As a leader of specialized biotech events, we take pride in connecting today’s emerging leadership with investors and stakeholders. Whether through focused networking conferences or exclusive events, connecting leaders of innovative biotech companies with investors, potential collaborators and key stakeholders is at the core of what we do. It’s our mission to generate genuine enthusiasm about promising biotechnology companies, examine and address the opportunities and challenges facing the biopharmaceutical industry.
Our past, present and future
From its inception, Demy-Colton has been committed to understanding the complexities and strategic challenges facing the biopharmaceutical industry.
Our highly-targeted events and dedication to peer-to-peer exposure foster the growth of next-wave biotech leaders. By carefully targeting and selecting attendees, we ensure more meaningful networking relationships and potential collaborations. Since 2008, Demy-Colton has a proven track record of bringing together c-suite management, key advisors and stakeholders to explore mutually beneficial opportunities in the biotech sector.
A team of leaders
Great teams are made up of inspired individuals and innovative thinkers who share a common goal. At Demy-Colton, ours is to meet the unique needs of leaders in the biotech and life sciences industries.
Sara Jane Demy, Founder & CEO
Sara is one of the most influential networkers and connectors in the life sciences industry. As the CEO & Founder of Demy-Colton, a leading life sciences events organizer, she brings more than 22 years of experience launching, developing, and shaping high-profile investor and business development conferences in the healthcare industry.
In 2008, Sara founded Demy-Colton, a company dedicated to facilitating growth in life sciences and digital medicine, through the creation of compelling industry conferences and virtual events. She is committed to fostering the support and advancement of entrepreneurs and companies that are focused on bringing innovative new therapies to improve patient lives and care.
Sara is a fierce advocate for diversity in all forms and has made a commitment to fostering inclusion in all Demy-Colton events, both in-person and virtual. As one of the founders of Biotech Showcase, she led the movement on calling out “manels,” and made a commitment to ensure gender diversity on all panels, at all events.
Prior to founding Demy-Colton, Sara was Vice President for Business Development and Investor Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). During her tenure, she led the launch of the BIO CEO & Investor Conference, BIO Investor Forum, BIO Asia, regional investor forums, the Business Forum at BIO’s annual meeting. She expanded BIO-Europe, helped launch BioEurope Spring, and BioEquity, and developed the partnering system that is now an important component of all biopharma business development meetings.
Sara was also Director for Foreign Investment at the Empire State Development Corporation, which has a mission of making New York a location of choice for international companies. One of her clients was Beecham Pharmaceuticals, now a part of GSK, which was looking to build a 600-person ethical research facility. It was through her work with Beecham that she was introduced to the then nascent biopharma industry and ultimately, BIO. Sara holds a BA in International Relations from the University at Albany.
Lila Taylor, Chief Business Officer
Since 2015, Lila has played an integral role in shaping and expanding Demy-Colton events and products. She seamlessly builds relationships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, industry stakeholders, and venture capitalists to shape innovative conferences worldwide, and continues to seek out the most promising biotech companies from around the world to present at such events.
Her science expertise incorporates experience as Director of Alliance Management at KineMed, Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in clinical proteomic biomarkers and as former Head of the Presenter Selection Committee and Client Manager at Technology Vision Group LLC, a producer of international biotechnology business development and investment conferences.
Dan Ruiz, Chief Operating Officer
Dan brings Demy-Colton the benefit of a rich and diverse career where business development, global growth, and customer satisfaction were paramount – all of which have shaped his leadership role at Demy-Colton. His executive tenure at AT&T included planning and executing the company’s expansion into Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, which was instrumental in developing the brand globally. As the Chief Marketing Officer of a new internet venture, Dan led the firm’s effort to introduce e-commerce to a $200 billion industry and bellwether measure for the US economy. A successful marketing and public relations program helped establish that venture as the leading pioneer in this industry.
Dan’s experience in real estate, banking and the airline sectors rounds out his capabilities in marketing, sales and business development. His academic background includes undergraduate degrees in business and foreign languages, and an MBA from Columbia University.
Betsy Bascom, Senior Advisor
Since 2011 Betsy has been integral to Demy-Colton’s management of conference Advisory Boards, speakers, and program support. Betsy is also the Founder and CEO of Global Connectworks Ltd., a consultancy, supporting international life science companies in cross-border corporate development, financing, and conference participation.
Of note, Betsy was a key driver in the growth of BIOTECanada, the nation’s leading professional association representing key players in the biotech sector. Prior to joining BIOTECanada, Betsy led product development for Umbra Limited, as well as conference & event management and strategic planning both locally and internationally.
Betsy’s industry experience is further supported by her MBA and her volunteer experience on a number of corporate and not-for-profit boards.
Linda Burke, Director of Corporate Development
Working on the Demy-Colton team since 2011, Linda has supported all areas of event planning, promotion, and execution. She leverages her integral experience in the healthcare industry, including weight and healthcare management, and the financial services industry to support her contribution to all aspects of Demy-Colton’s operations and growth. Linda also manages Demy-Colton's websites and sponsor relationships. Linda received her undergraduate degree in Sociology, and holds a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Baruch College.
Lawrence Joseph, Director of Operations
Since 2008, Lawrence has been responsible for managing Client Relations and Operations. His highly professional implementation of events is tightly linked to his personable and professional attitude, and more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. At Demy-Colton, his responsibilities involve event operations and execution including communications with presenters, scheduling of presentations, onsite presentation management, and deployment of Networking2™, Demy-Colton’s partnering system.
Sara Pinto, Managing Director, Program Development
Sara joined the Demy-Colton team in 2019 and is responsible for program management, with a strong emphasis on the execution and implementation of the Demy-Colton Virtual Salon Series. Sara brings over 20 years of experience in conference and events planning, developing in-person and digital events, for executives and C-suite professionals in the professional and scholarly publishing industry. Sara is a graduate of Oxford Brookes University (UK) and holds a joint bachelor’s degree in both Publishing and English Language, Literature & Discourse.
