The wonderful spirit of collaboration among the ISMPP community was alive and thriving at the 21st Annual Meeting of ISMPP, May 12-14, 2025, in Washington, DC.
The theme for the 21st Annual Meeting was Diversity and Innovation: In Concert. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the power of diverse perspectives is more critical than ever. This theme underscores the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms—whether in thought, experience, background, or discipline—as a catalyst for innovation. Just as a concert unites musicians into a cohesive performance, this meeting gathers diverse professionals to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and advance medical communications.
As we navigate the intersection of diversity and innovation, we’ll discover how working “in concert” elevates decision-making and leads to breakthrough moments. Together, we will explore how this harmony between diversity and innovation transforms the way we communicate and collaborate, creating a more inclusive and dynamic future.
This article shares highlights and photos from the 21st Annual Meeting.
Attendees, and those who did not attend, have the following options to explore the sessions and member research posters presented at the 21st Annual Meeting:
- The Publication Plan has posted 21st Annual Meeting reports from Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 on its website. Thank You Very Much to ISMPP’s Media Partner for the 21st Annual Meeting!
- ISMPP members can access Session Slide Decks approved for posting by presenters in the 21st Annual Meeting Session Archive.
- Member Research Posters are accessible to everyone in PDF format in the 21st Annual Meeting Poster Archive.
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“The ISMPP meeting was engaging and laser focused on the hot topics of AI and elevating patient voices. I enjoyed the sessions, and I thought the poster sessions and networking opportunities were set up well. I can’t wait to attend again next year!”
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Three Keynote Speakers Spotlight Health Equity and Generative AI
- Why Does it Take 5 to Tango in Health Care?
- Dr. Verena Voelter, CEO and Founder, 5P Health Care Solutions
- Advancing Health Equity Through Inclusive Communication
- Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO, Grapevine Health
- Generative AI: How Human Expertise and Authenticity Matter More Than Ever
- Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect, NYU Stern School of Business
Plenary & Parallel Sessions
Plenary sessions covered a number of timely, practical topics including: data-driven communications, the power of representation, generative AI in medical communications, a conversation with journal editors, and changes in the publishing world.
Parallel sessions offered smaller, more interactive forums to discuss a variety of current topics of interest with attendees selecting their sessions, including accessibility, code of ethics, content and copyright, embracing AI, patient partnerships, and much more.
Networking… Both the Social and Educational Kind!
Networking events were held throughout the meeting to expand upon the educational discussions from roundtable and workshop settings, and to catch up with friends and meet new colleagues at the social receptions and during food breaks.
Roundtable sessions addressed a wide variety of current topics at different tables – in many cases expanding on topics from the meeting program. Pre- and post-meeting workshops educated on such topics as patient partnerships, digital engagement in publications, AI, social media, omnichannel strategies, and the ever-popular introduction to publication planning and advanced publication planning.
Several networking opportunities were hosted to talk to long-time and new peers, including a First Timer and New Member Meet & Greet, Welcome Reception, Poster Presentation Reception, Networking Luncheon, and Awards Reception.
Awards Night!
The third annual ISMPP Professional Excellence Awards Reception was held on Tuesday, May 13 at the 21st Annual Meeting of ISMPP in Washington, DC.
The awards honor the work and dedication of members who have a proven track record of excellence and achievement in the medical publications and communications profession. Award nominations were collected through peer submissions and reviewed by the Professional Excellence Awards Selection Committee.
ISMPP is proud to recognize the following outstanding members for their achievements.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Gordon Muir-Jones
The ISMPP Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious award ISMPP can bestow on one of its members. It may be presented to a current member of ISMPP or emeritus member who has made notable and significant contributions with distinguished achievement to the Society, helping advance the medical publication and communication profession.
President’s Award: Steve Palmisano and Todd Parker
The President’s Award recognizes an ISMPP member who has distinguished themselves as “game-changers” or “transformational” in their service to the Society.
Outstanding Committee Member Award: Tim Stentiford
The Outstanding Committee Member Award recognizes individuals who have served or are serving on an ISMPP Committee(s) and recognizes the outstanding efforts and work the individual has put forth.
CMPP™ Award: Haruko Isomura
The CMPP™ Award is designed to recognize a current ISMPP CMPP™ who not only exemplifies the roles and responsibilities of a CMPP but also makes a profound impact on the CMPP Program through their work on Program activities including, but not limited to, committee work, exam development, program policies, and mentorship. This award underscores a steadfast commitment to ethical and transparent data dissemination standards and leadership in upholding and fostering integrity and excellence in medical publications.
Rising Star Award: John Vrbensky
The Rising Star Award may be presented to ISMPP members with no more than five years of experience in the profession who have demonstrated significant contributions to medical publication and communication. It is meant to recognize “future leaders” within the Society.
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“I thoroughly enjoyed my first ISMPP annual meeting. There are many opportunities to network and connect over topics in the field. Attending re-invigorated my passion for the field and as a young professional let me feel as though I have a place at the table.“
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Member Research Posters, Oral Presentations, and Award Winners
This year ISMPP was thrilled to feature more than 72 posters with the latest member research during the Annual Meeting of ISMPP. Congratulations to the winners below of these poster awards: Most Reflective of Meeting Theme, Best Original Research, Best Visual & Accessible Design, and Most Future Forward Research.
Board of Trustees – Welcome and Thank You!
The 2025-2026 ISMPP Board of Trustees initiated its term during the 21st Annual Meeting. Congratulations to Diane Stothard who assumed the role of ISMPP Chair! Tomas Rees transitioned to Immediate Past Chair. The following individuals were elected to their positions:
- Chair-Elect: Stephanie Tortell, Business Unit President, Ashfield MedComms
- Treasurer: Kristyn Morgan, Global Agency Head, Envision Medical Communications, Envision Pharma Group
- At-Large Trustee: Valerie Moss, Chief Scientific Officer, Prime Global
- Nominating Committee (non-voting): Steve Palmisano, Executive Vice President, Publication Services, The Lockwood Group
With Great Appreciation!
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the 2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee – and to Jenny Ghith, Chair, and Kris Schuler, Vice-Chair, of the 2025 Program Committee – for their leadership in developing highly-regarded content for medical communication professionals.
A special appreciation is due to Sharon Willis and the rest of the ISMPP educational content team, Deidra Renahan, for her meeting management, and the entire ISMPP staff for their meeting support.
We are grateful to our exhibitors and sponsors for their generous support of the 21st Annual Meeting! We appreciate your contributions to make this meeting a success.
A Sincere Thank You to our Champion Sponsors that registered 10 or more staff members from their company to attend the meeting.
Our appreciation to The Publication Plan, our media partner for the 21st Annual Meeting.
Our appreciation to all of our Meeting Sponsors for the 21st Annual Meeting:
In honor of our esteemed faculty for the 21st Annual Meeting, ISMPP is proud to donate to Society for Science whose mission promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. Society for Science is dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research.
Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming ISMPP Meetings!
- ISMPP Academy – November 13-14, 2025; Boston, MA
- 2026 European Meeting of ISMPP – January 26-28, 2026; London, UK
- 22nd Annual Meeting of ISMPP – April 20-22, 2026; Washington, DC
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