AGENDA Information of Event Schedule
Focusing on the design, development, and manufacture of orthopedic devices, instruments, and implants coupled with a keen awareness of challenges associated with the space, the ODT Forum presents a comprehensive agenda that addresses many of today's more important issues.
7:00-8:40 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast
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8:40-8:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Howard Revitch, ODT Group Publisher, and Sean Fenske, ODT Editor-in-Chief
8:45-9:00 a.m.
Welcome to Memphis
An introduction of the region serving as the host of the 2026 ODT Forum—Memphis, Tenn.—and an overview of why the area is so important to the orthopedic device manufacturing industry.
Vernon Hartdegen
9:00-9:45 a.m.
State of the Industry
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the happenings within the orthopedic device manufacturing industry. Supply chain, M&A, and other related topics critical to both OEMs and their supply partners will be covered.
David Sheppard
9:45-10:30 a.m
The ASC Disruption: Clinical and Technology Perspectives
The continued growth of ASCs and the increased number of procedures being performed within the environment have resulted in the need for innovative solutions from orthopedic device makers. This session will offer insights from both an OEM representative and a surgeon to discuss challenges, opportunities, trends, and the future vision for orthopedic procedures taking place in ASCs and the device technology to facilitate them.
Moderated by Tony Freeman
Melanie Prevost
Dr. Patrick Toy
Anthony S. Freeman
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Networking Break
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11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Osseointegration in Modern Orthopedics
Osseointegration is a foundational biological principle in modern orthopedics, describing the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant. This panel discussion will examine the evolution of osseointegration across orthopedic applications, highlighting how advances in implant design, surface technologies, and manufacturing have improved fixation, longevity, and clinical outcomes. The session will also explore emerging technologies that may further enhance bone integration and expand the role of osseointegrated implants in orthopedics. By bringing together perspectives from surgeons, engineers, and industry leaders, the discussion aims to provide insight into both the historical development and the future direction of osseointegration-based orthopedic solutions.
Moderated by Brian McLaughlin
Trey Rodgers
Mark Morrison
Chuck Hansford
Cowan Moore
Brian R. McLaughlin
12:15-1:45 p.m.
Networking Luncheon
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1:45-2:45 p.m.
Beyond the Backlog: Building Resilient Orthopedic Supply Chains
There are important strategies with which orthopedic OEMs and contract manufacturers can move from reactive to proactive supply chain strategies. This session will highlight lessons learned from pandemic-era disruptions and how to build resilience through several methods—regionalization and nearshoring, dual/multi-sourcing strategies, inventory segmentation and risk-based planning, and supplier collaboration and visibility tools.
Moderated by Matt Stekier
Juan Mangual
Michael Labadie
Matt Stekier
2:45-3:30 p.m.
A New Era for Regulatory & QMS Requirements: An FDA & EU MDR Update
While revisions are consistently taking place across all regulatory areas, it seems recent changes have been even more impactful for medical device manufacturers. Whether the dramatic change from MDD to MDR in Europe, the FDA’s implementation of QMSR, incorporation and shifting guidance related to artificial intelligence, or an enhanced focus on testing, updated regulations, and guidance documents will have a significant impact on device makers. This session will provide a high-level overview of these changes and what they mean for the management teams in the medtech industry. Avoiding “the weeds” of regulatory minutia, attendees will find out what’s important to them and why it matters for their business.
Christine Scifert
Dawn Norman, MS
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Networking Break
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4:15-5:15 p.m.
The Make vs. Buy Question: Factors for the Decision
What goes into the decision to make versus buy? Is the answer always black and white or clear-cut? What factors and considerations must be used in the evaluation? Is there a middle ground or hybrid approach that can be leveraged? This session will feature a panel discussion among industry representatives who have had to address this question. They will share the best practices they use and their own recommendations for an effective evaluation.
Moderated by Monica Burt
Paul Vasta, Ph.D.
Patrick G. Fisher
Monica Burt
Janelle Swanson
Tim Turner
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