RWE Vendor Landscape · CRO
CRO Companies in Real-World Evidence
Contract research organizations (CROs) design and run the studies behind real-world evidence, from observational research and pragmatic trials to safety and HEOR.
The CROs turning real-world data into decision-grade evidence meet their buyers at RWE Connect 2026 in Boston.
No public pricing. Enquiry-led, no obligation.
What they deliver
The RWE Services CROs Deliver
Modern CROs run far more than trials. These are the real-world evidence services they provide, and the work commissioned at RWE Connect 2026.
Evaluation
What Makes a Strong RWE CRO Partner
Sponsors weigh research partners against a demanding bar. These are the criteria that decide who wins the study.
A CRO runs the research; a CDMO develops and makes the product. See the wider RWE companies landscape.
Industry trends
Where the CRO Market Is Heading in 2026
The research market is shifting from trials-only to evidence across the lifecycle. These are the forces reshaping it, and themes on the agenda at RWE Connect 2026.
The programme
What’s on the Agenda
Two days built around the themes that move real-world evidence forward: the data, the methods, the economics and the decisions it supports. 40+ speakers across keynotes, panels, workshops and the Partnering Lounge.
Formats include keynotes, expert panels, case studies, workshops, the Partnering Lounge and the exhibition. The full session-by-session agenda and speaker line-up are confirmed closer to the event.
Who is in the room
Attendee Breakdown
A senior, focused audience of the buyers who commission and evaluate real-world research.
Seniority is confirmed: 150+ attendees, around 60% at Director or VP level and above. The functional mix shown is indicative; confirmed registration splits are shared with sponsors from the live delegate list.
Already on board
Data and Analytics Leaders at RWE Connect 2026
Why RWE Connect
A Generic Clinical Research Conference vs RWE Connect
CROs have plenty of large clinical-research and trials conferences to choose from. RWE Connect is built for the specific buyers who commission real-world evidence and the data behind it.
A Generic Clinical Research Conference
- Broad trials-and-operations agenda
- Real-world evidence buyers a minority
- Lecture-hall format with limited 1:1 access
- Networking left to chance encounters and business cards
- Sponsorship measured in booth footfall and impressions
- Little visibility into who is actually in the room
RWE Connect 2026
- A focus on real-world evidence and the data behind it
- 150+ senior RWE, HEOR and biopharma buyers
- A Partnering Lounge built for pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings
- Meetings booked with the accounts you name
- Sponsorship measured in qualified pipeline, not footfall
- A shared delegate list for warm, targeted follow-up
Why sponsor
Meet the Teams Commissioning Real-World Research
What sponsoring looks like
How a CRO Wins Business at RWE Connect
Sponsorship here is built around qualified meetings, not just a stand. This is the typical path from sign-up to signed opportunity.
RWE Connect 2026
Put Your CRO in Front of the Room
150+ real-world evidence buyers, around 60% at Director or VP level and above, over two days in Boston. Request the prospectus and the team replies within one business day.
- Exhibition space and capability showcases
- Speaking and panel opportunities
- Pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings with the buyers you name
No public pricing. Enquiry-led, no obligation.
CRO Companies: Common Questions
What are CRO companies?
Contract research organizations (CROs) design, run and analyse clinical and real-world studies on behalf of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, spanning trials, observational research, safety and HEOR.
What is the difference between a CRO and a CDMO?
A CRO runs the research and clinical or real-world studies, while a CDMO develops and manufactures the product. Some organizations offer both.
How do CROs support real-world evidence?
CROs design and execute observational studies, pragmatic and hybrid trials, external control arms, registries, pharmacovigilance and HEOR studies using real-world data.
What is an RWE CRO?
A CRO specialized in real-world evidence, with real-world data access and observational-methods expertise, sometimes owning its own real-world data assets.
What is the difference between a full-service and a specialist CRO?
Full-service CROs cover the whole study lifecycle across many therapeutic areas, while specialist or RWE-focused CROs concentrate on a capability such as real-world data and observational research. Many sponsors use a mix.
What should sponsors look for in an RWE CRO?
Therapeutic and real-world methods expertise, data access and partnerships, a regulatory and HTA track record, global reach, methodological rigor, and reliable, decision-ready delivery.
What is a decentralized or hybrid trial?
A trial that moves some visits and data capture to the patient using digital tools, often combined with real-world data to broaden access and reduce burden.
Are CRO-run real-world studies accepted by regulators?
Yes, within the FDA real-world evidence framework, when the study design, methods and underlying data are fit for the regulatory question being asked.
Which companies are confirmed at RWE Connect 2026?
Confirmed sponsors to date span data and analytics providers including Truveta, Magnolia, Forian and Arcadia. The programme covers the study designs, data and methods relevant to CROs, with 40+ speakers.
Why should a CRO exhibit or sponsor?
To meet the RWE, HEOR and biopharma decision-makers who select research partners and commission real-world studies. Request the prospectus to discuss options.
Can my company exhibit or sponsor?
Yes. Request the prospectus for exhibition, speaking and pre-scheduled 1:1 meeting options; pricing is shared on enquiry.
When and where is RWE Connect 2026?
14 to 15 October 2026 at the Hampton Inn by Hilton, Boston Seaport District, Boston, MA.
