The Nexus Prelude
Only 25 days until The Nexus Prelude | Application deadline: May 21 | Limited to 200 attendees

The Nexus Prelude:
China-Global Strategic Partnering in Oncology, Autoimmune, CNS & Beyond

Pre-ASCO 2026 Satellite Conference
May 28, 2026
Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago
Invite-Only · 100–200 Attendees

Application deadline:
May 21, 2026 | Only 16 presenting company slots remaining

Event Overview

The Nexus Prelude is a half-day, invite-only satellite conference bringing together senior leaders from China's most innovative biotech companies, global MNCs, investors, and strategic partners — spanning oncology, autoimmune, CNS, and beyond — timed one day before the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting.

The program is anchored by a Company Roadshow format: selected companies deliver a 10-minute presentation followed by 5-minute Q&A, giving global BD and licensing executives direct exposure to the most compelling Chinese biotech assets and partnership-ready opportunities.

100-200
Invite-Only Attendees
60%+
C-Suite & SVP Level
50/50
China Biotech vs. Global MNC
35,000+
ASCO Attendees in Chicago

KEY FACTS

DATE
May 28, 2026
VENUE
Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago
FORMAT
Half-Day, Invite-Only
ATTENDANCE
100-200 Senior Leaders
ORGANIZERS
Yao Yuan • NAPPA

Why Attend

  • Access >20 curated Chinese biotech companies with partnership-ready assets across oncology, I&I, and CNS
  • Meet senior BD, licensing, investment, and corporate development decision-makers from top-20 pharma
  • Participate in focused 10+5 company presentations with structured Q&A
  • Schedule targeted 1-on-1 partnering meetings via our digital platform
  • Build cross-border relationships immediately before ASCO — while 35,000+ oncology leaders are in Chicago
  • Enjoy a premium setting at Trump Tower with complimentary shuttle to McCormick Place

By Invitation Only

  • Directly invited participants may confirm registration immediately via their personalized VIP link
  • Online applications are reviewed within 48 hours
  • Screening confirms strategic fit with the event's partnering objectives, participating companies, and MNC BD interests

Strategic Rationale

Chinese biotech companies have emerged as one of the fastest-growing forces in global drug R&D, with rapidly expanding pipelines across oncology, autoimmune diseases, CNS, and novel modalities. Increasingly, multinational pharmaceutical companies are organizing dedicated delegations to China to access these assets and explore partnership opportunities.

Yet despite this momentum, efficient, curated, executive-level deal-making opportunities remain limited within major global conferences.

The Nexus Prelude addresses this gap—bringing China’s most innovative biotech companies directly to Chicago, on the eve of ASCO.

Rather than requiring additional travel or fragmented outreach, this event offers a highly efficient, high-signal partnering platform where global BD leaders can:

  • Evaluate differentiated assets in a focused setting
  • Engage directly with company leadership
  • Explore partnership structures in real time
  • Initiate high-quality follow-up discussions during ASCO week

Designed for senior decision-makers, The Nexus Prelude creates a concentrated, invitation-only environment where meaningful cross-border partnerships can begin—without leaving the ASCO ecosystem.

THERAPEUTIC AREAS
Conference Theme

Conference Theme & Objectives

"The Nexus Prelude: China-Global Strategic Partnering in Oncology, Autoimmune, CNS & Beyond"

Company Roadshow

Showcase 20 selected biotech companies through concise 10-minute presentations and focused 5-minute Q&A — the core of the program.

Showcase Multi-TA Innovation

Highlight breakthrough Chinese biotech assets across oncology, autoimmune/inflammation, CNS, and novel modalities — to attract cross-functional MNC interest.

Enable Deal-Making

Provide structured 1-on-1 partnering sessions with pre-scheduled meetings between presenting company CEOs and MNC BD/licensing executives.

Build Lasting Networks

Foster an exclusive community of cross-border biopharma leaders for ongoing collaboration beyond a single event.

Who Should Attend

Target Audience

Chinese Biotech Companies

  • CEOs & Founders of Chinese biotech companies in oncology, autoimmune, and CNS
  • Chief Business Development Officers seeking global partnerships
  • Chief Scientific Officers with novel multi-TA assets
  • VP/SVP of Business Development & Licensing
  • China-based CRO/CDMO executives supporting cross-border deals

Multinational Corporations

  • Global Head of BD & Licensing at top-20 pharma companies
  • VP/SVP of Strategy and Pipeline Development (Oncology, I&I, CNS)
  • Chief Medical Officers overseeing multi-TA clinical programs
  • M&A and Corporate Development executives
  • VC and PE investors focused on cross-border biopharma deals
Presentation Format

Company Roadshow Format

20
Company Slots
10
Minutes Presentation
5
Minutes Q&A

Therapeutic Areas

  • Oncology (solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, immuno-oncology)
  • Autoimmune / Inflammation (I&I)
  • CNS (neurodegeneration, psychiatry, neuroinflammation)
  • Emerging areas: metabolic disease, rare disease, novel modalities

Presenting Company Selection Criteria

Companies are selected based on:

  • Clinical-stage or IND-ready programs with meaningful data
  • Differentiated biology, modality, or platform technology
  • Clear partnering objective (out-license, co-development, or strategic collaboration)
  • Availability of a non-confidential or confidential data package for interested partners
  • Strategic fit with MNC BD interests and the attendee profile

Recommended Pitch Structure

1
Company overview and leadership
1 minute
2
Lead asset(s) and key clinical data
4 minutes
3
Pipeline breadth and platform
2 minutes
4
Partnering opportunity and deal rationale
2 minutes
5
Key differentiators and closing
1 minute

Only 16 presenting slots are available. Apply now to secure your company's position.

