I was amazed at the more than 700 women attending the 2008 Women’s Healthcare Business Association (HBA) national conference today. As a first timer at the event (distinguished by the bright orange sticker on my name badge), it was easy to engage in conversations—even for those weary of the press. And for marketers, there was only one thing on their mind:

“The first thing out of everyone’s mouth when they come to my table is, ‘How are you handling the new PhRMA guidelines?’” said Tammy Kornfeld, senior account manager of Beyond Branding at Compas. The new marketing code is set to take effect in January 2009.

Kornfeld said the company is distributing flash drives with presentations explaining the tactics pharma companies can employ under the new regulations. “Reps may not be able to pass out pads and pens anymore, but there are many things that they will still be able to do,” she said. Kornfeld also added that, though the gifts are gone, corporate material can still be distributed. (more…)

Reporting to you from Chicago at the Sixth Annual Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association leadership conference, where the story—set in this city of the new US President—is all about change.

The Pharm Exec crew arrived in a surprisingly tranquil Windy City—the only explanation that it was the calm after the storm of Tuesday’s election. Certainly, many HBA members had been up all night watching the election, with a dozen members who took to the streets and joined the rally for Barack Obama at Grant Park.

“It was like being at Woodstock,” said Nancy Larsen, President of PROmedica Communications, who was part of a group that attended the rally. “Even though we were standing shoulder-to-shoulder in this massive crowd, it felt serene to be with all these people—it gave me goose bumps.”

“It’s not watching history—it’s actually being a part of it,” said Eve Dryer, Principal and President of Vox Medica Public Relations. (more…)

Two thousand and eight seems to be a year of unprecedented female leadership. Forget for a second (if you can) the run-off for the Presidential election. If you just consider healthcare, the ladies are really stepping up—and making all the right moves. Consider a few examples: J&J names Sheri McCoy worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals (replacing Christine Poon); Dr. Deborah Dunsire orchestrated the deal of the year with Takeda’s takeover of Millennium; and Meryl Zausner was named CFO of Novartis—the only woman in Big Pharma to hold that title.

And for the rest of us? Well, at least there’s the Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association (HBA) and its annual Leadership Conference. The event is being held next week in Chicago (and if it’s the hometown of the President, we expect it to be all the more exciting). With more than 600 attendees already registered, it will be the largest meeting of its kind. One-third of these women are vice presidents and above, so for the ladder climbers in the industry, this is the place to be.

Pharm Exec will be doing on-site blogging—so stay tuned for regular updates. In particular, we’re looking forward to the panel of “Hard Lessons, Sweet Successes,” moderated by Charlotte Sibley, HBA’s 2008 Woman of the Year. Charlotte shocked the luncheon crowd in May when she revealed her own story of the ups and downs of working in the pharmaceutical industry. (To read her story, click here) This time, she puts tough questions to an esteemed panel including Dierdre Connelly, President, Lilly USA; Len Kanavy, Vice President, Commercial Operations of Genentech; Renee Tannenbaum, Global Head, Commercial Operations, Novartis AG; Eisai’s President Lonnel Coats; and Ginger Graham, Two Trees Consulting, former CEO Amylin.