MD+DI Announces MedTech Supplier Partnerships Conference

August 22-23, 2012 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, Boston, MA

BOSTON, June 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), the leading news and media service for senior executives in the medical device sector, today announced the launch of its inaugural MedTech Supplier Partnerships conference in Boston. This unique event is designed to bring medical device manufacturers together with their suppliers and CMOs to share and gather practical tools and strategies to achieve the transition from procurement to partnership, critical to success in this competitive industry.

Developed through in-depth research with industry professionals, this conference specifically tackles the challenges facing those charged with responsibility in Procurement, Sourcing, Outsourcing, Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Supply Chain within the medical device industry. Recognizing the crucial role suppliers play in the ability of OEMs to both innovate and deliver cost efficiencies, the conference will provide attendees with the information to effectively collaborate with their suppliers and generate real value in the supply chain.

Today's climate of regulatory uncertainty and increasing pressure from the FDA further compound the need to work closely with suppliers and CMOs and ensure the delivery of quality standards at all stages. As Steve Niedelman, lead quality system and compliance consultant, King & Spalding LLP (Washington, DC) puts it: "At the end of the day, it is just in everybody's best interest to have an effective supplier quality program to reduce your liabilities, risks, and to ensure that your product is safe and effective." Niedelman will be joining a diverse faculty of quality and regulatory experts to discuss strategies for supplier-based FDA compliance on day two of the program.  Across the rest of the program will be educational content delivered by supply specialists from leading companies including Cordis, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, Genentech, Pathway Medical Technologies, Underwriters Laboratories, Ametek and more.

For both small and large device manufacturers the need to both manage the risk and capitalize on the benefits of working with suppliers is imperative to survival in this industry. This one of a kind conference is the only place where not only the tools to manage these relationships will be explored, but also the essential theory on building lasting, valuable and rewarding partnerships. The first day offers 10 sessions including supplier management trends and models; key factors in supplier selection; sourcing innovative materials and components; building collaborative partnerships; IP protection; ensuring traceability; and working with CMOs in international markets. Day two provides tools and techniques to implement the effective end to end management of suppliers. Key topics to be discussed will include process validation, avoiding FDA warning letters, performance metrics, design controls, and risk assessment and management.

CMOs and suppliers will also benefit from the expert-led discussions and case studies as they will hear firsthand what medical device manufacturers are looking for from their suppliers and how they can develop win-win relationships. This will also provide opportunity to better understand FDA requirements and customer challenges, and learn how to best meet OEM needs. Extensive networking will also put suppliers face to face with medical device professionals who make purchasing decisions every day.

To learn more about MedTech Supplier Partnerships conference and to register to attend, visit: http://www.medtechsupplier.com

For sponsorship information please contact Christine Nguyen, Sponsorship Sales Manager, MD+DI Conferences at [phone] or [email protected].

For more information on MD+DI  Conferences please contact:

Nicole Maisner, Marketing Manager at [phone] or [email protected]