Annual Meeting

LPA Annual Meeting 
NOVEMBER 1-3, 2026
THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES
LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

The countdown to the LPA Annual Meeting is on — and hotel reservations are now open at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Registration for the meeting officially opens in June!

Set along the California coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean and world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, this year’s Annual Meeting promises a powerful mix of market intelligence, professional development, relationship-building, and unforgettable experiences unique to the LPA.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve their rooms early as availability is expected to fill quickly.

This year’s program will feature two dynamic industry and economic outlook sessions designed to help members better understand where the market is headed — and how to prepare for what’s next.

Connor Lokar, Senior Manager at ITR Economics, will deliver a Domestic & Global Economic Outlook packed with the trends, forecasts, and business-cycle insights impacting manufacturers and suppliers across the laboratory products industry. Known for combining accuracy, humor, and practical takeaways, Connor brings a fresh perspective that resonates with both seasoned executives and emerging leaders.

Members will also hear from Josh Waldman, PhD, MBA, Partner and Life Science Tools & Diagnostics Analyst at Cleveland Research Company, who will provide valuable insight into current market conditions, industry shifts, and the evolving life sciences landscape, helping attendees stay informed and positioned for growth.

The meeting will also feature the always-popular Regulatory & Legislative Update presented by the LPA’s government affairs team at Venable LLP. The Venable team will provide timely insight into the latest developments impacting healthcare, regulatory policy, federal legislation, and advocacy priorities relevant to the laboratory products industry — helping members stay informed and prepared in an increasingly complex policy environment.

From actionable market insight and economic forecasting to meaningful conversations and connections, the 2026 LPA Annual Meeting is shaping up to be another can’t-miss event for the laboratory products industry. Additional presentations and networking experiences will be announced soon!

Beyond the meeting room
Sunday morning, the Annual Golf Tournament will be hosted at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, with an 8:00 AM shotgun start on the North Course. Also an early start on Sunday morning, the LPA Women’s Forum sponsored Morning Meet-Up will meet in the lobby at 6:30 AM to walk together through the scenic Torrey Pines State Reserve. Sunday will also feature a foodie tour in the famous La Jolla Village, offering countless opportunities beyond the meeting room to enjoy yourselves!

About the Hotel
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, California 92037
Phone: (858) 453-4420
LPA Member rate: $399
Resort Fee: $30
Deadline to reserve your room: October 9, 2026
Check in: 4:00pm
Check out: 11:00am

RESERVE YOUR ROOM ONLINE HERE

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Sunday, November 1
6:00- 8:00 AM                 LPA Women's Forum sponsored Morning Meet-Up 
8:00 AM-2:00 PM           Golf Tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course (optional, on-site)
11:00 AM-2:00 PM         Optional Outing (optional, off-site)
6:00-9:00 PM                  Opening Reception & Dinner
 
Monday, November 2
7:30-9:00 AM                 Open Networking Breakfast 
9:00 AM-4:00 PM          General Session
6:00-6:30 PM                 LPA Women's Forum Trivia at the Reception
6:00-9:00 PM                 Reception & Dinner
 
Tuesday, November 3
7:30-8:30 AM                Open Networking Breakfast
8:30-11:30 AM              General Session
11:30 AM                       Meeting Adjourns
12:00-1:00 PM              Optional Outing

About the Keynote Speakers

Connor Lokar
Economic Consulting Speaker
Senior Manager
ITR Economics

Domestic & Global Economic Outlook

About Connor
Few young economists present their insights with the authority, accuracy, and humor that Connor Lokar brings to the stage. From the intimate executive retreat to the standing room-only keynote, he delivers with charm and candor, rousing and enlightening all who attend his talks. 

As a millennial, Connor brings a new perspective to the world of economics, delivering ITR’s industry-leading accuracy to current C-suite executives while forging connections with the next generation of business leaders.  

Connor specializes in construction but consults and presents to businesses across all industries, helping them grow revenue and remain profitable through an everchanging business cycle. 

Josh Waldman, phd, mba
Life Science Tools & Diagnostics Analyst, Partner
Cleveland Research Company

Life Sciences Update Roundtable

Gain clarity on where the life sciences market is heading and how to stay ahead of the tide with an interactive and informative roundtable discussion with industry leaders. 

About Josh
Josh is currently a Research Associate at the research firm, Cleveland Research Company (CRC) where he and his team are responsible for coverage of the Life Science, Managed Care and Ophthalmology industries. Prior to CRC, Josh held a business development position at Forest Labs (now Allergan) in addition to working with several early-stage biotech start-ups where he held both business development and benchtop research positions.

Josh holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on transplantation immunology, and an MBA from the University of Toledo. He completed his undergraduate work in biochemistry at Bowling Green State University. He currently lives in Pepper Pike, OH with his wife Erin and daughter Charlotte.

REGULATORY & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE from Venable LLP will include:

Deepti Loharikar
Senior Policy Advisor
Venable LLP

About Deepti
Deepti Loharikar is both a trained attorney and an accomplished healthcare policy strategist with deep experience guiding clients on federal regulatory strategy, agency engagement, and emerging health policy trends. Deepti brings a cross-HHS perspective shaped by her work at both the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), where she led Affordable Care Act implementation efforts for rural communities, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she developed oversight and compliance strategies for the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) Program.

