Taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 21-22 April 2026 and free to attend, Making Pharmaceuticals, Distributing Pharmaceuticals and Making Nutraceuticals are co-located events providing professionals from across pharmaceutical and nutraceutical supply chains with a platform for staying informed and connected, and for exploring cross-sector opportunities.
Attendees benefit from a major trade exhibition of over 150 companies, bringing together under one roof everything a team needs for the development, manufacture and distribution of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Running alongside the exhibition, the multi-stream Conference programme features over 100 speakers from authoritative industry associations and organisations and leading university research centres. In total, more than 70 hours of free-to-attend keynotes, presentations, panels and workshops are available to attendees across the two days, including dedicated content streams on manufacturing, ingredients, nutraceuticals and distribution.
An emphasis on cross-disciplinary dialogue for better outcomes
As industries face increasing complexity, the need for informed, forward-looking discussion has never been greater. Together Making Pharmaceuticals, Distributing Pharmaceuticals and Making Nutraceuticals cover all aspects of bringing pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to market, and bring together in one place experts on AI, compliance, development and formulation, testing, manufacturing, research and regulation.
For attendees this means not only a wide range of presentation topics to choose from and exhibitors to meet, but also the opportunity to engage in interesting cross-disciplinary dialogue – critical in an era where technological change is rapid, but implementation must remain thoughtful and compliant.
The format is designed for dialogue: panel discussions and workshops encourage attendees to share experiences and challenge assumptions; academic poster displays generate conversation about new research; and the Exhibition creates a space for teams to discover new innovations and discuss them directly with the companies bringing them to market.
Engagement opportunities with MHRA and leading industry bodies
Following a successful participation in 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is again embracing these events as a key opportunity for engaging with industry.
Visitors will be able to hear updates and insights from MHRA experts across distribution, manufacture and compliance – and, importantly, will have the opportunity to interact directly with MHRA representatives on their dedicated stand.
The MHRA’s Borderline Products department will contribute to the Making Nutraceuticals programme, together with the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), with a focus on health claims and the important distinction between a medicinal and a health claim.
Dozens more leading industry bodies and organisations will deliver presentations and be available at the event to answer those questions on how to “get it right”. Bodies represented include the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Clinical Research, EXCiPACT, the International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC) Europe, the Chemical Business Association, the Healthcare Distribution Association, the UK GDP Association, and the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association.
Shaping the future: new research and technology take centre stage
As global industries navigate rapid scientific advancement, regulatory change and digital transformation, Making Pharmaceuticals, Making Nutraceuticals and Distributing Pharmaceuticals promise a forward-looking content programme that places cutting-edge research and emerging technologies at the heart of the discussion, offering delegates a clear view of where the sector is heading – and how to prepare for it.
With contributions from researchers, technology developers, regulators, commercial leaders and industry strategists, the programme is designed not only to share knowledge, but to translate innovation into practical application.
Key areas of focus for the 2026 programme are:
Artificial Intelligence: From Concept to Capability
AI is reshaping everything from quality assurance and manufacturing optimisation to regulatory compliance and risk management. Accordingly, AI is a key theme across the 2026 programme, which aims to demystify AI and provide attendees with a realistic roadmap for implementation by presenting both technical insight and regulatory perspectives. Crucially, the programme also addresses the challenges surrounding AI adoption, including data integrity, validation and regulatory acceptance.
Sessions will explore how machine learning algorithms are being used to detect anomalies, predict deviations and enhance process control. Speakers will examine real-world case studies where AI-driven systems have improved efficiency while maintaining strict compliance standards – an issue of particular importance in highly-regulated environments.
Digital Transformation and Smart Compliance
With organisations required to demonstrate transparency, traceability and control across complex supply chains, this year’s programme also emphasises digital transformation as a driver of operational resilience and compliance excellence.
Sessions focusing on digital technology will highlight the latest developments in electronic quality management systems, data integrity tools and automated reporting platforms. Attendees can expect in-depth discussion on how digital technologies are helping organisations move away from reactive compliance models towards proactive, risk-based approaches.
Recognising that technology alone is not the solution, the programme also includes presentations exploring the cultural and organisational shifts required to support digital maturity, including training, change management and cross-functional collaboration.
Advances in Contamination Control and Manufacturing Technologies
Contamination control remains a critical focus area, particularly as manufacturing environments become more complex and regulatory compliance is a constant factor. To address this, the programme includes the presentation of new research and technological advances aimed at improving environmental control, cleanroom performance and product safety.
Topics include novel monitoring technologies, real-time environmental data analysis and advanced materials designed to reduce contamination risk. Speakers will share insights into how emerging tools are enabling more precise control while reducing manual intervention and human error.
The agenda also includes sessions looking ahead to the next generation of manufacturing facilities, where automation, robotics and smart monitoring systems work together to create more resilient and adaptable production environments.
Ingredients
APIs, excipients, and nutraceutical compounds will be discussed by the researchers discovering, testing and refining them for market use, as well as those who certify, supply and distribute them. Leading organisations in this area will discuss latest findings and standards.
Innovation in Nutraceuticals
Advances in formulation science, and ingredient development and application are creating new opportunities, and these will be discussed, alongside new regulatory and quality challenges.
Programme sessions will examine emerging research into bioavailability, functional efficacy and safety, as well as the technologies supporting traceability and quality assurance across nutraceutical supply chains.
The agenda also addresses regulatory considerations specific to supplements, highlighting how evolving frameworks are shaping product development and market access.
Exploring challenges in managing complex pharmaceutical supply chains
RPs and RPis, Supply Chain Managers and others involved in pharmaceutical logistics can look forward to a range of sessions delivering focused expertise on various aspects of the safe and compliant distribution of pharmaceuticals.
GDP is a central theme, with presentation topics including the role of AI in GDP, digitalising audits, and managing outsourced GDP activities. Attendees can also hear real world GDP case studies and get the latest from the Pharmaceutical Quality Group (PQG) on its Good Distribution Monograph.
Supply chain integrity and security are also key focus areas, with three panel discussions amongst the content on the agenda.
Added benefits for visitors and registering your free place
All attendees of the Exhibition and Conference will be offered a free CPD record booklet to record their learning at the event, and Certificates of Attendance are also available.
Arrivals before 10am each day receive vouchers for free all-day parking and a free breakfast roll and hot drink.
For the latest exhibitor list, programme information and to register attendance, visit www.makingpharma.com.
