Peptide Conferences & Events Calendar 2026

Why Peptide Conferences Matter in 2026
Major Industry Conferences
Academic and Scientific Meetings
Specialized and Niche Events
What to Expect at Each Type of Event
How to Get the Most Out of Peptide Conferences
FAQ
The Bottom Line
References

The peptide field is in the middle of a transformation. GLP-1 drugs have reshaped metabolic medicine. AI-driven design platforms are rewriting the drug discovery playbook. Oral delivery technologies promise to replace injections. And regulatory frameworks are still catching up with all of it.

If there was ever a year to attend a peptide conference, 2026 is it. The calendar is packed with events spanning fundamental peptide chemistry, clinical therapeutics, manufacturing scale-up, and business development. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, industry professional, or informed consumer, there's an event that fits.

Here's the complete 2026 calendar, organized by date, with details on what each event offers and who should attend.

Major Industry Conferences

These are the flagship events where pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, investors, and researchers converge. They tend to be large (500--2,000+ attendees), commercially oriented, and focused on translating peptide science into drugs and business.

TIDES Asia 2026

Dates: February 24--26, 2026 Location: Tokyo, Japan Organizer: Informa Connect

TIDES Asia is the Pacific Rim edition of the TIDES conference series, covering oligonucleotide, peptide, mRNA, genome editing, and drug delivery therapeutics. The 2026 event reflects the growing importance of Asian markets in peptide drug development and manufacturing.

Who should attend: Industry professionals working in Asia-Pacific peptide markets, researchers collaborating with Asian manufacturing partners, and business development teams exploring regional partnerships.

What to expect: Sessions on peptide manufacturing scale-up in Asia, regional regulatory frameworks, and collaborative research opportunities. The event is smaller than its U.S. and European counterparts but growing rapidly year over year (Informa Connect, 2026).

PepTalk 2026 --- The Protein Science and Production Week

Dates: January 19--22, 2026 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Organizer: Cambridge Healthtech Institute

PepTalk marks its 25th anniversary in 2026, and it's expanding its scope to include therapeutic peptides more explicitly. The conference traditionally focused on protein expression and production, but this year features new tracks on expression and development of therapeutic peptides and miniproteins.

Who should attend: Scientists working in protein and peptide production, lab automation specialists, and researchers exploring the intersection of protein engineering and peptide therapeutics.

What to expect: Symposia covering protein expression platforms, analytical characterization, antibody and peptide discovery, and lab automation. The addition of peptide-specific content signals the field's growth beyond traditional protein biologics (PepTalk, 2026).

TIDES USA 2026

Dates: May 11--14, 2026 Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA, USA Organizer: Informa Connect

TIDES USA is North America's leading conference on oligonucleotide and peptide therapeutics. It covers the full pipeline from discovery through development to commercialization, attracting more than 1,900 scientists, executives, engineers, and decision-makers.

Who should attend: This is the must-attend event for anyone professionally involved in peptide drug development in the Americas. Pharmaceutical executives, biotech startup founders, venture capitalists, regulatory specialists, and academic researchers all have reasons to be here.

What to expect: The 2026 program will reflect the GLP-1 boom, with sessions on next-generation metabolic drugs, oral peptide delivery, AI-driven drug design, and manufacturing capacity expansion. Given the venture capital activity in the peptide space, expect significant business development and dealmaking activity on the conference sidelines (Informa Connect, 2026).

Emerging Peptide Therapeutics at PEGS Boston

Dates: May 14--15, 2026 Location: Boston, MA, USA Organizer: Cambridge Healthtech Institute

This is Cambridge Healthtech Institute's inaugural dedicated peptide therapeutics conference, held back-to-back with PEGS (the Protein and Antibody Engineering Summit). The timing --- immediately after TIDES USA --- allows attendees to cover both events in a single trip.

Who should attend: Researchers and industry professionals focused on peptide drug discovery, engineering, and design. The inaugural format means this event will attract early adopters and thought leaders setting the tone for future editions.

What to expect: Sessions on half-life extended peptides, GLP-1 agonists, and applications beyond obesity and diabetes. The focus on discovery and engineering distinguishes this from TIDES' broader pipeline coverage (PEGS Summit, 2026).

TIDES Europe 2026

Dates: November 3--5, 2026 Location: RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands Organizer: Informa Connect

The European edition of TIDES brings together over 900 attendees for the latest advances in oligonucleotide and peptide therapeutics discovery, development, and manufacturing. Amsterdam's position as a European biotech hub and its accessibility make this a strong draw for industry professionals across the continent.

