An Introduction to CPHI Milan 2026

Tara Dougal, event director for pharma at Informa Markets and head of CPHI Milan, previews the 2026 show in an interview with PharmTech. The event, which is happening from October 6-8, 2026, is expanding with 4 new zones: artificial intelligence (AI) and tech, cold chain and logistics, contamination control, and labeling. Dougal frames the event's growth strategy not as making the show bigger, but as mirroring where industry investment and demand are actually moving.

What’s New at CPHI Milan?

The new zones reflect areas that are increasingly central to how medicines are developed, manufactured, and delivered, according to Dougal. AI is being utilized to optimize manufacturing and regulatory compliance; cold chain has grown more critical as supply chains handle more temperature-sensitive and advanced therapies; contamination control underpins product quality and sterile manufacturing standards; and labeling is evolving through serialization, track-and-trace, and sustainability demands. Dedicated zones, Dougal explains, give attendees clearer navigation toward specialist technologies and services.

Also new this year is CPHI’s Sustainability Summit, which is running the first 2 days of the show. The Summit is expected to bring industry conversation from broad ambition toward practical, actionable steps across the supply chain.

The Host City of Milan

Dougal highlights Milan as a natural host: Italy has a strong pharma manufacturing base and global supply chain role, plus the international connectivity the event's scale requires, alongside the city's broader appeal for business, food, and culture.

Planning ahead and prioritizing key meetings is essential, but Dougal advises attendees to leave room for unplanned discovery, because some of the best connections at CPHI happen unexpectedly. She encourages visitors to step outside their usual area of expertise, explore the new zones, and take time to enjoy Milan itself, noting CPHI’s website offers hotel, city pass, and flight discount resources to help attendees prepare.

According to Dougal, CPHI is evolving alongside the pharmaceutical industry's shifting priorities, such as sustainability, technology, and increasingly specialized expertise, while keeping the event's networking and discovery value intact.

About the Interviewee

Tara Dougal is Event Director–Pharma at Informa Markets, where she leads the CPHI Europe event. Tara brings over 12 years of extensive event management experience spanning roles in New York, London, and Amsterdam. She previously held the position of Content Director before advancing to her current leadership role.

At CPHI, Tara plays a crucial role in creating connections and inspiring partnerships across the global pharmaceutical community, championing innovation at the heart of pharma through both in-person and online events.