Date: 24th June 2026 The PCMG Annual Assembly brought more than 200 professionals from across the clinical development outsourcing community to Berlin on 16–17 June 2026, for two days of industry discussion, practical learning and collaboration. The programme tackled some of the most pressing questions facing the industry, from the future of sponsor–CRO relationships and the evolution of outsourcing contracts to AI adoption, early-phase development and regulatory accountability. Sessions included a look at how early-phase drug development is changing, presented by David Di Marcantonio of Parexel; a discussion of AI’s potential to disrupt or evolve clinical outsourcing, bringing sponsor, CRO and technology perspectives together; and Graham Belgrave’s examination of how outsourcing and contracting models have developed over the past 40 years and what comes next. Roger Joby also challenged traditional full-service outsourcing contracts, exploring how more transparent, collaborative commercial arrangements could improve sponsor–CRO relationships. ICH E6(R3), global delivery strategies, financial pressures and the practicalities of vendor oversight also featured in the wider programme. Speakers from organisations including argenx, Biogen, Gilead Sciences, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Parexel, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Deloitte and the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices brought experience from across the sponsor and provider landscape. The Assembly also recognised contributions to the industry through its annual awards. Florence Mowlem of uMotif received the Outsourcing Trailblazer of the Year award, Tom Lazenby of Mayet was recognised for Innovation in Outsourcing, and Graham Belgrave received the Significant Contribution to Industry award. Outside the sessions, delegates connected through a guided Berlin walking tour, an evening reception at BeachMitte and the Assembly dinner. The format provided opportunities for sponsor and provider professionals to exchange perspectives beyond their usual working relationships. Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates for making PCMG26 possible. The next PCMG Annual Assembly will take place in Porto, Portugal, in June 2027. Find out more: https://pcmgassembly.org/Latest News
PCMG26 in retrospect: Two days in Berlin