Before joining Venable, Deepti served in senior leadership roles at national healthcare associations. She directed federal regulatory strategy for a leading national association focused on behavioral health and substance use disorder policy, where she founded and chaired the organization’s Policy Council, led its regulatory platform, and represented members in high-level engagements with federal agencies and coalitions. She also served as director of federal and state public policy for a major national healthcare trade association, where she guided multi-state advocacy initiatives, shaped federal legislation, and developed policy positions across pharmacy practice, privacy, and healthcare access.

Drawing on experience as a former healthcare attorney, a federal health policy official, and an association leader, Deepti provides clients with strategic, forward-looking guidance to help them navigate regulatory change, shape agency priorities, and advance their policy objectives.

Jim Twaddell
Senior Policy Advisor
Venable LLP

About Jim
Jim Twaddell leverages an in-depth understanding of the processes and politics that drive decision-making in Washington, DC to develop and execute effective government relations agendas and campaigns. An experienced lobbyist at the federal level and a former senior staffer in the U.S. Senate, Jim skillfully navigates legislative issues related to healthcare policy, federal appropriations funding, grassroots initiatives, and advocacy training.
In the healthcare space, Jim represents the interests of hospitals and health systems, nonprofit voluntary health organizations, physicians, and allied health professional societies, and provides strategic counsel on legislative, regulatory policy, political, and advocacy issues. He directly engages members of Congress and their staff to advance authorization legislation, secure increased federal appropriations funding, and work with federal agencies on regulatory policies. Jim previously worked as the associate director of government affairs at a national organization for academic nursing. He acted as the lead lobbyist for appropriations, healthcare policy, higher education, and veterans’ affairs issues.
Jim also served as the deputy director of communications and a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), playing a key role in shaping the senator’s legislative and political strategy. He managed daily communication and coordination of policy issues with Senator Specter’s personal office staff; the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittees; and the Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee, on which Senator Specter served as chairman.

Tim Ursprung
Policy Advisor
Venable LLP

About Tim
Tim Ursprung is a skilled advisor who brings nearly a decade of Capitol Hill and government relations experience to his clients. Tim develops and executes targeted advocacy and lobbying strategies to help his clients adjust to public policy developments and comply with ever-changing regulatory requirements. Prior to joining Venable, Tim worked as the vice president of federal legislative affairs at a lobbying firm, where he represented client interests before members of Congress and administration officials. Before the private sector, Tim worked in Congress for six years, where he advised then U.S. representative Peter T. King, who served as a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee.
 

About the Optional Outings

LPA Women's Forum sponsored Morning Meet-up
Sunday, November 1, 6:00-8:00 AM
Optional, On-Site; FREE!

All attendees—men and women—are encouraged to participate. The morning begins at 6:00 AM with participants gathering in the lobby to walk together down a scenic route along Torrey Pines State Reserve—moving through rustic coastal footpaths that wind from wooded hilltops to the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A powerful way to start the day grounded in connection and place. From 7:00–8:00 AM, the group can continue networking together along with the golfers, with a complimentary hot and beverage and bagel back at the hotel.

LPA Annual Meeting Golf Tournament 
Sunday, November 1, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Optional, On-Site; Fee TBD

The Annual Golf Tournament will be at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, where attendees will tee off on the North Course. The Lodge offers complimentary coffee and tea as early as 6 AM. Golfers will prepare for an 8:00 AM shotgun start for up to 36 participants, with boxed lunches provided around 11 AM. This offers a great way to connect with fellow members while enjoying one of the most scenic courses in the country!

Highlighted Hotel Amenities Include:
Complimentary Coffee/Tea
The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers complimentary coffee and tea service for guests in the lobby, specifically located near the A.R. Valentien Lounge, available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (until 10:00 a.m. on weekends).

Pool and Whirlpool Spa
The swimming pool has underwater speakers and is heated for your comfort and enjoyment. The relaxing hot tub is located under a picturesque gazebo overlooking the golf course.

Electric Bikes
See La Jolla by electric bike and experience highlights of the area from La Jolla Cove to the hilltop of Mt. Soledad. Bikes are first come, first served for ages 18 and up. 

Putters for Putting Green
Borrow a loaner putter from The Lodge and practice your skills on the Torrey Pines putting green located directly adjacent to The Grill.

La Jolla Shores
Located only three miles from The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla Shores is a wide, mile-long beach with soft sand and gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for families, sunbathers and beginner surfers. The Lodge at Torrey Pines Beach Program offers guests complimentary folding chairs, beach towels and beach toys. Picnic lunches can be arranged with the concierge. Service is subject to availability.

Yoga Classes
70-minute yoga classes focus on philosophy, basic breathing, and posture. Individual attention is given in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

Enjoy dining at Judson's Pool Bar and Outdoor Venue
Open Daily 11:00 am - Sunset
www.lodgetorreypines.com/judsons 
The Lodge's new poolside bar provides a relaxing and elegant setting to enjoy thoughtful menu offerings, world-class hospitality, and incredible coastal views. The bar program delivers an exceptional range of craft cocktails, local beer selections, and sommelier-selected wines, while the culinary menu focuses on mouthwatering options that are convenient to eat poolside. 

Not sure what to expect? Click the picture below for pictures of past LPA meetings on our Facebook Page.