APPLY TO PRESENT
Confirmed Presenters

Presenting Companies

The Nexus Prelude features 20 selected Chinese biotech companies presenting partnership-ready assets across oncology, autoimmune, CNS, and emerging therapeutic areas.

Sparx Bio
Yaoyuan Foundation
NAPPA
Company Logo
Company Logo
Company Logo
To Be Announced
To Be Announced

Interested in presenting? Only 16 slots remain.

APPLY TO PRESENT
Event Program

Proposed Agenda — May 28, 2026

Venue
Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago
Format
Half-Day Program
Focus
Company Roadshow Format
11:30 – 12:30 PM
Registration & Networking Lunch
Welcome reception with buffet lunch, badge collection, and networking
12:30 – 12:45 PM
Opening Remarks
Welcome address by Yao Yuan & NAPPA leadership
12:45 – 1:15 PM
Keynote Address
"The New Era of China-Global Biopharma Partnerships" — Invited industry thought leader
1:15 – 3:15 PM
Company Roadshow — Session 1: Oncology Focus
8 company presentations (10 min each + 5 min Q&A) covering oncology, immuno-oncology, and hematologic malignancies
3:15 – 3:30 PM
Networking Coffee Break
Informal networking and refreshments
3:30 – 5:30 PM
Company Roadshow — Session 2: Autoimmune, CNS & Beyond
4 company presentations (10 min each + 5 min Q&A) covering autoimmune/I&I, CNS, and emerging therapeutic areas
5:30 – 6:00 PM
MNC Reactor Panel
Quick-fire reactions from 3-4 MNC BD heads on the most compelling assets presented
6:00 – 8:30 PM
VIP Networking Reception
Exclusive cocktail reception with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline; continued partnering in a relaxed setting
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Company Roadshow — Session 2: Autoimmune, CNS & Beyond
4 company presentations (10 min each + 5 min Q&A) covering autoimmune/I&I, CNS, and emerging therapeutic areas
1:15 – 8:30 PM
1-on-1 Partnering
Complimentary shuttle to McCormick Place (ASCO venue): departures at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Venue

VENUE AND LOGISTICS

Venue for Symposium: Skyline Room at Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago

Located on the 16th floor, the Skyline Room at Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago offers an unparalleled venue for conferences, receptions, and special events. Soaring 24-foot floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city’s iconic architectural landmarks. With a versatile floor plan, the space comfortably accommodates up to 185 guests for seated functions and up to 250 for standing receptions, making it the ideal setting for both intimate gatherings and grand occasions.

Venue for Symposium
Venue for Symposium

Venue for Dinner Networking: Grand Salon at Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago

Once home to the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred restaurant Sixteen, the Grand Salon now embraces a more approachable yet equally sophisticated dining experience as part of Terrace 16. Located on the 16th floor, this stunning space blends refined elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere — ideal for networking receptions, private dinners, and executive gatherings.

Offering breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and riverfront, the Grand Salon provides a memorable setting where guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine and conversation in a relaxed, upscale environment. Whether hosting an intimate dinner or a larger networking event, the space delivers a seamless fusion of culinary excellence and iconic ambiance.

Venue for Dinner

Complimentary Shuttle Service

A complimentary shuttle service will be available between Trump International Hotel & Tower and McCormick Place, where the ASCO Annual Meeting will be held. Shuttle departures are scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening.

Offering breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and riverfront, the Grand Salon provides a memorable setting where guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine and conversation in a relaxed, upscale environment. Whether hosting an intimate dinner or a larger networking event, the space delivers a seamless fusion of culinary excellence and iconic ambiance.

RESERVE SHUTTLE SEAT
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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Secure Your Place at The Nexus Prelude

China's premier pre-ASCO partnering event

Apply to Attend (Public Screening)

Submit your application to attend. All public applications are subject to a 48-hour review process. Upon approval, you will receive a secure link to complete registration and dinner payment.

APPLY TO ATTEND

VIP / Pre-Invited Registration

If you received a direct invitation from the Organizing Committee, please click your personalized link to complete your registration.

VIP REGISTRATION

Reserve Complimentary Shuttle

Reserve a seat on the complimentary shuttle between Trump International Hotel & Tower and McCormick Place (ASCO venue). Multiple departure times available.

RESERVE SHUTTLE

Take a Survey to Win Free Registration

Complete a 2-minute survey about your cross-border partnering interests for a chance to attend free of charge.

TAKE SURVEY

Application deadline: May 21, 2026 | Presenting company applications close May 16 | Limited to 200 attendees

Organizing Committee

Organized by Industry Leaders

Yaoyuan Foundation

Yao Yuan

Yao Yuan Foundation is a leading organizer of Biotech-Pharma symposiums, with deep expertise in bridging Chinese and global pharmaceutical innovation through industry conferences and networking events.

  • Conference program design & curation
  • Speaker recruitment & management
  • China biotech company engagement
NAPPA

NAPPA

NAPPA brings together professionals across the North American pharmaceutical and biotech industries, facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange and professional development.

  • MNC executive outreach & engagement
  • Sponsorship development
  • Industry partnerships & media
Only 16 presenting company slots remaining | Application deadline: May 21 | Limited to 200 attendees