Forum CCE North America 2026

Program & Speakers

Three days of high-level conferences, roundtables and networking in Houston.

October 21–23, 2026 · Houston, Texas

Full Schedule

Three Days, One Agenda

Day 1CCE Members’ Working Afternoon & Welcome CocktailWednesday, October 21

12:00 pm

CCE Members Only

Working Afternoon — Reserved for CCE Members

A private afternoon session dedicated to CCE members: strategic discussions, internal exchanges and preparation for the Forum’s main program.

CCE Members

End of working sessions — 6:00 pm

7:00 pm

Evening Event

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Open to all participants. An elegant evening to welcome delegates, speakers and partners — the perfect opportunity to connect before the Forum’s full program begins. Venue to be announced — a distinctive Texan setting.

All Participants

End of evening — 11:00 pm

Day 2Full Conference Day & Gala DinnerThursday, October 22

Registration & Morning Coffee — from 8:00 am

8:00 am

Plenary — Open to All

Opening Panel

Official opening of the Forum CCE North America 2026 with welcoming remarks from CCE leadership and institutional partners.

Open to All

8:40 am

Keynote — Open to All

Advancing the Most Time- & Capital-Efficient Life Science Ecosystem in the World

William McKeon, President & CEO of the Texas Medical Center, on Houston’s position as a global hub for medical innovation and the opportunities for international collaboration.

Open to All

9:25 am

Keynote — Open to All

Medical Innovation & Advanced Therapies

Dr. William Cohn, Chief Medical Officer of BiVACOR Inc., on the latest advances in life sciences and the future of medical technologies.

Open to All

10:10 am

Conference — Open to All

Program to be Announced

Conference session — topic and speakers to be confirmed.

Open to All

Networking Lunch — 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

2:00 pm

Conference — Open to All

Program to be Announced

Afternoon conference session — topic and speakers to be confirmed.

Open to All

End of conference sessions — 6:30 pm

8:00 pm

Evening Event

Gala Dinner

An exceptional gala dinner to celebrate the Forum CCE North America 2026. Venue kept secret — an exceptional Texan setting to be revealed closer to the event.

Gala

End of evening — midnight

Day 3Closing Conference DayFriday, October 23

Morning Coffee — from 8:00 am

8:00 am

Conference — Open to All

Program to be Announced

Morning conference sessions — topics and speakers to be confirmed.

Open to All

Closing Lunch — 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

The Venue

The Ismaili Centre, Houston

An Exceptional Space in the Heart of Houston

Near Downtown Houston, Texas

The Forum will take place at The Ismaili Centre Houston — a landmark of contemporary architecture located near Downtown Houston. Designed by Farshid Moussavi Architecture, this remarkable building combines light, geometry and cultural depth to create one of the most striking venues in North America. Its grand conference hall, luminous atrium and beautifully landscaped gardens make it an ideal setting for high-level exchanges and memorable evenings.

Confirmed Speakers

They Will Be on Stage

William McKeon

President & CEO
Texas Medical Center

Keynote speaker on health innovation. William McKeon leads the world’s largest medical complex, driving life science breakthroughs and positioning Houston as a global hub for biomedical research and innovation.

Dr. William Cohn

Chief Medical Officer
BiVACOR Inc.

A pioneer in mechanical circulatory support and cardiovascular innovation, Dr. Cohn is advancing the next generation of heart replacement technology at BiVACOR, one of the most promising medtech ventures in the world.

Sophie Sidos

President
CCE de la France

President of the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France, Sophie Sidos leads the global network of French business advisors and champions French economic influence and international partnerships worldwide.

Practical Information

Everything You Need to Know

Venue

The Ismaili Centre

Near Downtown Houston, Texas — an exceptional contemporary landmark combining architecture, culture and light.

Dates

October 21–23, 2026

Wednesday afternoon (CCE members) · Thursday full day · Friday morning. Welcome cocktail on Wednesday evening, Gala Dinner on Thursday evening.

Registration

Secure Your Place

CCE Member Early Registration rate available until July 31. Tickets on sale now — limited capacity.

Contact

Get in Touch

For program enquiries, speaker information or partnership opportunities, contact the Forum team directly.

cc********@***il.com

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