To: B.D.Bauden who wrote (28213 ) 2/17/1999 3:42:00 PM From: WR Respond to of 31646
First Conferences Organizes First E-Commerce Conference Specifically for the Pharmaceutical Industry PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Traditional competition in the pharmaceutical market has been revolutionized by electronic commerce -- saving leading companies billions of dollars and creating enormous opportunities, but leaving the industry's future in question. The Electronic Commerce for Pharmaceuticals conference at Philadelphia's Park Hyatt Hotel on April 26 - 27, 1999, (www.firstconf.com/ecpharma) explores the key strategic issues affecting business methods in the international pharma market place. ''Most pharma companies know about doing business on the Internet, but not many know how to create an effective business strategy or really capitalize on the benefits and minimize the risks,'' says conference director James Barclay (james@firstconf.com). ''The conference will give executives solid solutions.'' Major companies -- Eli Lilly and Company, Rhone Poulenc Rorer, Zeneca, Astra Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, GlaxoWellcome and Hoffman-La Roche reveal how they have taken advantage of the e-commerce technology. At the event, more than 20 of the industry's leaders delve into the key areas of customer care, supply chain management, implementation and appropriate technologies. Real life case studies show exactly how cutting-edge companies have developed their e-commerce strategies. The conference also examines regulatory issues and offers recommendations for balancing the risks and benefits of different approaches. Bringing the key players together, Electronic Commerce for Pharmaceuticals offers delegates and speakers the chance to debate the future of the industry. Barclay says that this strategic event has been designed to be interactive, with delegates having a lot of opportunity to ask speakers their views on specific issues and network with their peers. The event is one in a series of electronic commerce conferences organized by First Conferences, and will be an annual fixture on the pharmaceuticals industry calendar. This conference is being sponsored by Cisco Systems, Andersen Consulting, CSC, IBM and EDS. biz.yahoo.com