Networking Events
Networking is at the heart of PepTalk. Beyond the world-class sessions and scientific exchange, PepTalk brings people together sparking the conversations that lead to new partnerships, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions. Join the PepTalk community to expand your network, exchange ideas, build relationships, and celebrate progress.
We are excited to offer The Plaza as a gathering place to facilitate connections. Located in the Exhibit Hall, The Plaza provides a meeting spot for people with similar interests to convene and construct a plan to take advantage of all that PepTalk: The Protein Science and Production Week has to offer.
Connect with Attendees at PepTalk!
PepTalk offers a digital networking platform designed to help you make meaningful connections with fellow attendees before and during the event.
- Take part in 1-on-1 Networking* with an easy-to-navigate profile search, filter and scheduling platform
- Search attendee profiles and connect via private messaging, onsite meeting requests, or video calls
- Use our search and filter tools to identify participants with shared interests and goals
- Browse our Sponsors & Exhibitors
- Join the conversation on session pages using the chat feature
*Access to 1-on-1 Networking will be provided to registered conference participants one week prior to the event. Please watch for email updates to learn more.
Tuesday, January 20
1:10 pm LINKEDIN SKILLS WORKSHOP I
Moderator: Chris Ross, Senior Business Development Manager, Licensing, Lonza Group Ltd.
Do Scientists use LinkedIn? How to Effectively use LinkedIn as a Scientist and best practices: Improve your LinkedIn profile to help build or promote your personal/professional brand. Discussion Topics Include:
- Connecting on LinkedIn using the QR code feature - pros and cons
- Adding a profile image and banner image to your LinkedIn profile
- Possible topics to help brand yourself on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn is no longer just a job search social tool
- Exploring privacy settings
5:40 pm – WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
Engage with industry peers, explore the latest innovations, and meet top technology and service providers in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Don't miss this opportunity to kick off the event with valuable conversations!
6:00 pm YOUNG SCIENTIST MEET-UP
Moderator: Maria Calderon Vaca, PhD Student, Chemical Environmental & Materials Engineering, University of Miami
This young scientist meet-up is an opportunity to get to know and network with members of the PepTalk community. This session aims to inspire the next generation of young scientists with discussions on career preparation, work-life balance, and mentorship.
Wednesday, January 21
7:30 am BUZZ SESSIONS WITH CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
BuzZ Sessions are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the BuzZ Sessions page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.
10:30 am SPEED NETWORKING
Moderator: Kevin Brawley, Project Manager, Production Operations & Communications, Cambridge Innovation Institute
Bring yourself and your business cards or e-cards, and be prepared to share and summarize the key elements of your research in a minute. PepTalk will provide a location, timer, and fellow attendees to facilitate the introductions.
1:45 pm CELEBRATING 25 YEARS: CAKE CUTTING IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
Join us in celebration of our 25-year milestone, immediately following the Keynote Panel
4:30 pm LINKED-IN SKILLS WORKSHOP IIModerator: Chris Ross, Senior Business Development Manager, Licensing, Lonza Group Ltd.
Do Scientists use LinkedIn? How to Effectively use LinkedIn as a Scientist and best practices. Improve your LinkedIn profile to help build or promote your personal/professional brand. Discussion Topics Include:
- Connecting on LinkedIn using the QR code feature - pros and cons
- Adding a profile image and banner image to your LinkedIn profile
- Possible topics to help brand yourself on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn is no longer just a job search social tool
- Exploring privacy settings
Thursday, January 22
9:45 am WOMEN IN SCIENCE MEET-UP
Moderator: Michelle R. Gaylord, MS, Former Principal Scientist, Protein Expression & Advanced Automation, Velia Therapeutics
Moderator: Deborah Moore-Lai, PhD, Vice President, Protein Sciences, ProFound Therapeutics
Join us for an inspiring Women in Science Meet-Up at this year’s Peptalk, an inclusive meet-up designed to connect, uplift, and celebrate women across all stages of their scientific careers. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your journey, and gain insights from trailblazing women shaping the future. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned professional, this is a chance to build a supportive network, foster mentorship, and discuss opportunities and challenges unique to women in the field. Our Women in Science programming invites the entire scientific community to discuss these barriers as we believe that all voices are necessary and welcome.