Who should attend: European-based peptide professionals, companies seeking European partnerships or regulatory insight, and researchers working within the EMA regulatory framework.

What to expect: European regulatory perspectives on peptide therapeutics, manufacturing and supply chain discussions specific to European markets, and partnership opportunities with European biotech firms (Informa Connect, 2026).

3rd Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit 2026

Dates: TBD (typically fall) Location: TBD Organizer: Various industry partners

This summit gathers R&D leaders from companies including Parabilis Medicines, Circle Pharma, AbbVie, Merck, and Chugai Pharmaceuticals. The format emphasizes deep technical sessions on peptide drug discovery, screening, chemistry, formulation, and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls).

Who should attend: Peptide drug hunters, formulation scientists, and R&D leaders seeking technical depth rather than broad market overview.

What to expect: Advanced sessions on novel screening approaches, macrocyclic peptide chemistry, formulation strategies, and manufacturing challenges. The summit format encourages extended discussion and networking among senior technical professionals (Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit, 2026).

Peptide Drug Summit 2026

Dates: TBD Location: TBD

A conference where industry leaders meet peptide innovators to explore advanced technologies and manufacturing expertise. The event focuses on practical aspects of peptide drug development, from synthesis to scale-up to commercialization.

Who should attend: Manufacturing and process development professionals, CMC specialists, and business development teams evaluating peptide manufacturing partnerships (Peptide Drug Summit, 2026).

Academic and Scientific Meetings

These events prioritize fundamental research and peer-reviewed science over commercial applications. They're where new discoveries are first presented and where academic careers in peptide science advance.

17th German Peptide Symposium

Dates: March 4--6, 2026 Location: Essen, Germany

One of Europe's longest-running peptide chemistry meetings, the German Peptide Symposium brings together academic researchers working on peptide synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and new chemical methods. The smaller format (compared to TIDES) allows for more in-depth scientific discussion.

Who should attend: Academic peptide chemists, graduate students and postdocs in peptide science, and industry scientists with a chemistry focus.

What to expect: Presentations on novel synthetic methods, peptide modification strategies, and structure-activity studies. The academic setting favors detailed methodology discussion.

Oral and Macrocyclic Peptides Conference

Dates: April 15--16, 2026 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Organizer: Drug Discovery Chemistry

A focused, two-day meeting dedicated entirely to oral peptide delivery and macrocyclic peptide drug discovery. Given the massive investment flowing into oral peptide platforms, this conference covers one of the most commercially relevant areas in the field.

Who should attend: Medicinal chemists, drug delivery scientists, and researchers working on peptide permeability, oral bioavailability, and macrocyclic design.

What to expect: Technical sessions on membrane permeability of macrocyclic peptides, oral bioavailability optimization, and case studies from companies developing oral peptide drugs. The focused format means high signal-to-noise for attendees with specific oral delivery interests (Drug Discovery Chemistry, 2026).

38th European Peptide Symposium (EPS 2026)

Dates: September 6--11, 2026 Location: University of Vienna Main Building, Vienna, Austria

The European Peptide Symposium is one of the field's most prestigious academic gatherings. Held at the University of Vienna's main building on the historic Ringstrasse, the 2026 edition covers the full spectrum of peptide science: cutting-edge synthetic methods, innovative technologies, computational tools, structural studies, and biological and therapeutic applications.

Who should attend: Academic researchers at all career stages, from graduate students to established principal investigators. Industry scientists who want deep exposure to emerging science should also consider attending.

What to expect: A week-long program of oral presentations, poster sessions, and plenary lectures from field leaders. The emphasis on material, biological, and therapeutic applications alongside traditional peptide chemistry reflects the field's broadening scope. Student and early-career researcher programs make this an especially good event for people building careers in peptide science (EPS 2026, University of Vienna).

Boulder Peptide Symposium

Dates: September 28 -- October 1, 2026 Location: Silverado Resort, Napa, CA, USA

The Boulder Peptide Symposium (which despite its name rotates locations) has a reputation as one of the more intimate and interactive peptide meetings. The Napa Valley setting and smaller attendance encourage casual, substantive conversations between sessions.

Who should attend: Experienced peptide scientists seeking high-quality discussions in a relaxed setting. The event is particularly strong for networking.

What to expect: Presentations on current topics in peptide research, with ample time for discussion and informal interaction. The resort setting facilitates the kind of extended conversations that larger conferences don't allow (AAPPTEC, 2026).

Chemistry and Biology of Peptides --- Gordon Research Conference

Dates: TBD (2026) Location: TBD

Gordon Research Conferences are among the most respected scientific meetings in any field. The Chemistry and Biology of Peptides GRC focuses on unpublished, cutting-edge research presented in an environment that prioritizes discussion and informal interaction among scientists of all career stages.

