ALSSA's specific focus in the diagnostics area will be on molecular diagnostics (the use of DNA, RNA and proteins to test for specific states of health or disease), companion diagnostics, and emerging/next generation in vitro diagnostic technologies such as cellular diagnostics. Our attention will not extend to the mature clinical and immuno in vitro diagnostics markets. Going forward, we will increase the attention given to diagnostics/molecular diagnostics in our meetings and programs while maintaining a broad and generic focus to appeal to our diverse membership.
Technology is the key link between members of ALSSA and the molecular diagnostics industry, and we believe no other organization offers molecular diagnostics companies the access ALSSA would to the major analytical and life science platform technology companies, along with the opportunity to network with the senior executives in that space and to understand how technology platforms are evolving.
We are aware that other associations and groups are active in the diagnostics area and are providing value to their members. Our intent is not to duplicate or compete with those groups. We see the value they offer as different from what ALSSA would provide. Our focus and value proposition are on the technologies and markets in molecular diagnostics, including companion diagnostics and emerging/next generation diagnostics, on facilitating networking with other senior executives, and on providing meetings and industry information that will help companies in the molecular diagnostics space to better manage and grow their business.
What We Offer and the Benefit to Molecular Diagnostics Companies: ALSSA’s value proposition generally consists of executive networking. meetings for senior executives, market data, and industry surveys. Our meetings and programs are directed to presidents and senior executives. Specifically, we believe molecular diagnostics companies would benefit from the following:
In addition, we hold breakfast meetings with guest speakers, often customers, at several key trade shows to promote networking with other industry executives, and sponsor benchmarking surveys such as our annual salary survey where industry-specific data is important. Our web site — www.alssa.org — contains speaker presentations from our various meetings that all members can access, download and share with their team.
What Our Members Value: While members take away different things from our meetings and our other membership activities, what we hear over and over again is best expressed in the following member quotes — see our website for more member statements on the value of ALSSA:
"There is little opportunity in life sciences for executive leadership to have meaningful exchange. ALSSA consistently delivers this significant forum for such communication."
Bill Linton
Chairman & CEO
Promega Corporation
"As the CEO of two companies that have each been ALSSA members during the past 12 years, I have consistently made attendance of the Spring and Fall ALSSA meetings a priority. There is no other setting in our industry that comes close to offering the combination of relevant market topics, top-notch industry speakers and the opportunity to network with fellow CEOs with the efficiency of an ALSSA weekend. I always return with new information to share with my executive team."
Joe Keegan (Joe was formerly the President & CEO of Molecular Devices)
President & CEO
ForteBio
“ALSSA membership offers a great opportunity to maintain relationships with fellow industry executives, as well develop new ones. The meetings offer a unique forum for exchange of information on markets, technologies and emerging companies, as well as regional trends. I have been involved in ALSSA with several companies and we have consistently realized value from our participation.”
Frank Witney
President & CEO
Affymetrix, Inc.