Your first PharmaSUG conference can be overwhelming – there’s so much to do and see! Stop by our First Timers’ Drop-in Session for an overview of the conference. Several experienced attendees will be on hand to help you navigate the conference, point out key features, provide tips and advice, and answer your questions. You can “drop in” anytime between 12 PM and 3:30 PM that is convenient for you. All conference attendees are welcome, even if it’s not your first time! 🙂

Brett Wujek, Ph.D., SAS
No, the AI Can’t Take the Pill for You (Yet): Generative AI in Clinical Trials

The backbone of medical innovation is clinical trials, yet we all know that the standardization and analysis of that data can be tedious and costly. Generative AI is here, and the latest life sciences copilots are prepared to help transform clinical data into efficient standards, analysis, and insights.

Generative AI is already revolutionizing the trial lifecycle—from translating complicated clinical data to providing compliant outputs with a click—and we’ll look at real-world examples (and maybe a dog mistaken for a wolf) to illustrate this point. However, clever governance and human control are necessary to tame the dragons of delusion, bias, and data privacy, so it’s not all fun and games in the sci-fi world.

Join me as we explore how generative AI can streamline the standardization of clinical trial data and accelerate analysis across diverse sources. Discover practical approaches to implementing Generative AI for transforming raw data into harmonized formats ready for insight—and walk away with new ideas on how intelligent systems can support faster, more consistent decision-making in clinical research.

Dr. Brett Wujek leads Product Strategy for next-generation AI technologies at SAS. He and his team establish the vision and roadmap for products incorporating the latest AI technologies at SAS, including generative AI, synthetic data generation, and SaaS applications. Brett previously served as a data scientist in the machine learning R&D division at SAS, and he led the development of engineering simulation and design software at Dassault Systèmes. His formal background is in design optimization methodologies, receiving his PhD from the University of Notre Dame for his work developing efficient algorithms for multidisciplinary design optimization.

After the opening session, we’ll head immediately into our opening mixer where you can mingle with other attendees and enjoy light appetizers and drinks. It’s a great chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones as well!

PharmaSUG has always been a great place to expand your professional network, but this year we’re taking it to a new level with Speed Networking available during the opening mixer. This fun and fast-paced event-within-an-event will allow you to meet dozens of new people with only a small investment of time!

Attendees will be paired up for a short, focused, 3-minute networking conversation. When the time’s up, you move on to your next conversational partner. If you really click with someone, you can plan to meet up later in the conference to continue the dialog!

Speed Networking will be held in Indigo 204A, while the main mixer is in the adjacent Indigo Foyer and Indigo Terrace. You can easily move back and forth between the two spaces. Speed Networking is completely optional. You’re welcome to stick to more traditional networking methods, or just relax and have a good time!

Start each day off right with a relaxing yoga session led by SAS’s own Charu Shankar. In addition to being a programming whiz, Charu is a professional yoga instructor and will lead you through some basic routines to prepare you for the day ahead. Beginners welcome! Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, if you have one (a hotel towel will also work)!  New this year- please fill out a waiver form and bring it with you.

By popular demand, Ephicacy is thrilled to announce the return of Casino Night! This exciting event offers entertainment and relaxation with various casino games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette machines. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the games, Casino Night provides a perfect opportunity for everyone to enjoy. It’s not just a fun experience but also good statistical practice with no money involved. Professional croupiers and dealers will guide you through everything you need to know about the games and ensure everyone has a great experience. The casino night is always an excellent way to unwind and have a great time after a day of learning and networking.

Participation in the Casino Night is entirely free, and we extend a warm invitation to all conference attendees to join us. Ephicacy will provide snacks, drink tickets, and a guaranteed good time. We look forward to seeing you there!

Don’t Miss the PharmaSUG 2025 Drinks, Eats and Beats Tuesday Night Event!

Unwind, recharge, and celebrate at the hottest event of PharmaSUG 2025 – Tuesday Night Drinks, Eats and Beats! Join us from 7:00-10:00 PM for an unforgettable evening filled with music, delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks, plus beats from DJ Bernard, who has been rescuing dance floors for 30 years. It’s the perfect chance to mingle with colleagues, build camaraderie, and create lasting memories!

Pack your running shoes for PharmaSUG 2025!  Join Tim Weldon and Bhavin Busa for a 5K Fun Run/Walk on Wednesday morning.  Please register in advance here, fill out the waiver form, and either bring it with you, or return it directly to Tim.  To participate, meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30 AM on Wednesday.  The group will leave directly from there, and head down to the USS Midway and back.

Leaving so soon? Think again! Wrap up your PharmaSUG conference at our Closing Session. We’ll announce the Best Paper winners, introduce next year’s conference co-chairs, and get a sneak peak at PharmaSUG 2026.

As always, there will be TONS OF DOOR PRIZES!