Who should attend: Researchers working at the frontier of peptide science who want to see the newest data before it's published. GRC's format --- no recording, no social media --- creates a space for presenting preliminary findings without commercial or competitive pressure.

What to expect: Sessions on natural and non-natural peptides, peptides as tools for interrogating biology, novel synthesis and modification methods, peptides in the clinic, and mimicry of folded peptides and proteins. The no-recording policy means you need to be there in person to access the information (GRC, 2026).

IMAP 2026

Dates: TBD Location: Faculty of Science, University of Split, Croatia

IMAP (International Meeting on Antimicrobial Peptides) focuses on antimicrobial peptide research --- a subspecialty with growing relevance given antibiotic resistance concerns. The University of Split's coastal location on the Dalmatian coast adds appeal.

Who should attend: Researchers working on antimicrobial peptides, host defense peptides, and peptide-based anti-infective strategies.

What to expect: Presentations on antimicrobial peptide discovery, mechanism of action studies, and clinical translation of antimicrobial peptide therapies. The organizers are expanding their bursary program for 2026, offering free registration and accommodation for PhD students and postdocs (Peptide Conferences, 2026).

Specialized and Niche Events

Peptide Therapeutics Foundation Symposium

Dates: TBD (typically annual) Location: TBD (typically La Jolla/San Diego, CA) Organizer: Peptide Therapeutics Foundation

Established in 2005, the Peptide Therapeutics Symposium brings together world leaders in peptide research from both academia and the biopharmaceutical industry. It focuses specifically on advances in core technology relevant to peptide-based drug discovery.

Who should attend: Senior researchers and industry leaders working specifically on peptide therapeutics. The focused scope and high caliber of presenters make this one of the most concentrated sources of cutting-edge peptide drug development information.

What to expect: Deep dives into technology platforms driving peptide drug discovery, with speakers from both major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic labs (Peptide Therapeutics Foundation, 2026).

American Peptide Society / International Peptide Symposium

Dates: TBD Location: TBD (traditionally San Diego, CA) Organizer: American Peptide Society

The APS meeting is the premier North American academic peptide conference, covering the full breadth of peptide science from synthetic chemistry to biological applications. Combined with the International Peptide Symposium on alternating years, these events draw the global peptide research community.

Who should attend: The broad APS membership --- academic researchers, industry scientists, students, and clinicians working across all areas of peptide science.

What to Expect at Each Type of Event

Industry Conferences (TIDES, Peptide Summits)

Format: Large-scale, multi-day events with parallel tracks, exhibition halls, and networking events
Content: Market trends, pipeline updates, regulatory developments, manufacturing technology, business development
Cost: $1,500--$3,500+ for full registration
Networking: High-density, commercially oriented. Expect exhibit booths from CDMOs, analytical services, and technology providers

Academic Conferences (EPS, GRC, APS)

Format: Presentation-focused with oral sessions, poster presentations, and plenary lectures
Content: Novel research findings, methodology advances, fundamental science
Cost: $500--$1,500, with student and early-career discounts common
Networking: Scientifically oriented. Poster sessions and coffee breaks are where connections happen

Focused Meetings (Oral Peptides, IMAP)

Format: Smaller, typically 1--2 day events with focused agendas
Content: Deep technical dives into specific subtopics
Cost: $500--$2,000
Networking: Highly targeted. Everyone there shares your specific interest area

How to Get the Most Out of Peptide Conferences

Plan around geography. Several events cluster in time and location. TIDES USA (May 11--14, Boston) and Emerging Peptide Therapeutics at PEGS (May 14--15, Boston) happen back-to-back. The Boulder Peptide Symposium in Napa (late September) follows the European Peptide Symposium in Vienna (early September) by a few weeks. Strategic scheduling lets you cover multiple events efficiently.

Match the event to your goal. If you're looking for business partnerships or investment opportunities, TIDES and the industry summits are your targets. If you want exposure to the newest science, the GRC and EPS are unmatched. If you have a specific technical interest (oral delivery, antimicrobials), the specialized meetings will deliver more relevant content per hour than any general conference.

Engage with the poster sessions. At academic conferences, poster sessions are where the newest, most detailed science is presented. Senior researchers often learn more from a 20-minute poster conversation than from a 30-minute platform talk. The Boulder Peptide Symposium and GRC are particularly strong in this regard.

Attend the right satellite events. Major conferences often have satellite meetings, workshops, or short courses held the day before or after the main event. These can be among the highest-value educational opportunities, particularly for people newer to the field.

