THE ROAD TO
A Guide to Planning, Preparing, & Participating in the Industry's Premier Event
September - October
FOUNDATION
Lay the Groundwork for DCAT Week
This phase is about establishing the foundation: renewing your DCAT Membership, securing accommodations, evaluating and securing the business meeting space needs, and identifying sponsorship opportunities to elevate your company's visibility throughout DCAT Week.
RENEW MEMBERSHIP OR JOIN DCAT
- August marks the beginning of the membership renewal cycle, whether you are renewing your company's existing DCAT Membership or exploring membership for the first time.
- Membership renewal begins in August for the upcoming fiscal year (November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027).
- To ensure uninterrupted access to DCAT Member benefits and participation opportunities, membership dues must be received by October 31.
BUSINESS MEETING SPACE
- Evaluate and confirm your company's business meeting space requirements for DCAT Week.
- Ensure your company is listed in the Meeting Locator.
DCAT ANNUAL DINNER
- Determine your company's Annual Dinner table needs and review participation options.
- Companies interested in requesting a new Annual Dinner table or adding an additional table should contact DCAT by November 1 to learn about availability and the request process.
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING
- Increase your company's visibility:
- With thousands of industry professionals gathering in New York, DCAT Week offers a distinctive platform to evaluate your company's visibility.
- Explore sponsorship and advertising opportunities designed to highlight your brand and industry leadership.
ACCOMMODATIONS
- Reserve sleeping rooms at one of the seven official DCAT Week hotels.
November - December
MOBILIZE
Turn Early Planning into Action
As networking and educational programs are announced, this phase focuses on scheduling meetings, registration, and finalizing travel plans.
TRAVEL PLANNING
- Book your flights and finalize any other transportation arrangements.
BUSINESS MEETINGS
- Begin scheduling meetings with customers, suppliers and partners.
- Review and confirm your Business Meeting Space setup and any arrangements included as part of your agreement.
DCAT ANNUAL DINNER
- Companies hosting an Annual Dinner table should begin the planning process.
- Attend the virtual Dinner Table Lottery on November 4.
- Attend the virtual Dinner Table Selection on December 2.
- Begin compiling your guest list.
DCAT WEEK MEMBER COMPANY NAME BADGE
- Register for programs and networking events, exclusive to DCAT Member Companies.
January - February
CONFIRM
Confirm Your Participation Before Arriving in New York
With DCAT Week approaching, this phase is about confirming registration, finalizing your schedule and gathering resources you'll need for a productive week.
DINING RESERVATIONS
- Popular restaurants throughout Midtown Manhattan book up weeks in advance for DCAT Week. Plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner reservations early.
DCAT ANNUAL DINNER TABLE HOLDERS
- Confirm company dinner attendees and guests.
- Submit your Annual Dinner Tables beverage order through the Hilton Boomer System.
- Share event details with your dinner guests.
- The DCAT Annual Dinner is a black tie event. Tuxedo rentals and formalwear rental options are available to help you prepare.
EDUCATION & NETWORKING
- Review the DCAT Week Agenda and build your daily schedule.
- Register for programs and networking events, exclusive to DCAT Member Company Representatives.
CONFIRM MEETINGS
- Finalize dates, times, and locations with customers and suppliers.
- Use the Meeting Locator to understand where your contacts are located across the official DCAT Week hotels and allow extra time for travel between meetings.
Onsite In March
CONVENE
Turn your Preparation into Valuable Connections & Opportunities
Arrive ready to network, collaborate, and engage with the global bio/pharma business ecosystem. From business meetings and educational programs to networking events, DCAT Week provides extensive opportunity to close deals and strengthen relationships.
BADGE PICKUP
- Pick up your DCAT Week Member Name Badge to gain access to all the DCAT Member-exclusive locations and events.
DCAT ANNUAL DINNER BADGE PICKUP
- Companies hosting a table(s) at the Annual Dinner should have their designated Dinner Table Contact pick up Dinner Badges in advance and coordinate distribution to guests.
ATTEND PROGRAMS
- Participate in educational programs & networking events throughout the week.
- On-site registration is not guaranteed. To secure your spot, please register in advance.
NETWORK
- Leave room in your schedule for spontaneous conversations and introductions. Some of the most valuable connections happen outside scheduled meetings.
NAVIGATE DCAT WEEK
- Allow extra travel time between official DCAT Week hotels.
- Elevators often experience long queues during peak hours— plan accordingly.
- DCAT does not share Member Companies business meeting room numbers; confirm meeting locations directly with your contacts prior to arrival.
- Review the Safety & Support Guide for additional resources.
After DCAT Week
CULTIVATE
Sustain the Momentum Beyond DCAT Week
The value of DCAT Membership continues well after you leave DCAT Week.
Whether you are joining us for your first DCAT Week or returning as a long-standing DCAT Member, you already know what this week means for your business. This guide is here to support your preparation - helping you stay ahead of key milestones on your road to DCAT Week 2027.
The Road to DCAT Week Planning Guide is brought to you by the DCAT Member Advantage Committee - Powered by the DCAT PULSE.
Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT) One Washington Blvd., Suite 6 Robbinsville, NJ, 08691, USA +1.609.208.1888 or Toll Free: +1.800.640.DCAT (3228)