DCAT Value Chain Insights’ “5 Minutes With,” part of the new DCAT Member Community section, features interviews with industry leaders on issues impacting the bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing value chain and other business leaders. 

This “5 Minutes With” features Margaret Timony, Executive Director, DCAT.  

Q. Is the DCAT organization ready to plan DCAT Week for March of 2022 in New York City?

Timony (DCAT): You bet we are! We’re getting back to business thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Pharmaceutical Industry. In addition to vaccine developers Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson, so many of our DCAT Member Companies played a significant role in the development, manufacturing, and supply of the COVID-19 vaccines—and continue to do so. We couldn’t be prouder!   

Also, due to the ongoing support of our Member Companies, DCAT hasn’t “missed a beat” during the last 18 months. Programs went online, and our committees kept planning; Value Chain Insights expanded and even had a new look. Our Member Companies are resilient, and we appreciate their commitment to supporting the DCAT Member Company community.

Q. Why is it so important to hold DCAT Week in person?

Timony (DCAT): For our Member Companies, DCAT Week is a critical component for their business. Although we’ve proven that digital meetings work and have done so for years, there is no substitution for an opportunity to meet in person, clearly communicate ideas, and develop a personal rapport with customers and suppliers. A handshake (or whatever substitute we have for it now) says it all. 

Every day, we hear from Member Companies who are anxious to return and have advised us that they are beginning to fill their meeting schedules.

Q. Will programs and events typically scheduled during DCAT Week change at all? 

Timony (DCAT): We certainly hope not. However, a lot can happen in the coming months, so we plan with a certain amount of flexibility. Again, our Education Committee is planning its high-level program offerings, including Pharma Industry Outlook with Graham Lewis of IQVIA. Our Supply Management Committee will present the first program of its new series of education sessions with DCAT’s newest partner, The Broad School of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University. Our Member Companies will not want to miss this program on “Supply Chain Digitalization, Business Analytics & Technology Applications.”

Our Alliance for Industry Women Committee will host its annual Women’s Networking Breakfast on Wednesday morning, March 23. This year will feature speaker Jeanne Chatzky, who is a financial guru, and CEO and co-founder of HerMoney. We will also have our Member Company Announcement Forum and Research and Benchmarking Presentation. In addition to our popular Member Reception, we are planning a few more opportunities for Member Companies to network and catch up on some lost time.

The Annual Dinner is also still on! We are currently finalizing plans and working with the New York Hilton Midtown and all of our hotel partners on requirements or any regulations mandated by the City of New York. 

Q. Will Member Companies be returning to the regular Business Meeting Spaces within the Official DCAT Week Hotels?

Timony (DCAT): Yes, they will. Although the pandemic caused some hotel closures, the situation is changing quickly. However, a policy adopted by our Board of Directors will ensure that every Member Company who held a confirmed Business Meeting Space for March of 2020 will be accommodated first in one of our Official Hotels for DCAT Week 2022. 

Q. With regards to COVID, what protocols will be in place for the DCAT Week event?

Timony (DCAT): There is no question that DCAT’s top priority is the safety and welfare of all our attendees, staff, and guests. The event will be structured and conducted under the guidance and recommendations issued by the US Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health authorities of the City of New York. Currently, Member Company representatives attending DCAT planned events, using Member Lounges, or gathering in DCAT hosted areas will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Any exemptions must be pre-approved, and if granted, specific health protocols must be followed. Otherwise, an attendee will not gain access to those specific areas.  We expect to review this policy in the future and may make changes as circumstances dictate or allow. I am sure that our Member Companies understand and will do their best to work within our guidelines. 

Q. How do DCAT Week attendees get updates?

Timony (DCAT): We urge everyone planning to attend DCAT Week to periodically visit www.dcatweek.org or www.dcat.org for information and updates about the event. We will also post to DCAT’s social media channels and send emails to attendees regarding any changes that might impact plans. We look forward to seeing our Member Companies in March!

Ms. Timony is the current Executive Director of the DCAT organization, a position she has held since 1998. Collaborating with the volunteer Board of Directors and Committees, she and her staff of ten work to identify, create, and implement strategies to meet the mission and vision of the association.