry leaders in case studies on process simulation; managing vendor relationships; and large-scale project management.

Master complex technical skills with in-depth, accredited workshops on troubleshooting the lyophilization process and pharmaceutical water system validation, developed by the Center for Professional Advancement.

Get expert input at solution-oriented sessions on the industry’s hottest issues, including single-use processing components; modular construction; biocontainment; nanosuspensions for drug delivery; multiple language labeling; preventing counterfeit drugs and much more.

Choose from a variety of registration options

A variety of registration options are available for this year’s conference, ranging from a Three Day Pass to an “Exhibits Plus” Pass that includes admission to a single conference session of your choice plus the INTERPHEX exhibits. Discounts are available for multiple team members who register together, and conference fees may be tax deductible. For complete details, including session descriptions and convenient online registration, visit www.interphex.com.INTERPHEX2005 will take place April 26-28 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. For more information please visit www.interphex.com or call 888-334-8704.