Follow up within a week. The connections you make at conferences have a half-life. Follow up with new contacts within seven days, referencing specific conversations or presentations. The peptide community is smaller than most people expect, and relationships built at conferences compound over time.

FAQ

What is the biggest peptide conference in 2026?

TIDES USA 2026 (May 11--14, Boston) is the largest by attendance, typically drawing more than 1,900 participants. It's the premier North American event covering both peptide and oligonucleotide therapeutics. For purely academic peptide science, the 38th European Peptide Symposium in Vienna (September 6--11) is the most prestigious.

Are peptide conferences only for scientists?

No. Industry conferences like TIDES and the Peptide Summits attract a broad audience including business development professionals, investors, regulatory specialists, and executives. That said, most peptide conferences require a level of scientific literacy to get full value from the presentations. Clinicians considering peptide therapy may find the Peptide Therapeutics Foundation Symposium most accessible.

How much do peptide conferences cost?

Registration costs range from roughly $500 for smaller academic meetings to $3,500+ for full registration at large industry conferences. Academic conferences typically offer reduced rates for students and early-career researchers. IMAP 2026 is expanding its bursary program to cover registration and accommodation for qualifying PhD students and postdocs.

Can I attend virtual peptide conferences?

Some events offer virtual or hybrid attendance options, though the trend in 2026 is moving back toward in-person events. TIDES and PepTalk have historically offered virtual components. Check individual conference websites for the latest attendance options. In-person attendance is generally more valuable for networking.

Which conference should I attend if I'm interested in peptide therapy as a clinician?

The Peptide Therapeutics Foundation Symposium and Emerging Peptide Therapeutics at PEGS Boston are the most clinically relevant options. TIDES USA also covers therapeutic development extensively. For clinicians specifically interested in the practical aspects of peptide prescribing, the how to choose a peptide therapy clinic guide may be more directly useful than conference attendance.

Are there peptide events in Asia or outside the US and Europe?

Yes. TIDES Asia 2026 takes place in Tokyo (February 24--26), and IMAP 2026 is in Split, Croatia. The peptide conference calendar has become increasingly global, with growing event activity in Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Australia. The PolyPeptide Group maintains an updated events calendar covering international meetings (PolyPeptide Group, 2026).

The Bottom Line

The 2026 peptide conference calendar reflects a field that has outgrown its niche origins. From the 1,900-person TIDES USA in Boston to the intimate Boulder Peptide Symposium in Napa, from the pioneering academic rigor of the European Peptide Symposium to the new Emerging Peptide Therapeutics track at PEGS, the options span every professional interest and career stage.

What makes this year's calendar particularly compelling is the convergence of themes. AI-driven drug design, oral delivery breakthroughs, GLP-1 therapeutic expansion, regulatory evolution, and manufacturing scale-up are all active topics at nearly every event. The science is moving fast, the money is flowing, and the conferences are where the people driving both come together.

Whether you choose one large industry event or several focused meetings, being present --- asking questions, presenting work, building relationships --- is how careers and companies advance in the peptide field. The calendar is full. The question is which events deserve your time.

References

Informa Connect. "TIDES USA 2026." https://informaconnect.com/tides/
Informa Connect. "TIDES Europe 2026." https://informaconnect.com/tides-europe/
Informa Connect. "Peptides & Oligonucleotides Events." https://informaconnect.com/peptides-oligonucleotides/events/
Cambridge Healthtech Institute. "PepTalk 2026." https://www.chi-peptalk.com
PEGS Summit. "Emerging Peptide Therapeutics." https://www.pegsummit.com/peptide-therapeutics
Gordon Research Conferences. "Chemistry and Biology of Peptides 2026." https://www.grc.org/chemistry-and-biology-of-peptides-conference/2026/
European Peptide Symposium 2026. "EPS 2026 --- University of Vienna." https://univie.eventsair.com/eps2026/
Peptide Therapeutics Foundation. "Symposium." https://peptidetherapeutics.org/symposium/
Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit. "3rd Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit 2026." https://peptide-based-therapeutics-summit.com/
Drug Discovery Chemistry. "Oral & Macrocyclic Peptides Conference." https://www.drugdiscoverychemistry.com/oral-peptides-and-macrocyclics-2
Peptide Conferences. "Peptide Conferences." https://peptideconferences.org/
AAPPTEC. "2026 Peptide and Oligo Conferences." https://www.peptide.com/2026-peptide-and-oligo-conferences/
Peptide Drug Summit. "Peptide Drug Summit 2026." https://www.peptide-drug-summit.com/
PolyPeptide Group. "Upcoming Events." https://www.polypeptide.com/news/events/

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