There’s nothing quite like attending the Convention on Pharmaceutical Ingredients (CPHI) to remind you just how innovative, diverse and exciting the pharmaceutical industry really is. And CPHI Europe 2026 in Milan certainly didn’t disappoint! Annabel and I headed to the host city for two days of networking, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting prospective clients from across the sector. Armed with comfortable shoes, plenty of enthusiasm and a packed agenda, we were ready to make the most of everything that the event had to offer. Of course, our carefully laid plans got off to a slightly bumpy start when we managed to miss each other at the airport, having arrived on different flights! Thankfully, things improved once we arrived at the exhibition and managed to grab something to eat.

Connecting with the global pharmaceutical industry at CPHI Europe

CPHI Europe is one of the leading international events for the pharmaceutical industry, bringing together businesses from across the pharma supply chain. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new innovations and meet the people behind them, from contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) to chemical suppliers, technology providers and laboratory instrument manufacturers.

Once inside the exhibition, Annabel and I quickly worked out our strategy and identified the halls we wanted to visit, before splitting up and regrouping later to compare notes. There was certainly plenty to explore! Fortunately, the CPHI event app proved to be an excellent tool for navigating the exhibition, allowing us to identify relevant companies, organise meetings, keep track of new contacts and really make the most of our time on the exhibition floor. I’d recommend making full use of the app before and during the event for anyone planning to attend CPHI in the future.

During our two days in Milan, we had some genuinely engaging conversations with businesses of all sizes, operating in various areas of the pharmaceutical market. Despite their differences, one thing became increasingly clear: the need for effective, technically accurate and commercially focused scientific marketing is stronger than ever.

Different companies, different challenges, one common marketing need

One of the most interesting aspects of attending CPHI was hearing first-hand about the marketing challenges facing different organisations. Some companies were looking to raise brand awareness in increasingly competitive international markets, while others were focused on generating high quality leads, reaching new geographical territories or communicating the value of complex products and services to highly specialised audiences.

Whether we were speaking to a CDMO, a chemicals supplier or an instrument manufacturer, every conversation highlighted the importance of developing marketing strategies that reflect the needs of the business and, importantly, its customers. It was particularly encouraging to discover how closely these requirements aligned with the services we offer at kdm communications. Many companies recognised the value of working with an agency that combines scientific understanding with integrated, international marketing support, helping them to communicate effectively with audiences across different languages and territories.

A little Italian hospitality goes a long way!

No business trip to Milan would be complete without enjoying some proper Italian food! After a busy first day, Annabel and I were more than ready for a relaxing evening. We were staying in Rho – just one stop away from the exhibition centre – and our wonderful B&B host, George, suggested a local restaurant. What a recommendation! Zanetti’s offered traditional Italian cuisine, excellent wine, a fantastic atmosphere and genuinely warm hospitality, making for a great evening. As two people who really love their food, we were in our element.

Two days of networking, new prospects and exciting possibilities

On the second day, we were welcomed by a DJ and saxophonist as we queued with thousands of others to enter the convention. It was certainly a lively start to the day! The energy continued inside the exhibition, with a packed schedule of meetings, engaging conversations and exploring the exhibition halls. By the end of the afternoon, we were beginning to flag, but in the best possible way. We’d met so many interesting people, discovered innovative technologies and identified some exciting opportunities for future collaboration.

What stood out the most was how open and enthusiastic people were about sharing their experiences, knowledge and marketing ambitions. There was a real willingness to exchange ideas, explore challenges and discuss new marketing approaches. For us, that’s what makes exhibitions like CPHI so valuable. There’s still something incredibly powerful about meeting people face to face and building relationships through genuine conversations. Hopefully, some of those initial discussions will develop into long and successful working relationships.

Why CPHI Europe is worth attending

Would I attend CPHI again? Absolutely! The convention is an exceptional opportunity for anyone working in pharmaceutical marketing, business development or the wider life sciences sector. It offers the chance to connect with decision makers, discover emerging innovations and gain a better understanding of the challenges and trends shaping the industry.

The trip also reinforced the value of kdm communication’s scientific expertise, integrated marketing services and international capabilities. It was fantastic to see how closely our offering aligned with the needs of such a diverse range of businesses. We returned from Milan with tired feet, new contacts, some great memories and lots of enthusiasm for what lies ahead. We’re already looking forward to CPHI next year!

Did we meet you at CPHI Europe 2026?

It was a pleasure connecting with so many people in Milan. We’d love to hear from you if we didn’t get the chance to speak or if you’d like to continue our conversation about brand awareness, lead generation or international scientific marketing.

Get in touch with kdm communications to find out how our specialist team can support your next marketing campaign: [email protected]