The Beginnings
The EPHMRA Online Forecasting Forum was set up in the second half of 2018 by Erik Holzinger of groupH and Ben Collins of Boehringer Ingelheim following a lively Forecasting Roundtable event at the 2018 EPHMRA Conference in Basel. The idea at the time was (and still is) to provide a place for industry and agencies to engage and informally discuss key topics in areas of Forecasting and Data Analysis throughout the year.
Today we have covered and discussed >50 forecasting topics, which are all searchable and accessible to members through a repository and video library.
Objectives and Target Audience
We bring industry, agencies and other individuals with an interest in forecasting, data analysis and strategy together. Over the years the background of people joining the forum has broadened and covers forecasting, data analysis, insight, NPP, market research, strategy and consulting.
The discussions follow Chatham-House Rules and allow everyone to share their views and learn from others from outside their organization and function. Up to today we count >130 forum members from a mix of Pharma companies, agencies and academia and many join us during our forums on a regular basis.
The online meetings are free for everyone who is part of a registered EPHMRA member organisation. The meetings invite junior and experienced individuals.
Modus Operandi
From the outset the forum has been working along a set of guidelines that govern the interactions and describe the forum ethos – we align along Chatham House Rules to create an environment for open, honest and candid discussions.
The forum is chaired by a member of the Forecasting Forum Committee. The committee discusses and decides the topics to be discussed throughout the year. Invites to online forums are being sent out by central office to the Forecasting Forum member list and functional links to the meeting will be sent to all members who register for a particular forum.
Future Outlook
Going forward we look to put up and discuss all topics that will shape and impact our industry and the way we work. Hence we revisit classic forecasting topics and put up new topics as they evolve.
If you are interested to hear about upcoming events, follow this link - https://www.ephmra.org/events. If you are interested in joining the FF committee or like to propose topics for discussion please contact Bernadette Rogers, generalmanager@ephmra.org or Erik Holzinger, erik@ephmra.org.
Webinars and Discussion Forums
To access recordings and our repository - log in at www.ephmra.org
To access our complete list of events and topics covered by the Forecasting Forum since 2018, follow this link - https://www.ephmra.org/events