Midwest Life Sciences Leaders Convene on Mackinac Island
MichBio welcomed life sciences association executives from across the Midwest to Mackinac Island for the 2026 Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA)-State Medical Technology Associations (SMTA) Midwest Directors’ Retreat, held September 14–17. The invitation-only gathering provided association leaders with a rare opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities, examine shared challenges, exchange proven practices, and strengthen the relationships that support the region’s life sciences ecosystem.
Participants represented iBIO, Indiana Life Sciences Association, Iowa Biotechnology Association, Kentucky Life Sciences Council, AdAstra Bio, Missouri Biotechnology Association, Bio Nebraska, Ohio Life Sciences, South Dakota Biotech, and BioForward Wisconsin.
Although each association serves a distinct membership and operates within a different economic and policy environment, the conversations demonstrated how much these organizations have in common. All are working to support innovation, deliver meaningful value to members, advocate for sound public policy, develop talent, and ensure that life sciences companies can form, grow, and remain competitive within their states.
Sharing practices that strengthen associations
The retreat’s working agenda centered on three broad areas essential to effective association leadership: operations, programs, and advocacy.
Operational discussions explored how state associations can remain responsive and financially sustainable while managing growing expectations from members and partners. Participants compared approaches to organizational planning, governance, staffing, member recruitment and retention, sponsorship development, partnerships, and the effective use of limited resources. The candid peer-to-peer format allowed directors to discuss not only successful practices, but also persistent challenges and lessons learned.
Program-focused conversations examined how associations can create relevant, high-value opportunities for companies at different stages of development. Participants shared perspectives on member education, industry convenings, workforce and talent initiatives, business-support services, executive engagement, and programs that connect companies with investors, research institutions, service providers, and economic-development partners.
The advocacy sessions addressed the increasingly complex policy landscape facing biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, and agricultural/industrial biotech (i.e., bioeconomy) sectors. Directors discussed ways to build durable relationships with policymakers, communicate the economic and societal value of the industry, mobilize member voices, and develop effective state and regional coalitions. The conversations also reinforced the importance of connecting state priorities with federal advocacy and presenting a coordinated industry voice when policy decisions cross state lines.
Throughout the retreat, participants emphasized that collaboration among state associations is itself a competitive advantage. By sharing knowledge and resources, associations can strengthen their individual organizations while helping the Midwest speak more effectively as a region.
Honoring Peter Pellerito
A particularly meaningful moment of the retreat was a tribute to Peter “Pete” Pellerito, whose decades of leadership have had a lasting influence on state bioscience associations, economic-development policy, technology transfer, and the broader national life sciences community.
As a senior policy adviser and federal/state economic-development and technology-transfer leader with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Pete has helped states and regions understand what it takes to build strong, sustainable bioscience ecosystems. His work has connected industry, government, universities, research institutions, economic-development organizations, and state bioscience associations around a shared commitment to turning scientific discovery into economic opportunity and improvements in human health.
Pete has authored or contributed to numerous reports and best-practice guides addressing bioscience economic development, commercialization, research infrastructure, workforce development, investment, and public policy. Just as important, he has served as a trusted adviser, mentor, convener, and friend to association leaders across the country.
His contributions were recognized during the retreat through three notable honors: a proclamation from the Governor Gretchen Whitmer and presented former State Rep. and close family member, Ed Clemente, a personal letter from longtime friend U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and a Congressional Record Statement delivered by good friend Rep. Debbie Dingell on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Together, these tributes recognized the breadth of Pete’s public service, his commitment to Michigan, and his enduring contribution to the growth of the bioscience industry.
For the association leaders gathered on Mackinac Island, the tribute was especially fitting. Pete’s career exemplifies the retreat’s central themes: collaboration across organizational and geographic boundaries, the value of sustained advocacy, and the importance of building relationships that endure well beyond any single meeting or initiative.
Building connections beyond the meeting room
The retreat also gave many participants their first opportunity to experience Mackinac Island. Its distinctive history, natural beauty, and absence of automobiles provided an ideal setting for thoughtful conversation and relationship-building.
One of the week’s highlights was a magnificent sunset cruise with Sip n’ Sail Cruises. The evening offered participants striking views of the Straits of Mackinac and a memorable perspective on one of Michigan’s most iconic destinations. All of the Midwest Directors but one were visiting the island for the first time, and so the cruise was an exceptional introduction to the character and beauty that make Mackinac Island unlike any other place in the Midwest.
The informal conversations that took place during meals, walks, and shared island experiences were every bit as valuable as the scheduled sessions. Those moments allowed participants to continue exploring ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration, and deepen relationships with colleagues who understand the opportunities and pressures associated with leading a state life sciences organization.
Made possible through partnership
MichBio is grateful to the organizations whose generous support made the retreat possible:
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Event Sponsors: Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), PhRMA, and AdvaMed
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Reception Sponsor: VWR, part of Avantor
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Dinner Sponsors: Genentech and Novartis
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Supporting Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson
Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the associations that serve life sciences companies and advocate for innovation throughout the Midwest.
MichBio also extends its appreciation to every participant who traveled to Mackinac Island and contributed openly to the retreat. The quality of the gathering was shaped by the experience, candor, curiosity, and collegiality each leader brought to the conversation.
The retreat reaffirmed that state bioscience associations accomplish more when they learn from one another. While every state has its own strengths, priorities, and policy environment, the Midwest’s life sciences community is connected by common goals: advancing discovery, supporting growing companies, developing a skilled workforce, improving health, and generating economic opportunity.
MichBio was honored to host this year’s gathering and looks forward to carrying its conversations, relationships, and spirit of collaboration into the work ahead.
