Pep Talks at PepTalk: CHI’s Premier Event Comes to San Diego

By Neil Thompson

When’s the last time you had a pep talk?

Well, if you were in San Diego from Jan. 16-19, you could have had one. Or several.

PepTalk, hosted by Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI) and held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, is the preeminent conference focused on protein science and engineering. Experts from academic, government, and industry come together to discuss the latest developments in protein and antibody research, development, and production.

There were poster presentations with topics ranging from GPCR protein antigen studies to red algae taste testing.

There were exhibitors showing products ranging from reagents to reactors.

The talks were held in small rooms, giving attendees ample time to ask questions and engage with the speakers.

Networking tables were set up in the exhibit hall for 1-on-1 conversations.

BuzZ tables were set up outside the exhibit hall. What’s a BuzZ table, you ask? A round table with about 10 seats around it where a facilitator led a discussion on a particular topic. I sat in on the BuzZ table on using LinkedIn for scientific advancement. For one hour, the facilitator, CHI’s Nandini Kashyap, led a discussion on LinkedIn profile development and ways to improve one’s LinkedIn personal brand. Attendees had opportunities to ask questions and get feedback from the group — almost like a mini mastermind. I’ve never experienced anything like that at a conference before this one, and it’s something I may suggest to other conference organizers. We all can use some help on our LinkedIn profiles!

What really set PepTalk apart from other conferences I’ve attended is the intimacy of it. So often, at conferences, you get lost in a sea of people. It’s hard to connect with others. At PepTalk, with the smaller rooms, BuzZ tables, and ample time allotted for networking, that wasn’t an issue, especially for typically introverted scientists.

And guess what? PepTalk is happening again in San Diego in 2025. If you’re looking for your next collaborator, are job searching, or just interested in the state of the protein engineering industry, mark your calendars for next year’s PepTalk. CHI did a great job creating an environment for low-pressure networking and knowledge transfer. The cookies and ice cream were pretty good, too!