FrameWORX:
The Future of Musculoskeletal Health
Orthopedic Medicine and Indiana’s Leadership Opportunity
For more than two decades, BioCrossroads has played a central role in advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector, connecting key stakeholders, supporting strategic investments, and sharing the story of Indiana’s global leadership in innovation. In 2024, the state led the nation in life sciences exports, generating $99 billion in economic impact.
On August 20, we’ll convene our most ambitious FrameWORX yet in Warsaw, Indiana, recognized globally as the Orthopedic Capital of the World. ®
Up to 250 industry leaders, researchers, clinicians, and innovators will gather to explore the future of musculoskeletal health. Through insights from orthopedic surgeons, biomedical engineers, health economists, and patients, the event will highlight the scientific breakthroughs, clinical challenges, and economic implications shaping the next chapter of orthopedic medicine—and Indiana’s unique opportunity to lead it.
From chronic back pain and arthritis to advanced implants and surgical robotics, this discussion will spotlight the innovations redefining care and reaffirm Indiana’s leadership in one of healthcare’s most critical sectors.
Ecosystem Tours
To complement the afternoon’s discussions, attendees are invited to take part in one of two optional morning tours designed to highlight the strength and innovation of Indiana’s musculoskeletal health ecosystem.
These curated experiences offer a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at leading organizations and facilities that have positioned Warsaw as a global hub for orthopedic medicine. Participants will gain firsthand insights into the technologies, talent, and collaborations driving the sector forward.
Each tour is limited to 25 participants and requires separate registration. Early sign-up is encouraged due to limited capacity.
Group transportation will be provided. Both tours will depart from the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center (MOCC) at Grace College.
Tour Option One
Tour Option Two
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Tour one will visit two Zimmer Biomet locations.
Zimmer Biomet Building 5: Knee Manufacturing and Sterile Packaging
Zimmer Biomet Foundry: Investment Casting Production
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Tour two will visit Instrumental Machine & Development (IMD) and Precision Medical Technologies.
*Separate registration is required for the morning Ecosystem Tours and the afternoon FrameWORX event. If you are interested in attending both, please make sure to register through both links. Tour registration is capped at 50 people per tour, two tours total. If you have registered and are no longer able to attend the tour portion, please contact us as soon as possible.
Advancing Orthopedic Innovation
Poster Session – Call for Submissions
The Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, in conjunction with BioCrossroads, Indiana University, OrthoWorx, and Zimmer Biomet, is accepting abstracts for posters to be presented at the FrameWORX Summit, “The Future of Musculoskeletal Health–Innovations in Orthopedic Medicine and Indiana’s Leadership Opportunity” on Thursday, August 20, at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center at Grace College in Warsaw, Indiana.
Registration, which is free, is now open.
This inaugural event includes a keynote by Dr. Kurt Weiss, Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, who specializes in Orthopedic Oncology and Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery and is a cancer survivor; tours of several orthopedic implant manufacturing sites; panel discussions; and a poster session.
We invite submissions of abstracts for poster presentations that highlight cutting-edge research, clinical studies, and innovative methodologies in the field of musculoskeletal science. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: bone and joint health, muscle physiology and pathology, tendon and ligament research, neuromuscular research, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation, biomechanics and biomaterials, imaging and diagnostic techniques, and regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Submission Guidelines
Abstract should be submitted in one of the following categories and will be eligible for monetary prizes:
• Research-oriented posters (Trainees)
• Research-oriented posters (Faculty or Staff)
• Orthopedic innovation and commercialization (research focused on translating scientific discoveries into practical applications and commercial products within the orthopedic field)
Submission Process
Please click the form below to submit your abstract. For any questions or additional information, please contact Jill Fehrenbacher at [email protected].
We look forward to your contributions and to an engaging and informative poster session!
Awards
Top posters will be recognized with first, second, and third-place honors across three categories, along with five standout submissions receiving honorable mentions. Winners will be celebrated for originality, impact, and presentation.
Submission deadline is July 15, 2025.
Agenda
The Future of Musculoskeletal Health:
Innovations in Orthopedic Medicine and Indiana’s Leadership Opportunity
Welcome
Vince Wong, JD, MBA
President and CEO
BioCrossroads
Keynote Address
Dr. Kurt Weiss
Associate Professor
University of Pittsburgh Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology
The Perspective of Patients
Dr. Kurt Weiss - Moderator
Associate Professor
University of Pittsburgh Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology
Break
Fireside Chat:
Transformative Changes in Orthopedics
Hallie Brinkerhuff
Senior Director, R&D and Innovation
Zimmer Biomet
Roman Natoli, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Indiana University Indianapolis
Dr. Kevin Otto
Dane A. Miller Head of the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
Purdue University
Jim Lancaster - Moderator
Senior VP, Head of Global Product Development
Zimmer Biomet
Future of Manufacturing: Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Development
Dr. Amrou Awaysheh
Professor and Endowed Chair
Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Brian Hodorek
President and CEO, Co-Founder
Ignite
Dr. Allyn Decker - Moderator
Vice President of Operations and Engagement
OrthoWorx
Indiana's Opportunity for MSK Leadership
Melissa Kacena, PhD
Director, Indiana Center for MSK Health
Indiana University School of Medicine
Jim Lancaster
Senior VP, Head of Global Product Development
Zimmer Biomet
Brandon Noll
Director
Plug and Play Indiana
Rep. Craig Snow
Indiana State Representative, District 22
Closing Remarks
Vince Wong, JD, MBA
President and CEO
BioCrossroads
Poster Session, Grace College
Click the link below to learn more about our speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I register for the tours?
To register for one of the two morning tours, please click here.
You may only select one tour, as the scheduled times overlap.
Tour one runs from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Tour two runs from 10 a.m. until noon.
Tours are limited to 25 participants each. Due to space limitations, if your plans change and you can no longer participate in your selected tour, please contact Barb Garringer at [email protected].
Please note, separate registration is required for the afternoon FrameWORX event at Grace College, which runs from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., followed by a poster session.
How do I register for FrameWORX only?
To register for the afternoon FrameWORX session only, click here to visit the EventBrite registration page.
Separate paid registration is required for the ecosystem tours.
What accommodations are available in the area?
Is there a cost associated with the event?
There is no charge to attend the FrameWORX event.
Separate paid registration is required for the ecosystem tours. Please see the previous FAQ.
