Welcome
The program for NCURA's 52nd Annual Meeting (AM52) is shaping up beautifully! The meeting theme, "At the Confluence of Creation and Collaboration" represents the interdependent relationship between the researcher and the research administrator. Many offerings will touch upon the job of the research administrator as being one of facilitation and "going the extra mile" to advance the research enterprise at our respective colleges and universities.
With concurrent presentations and interactive, small group "solution discussions" identified in tracks such as pre- and post-award, compliance, and departmental, plus offerings for industry, international, and clinical settings peppered throughout, the program will celebrate the multi-faceted arena of research administration where every day is different and career-long learning opportunities abound. Yet often at the root of what we love about our work is the collaboration with researchers. Few professions allow such opportunity to be "in the know" and connected with life-changing and cutting-edge research.
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
When asked what our major goal for this year's meeting was, Judy, Craig and Diane had exactly the same thought: community. One of the greatest perks of being an NCURA member is the connections we build with each other. These connections occur in different ways: connections with colleagues who can help us with issues they have dealt with, connections with our federal partners and connections through friendships that are formed and continued. We wanted to provide as many opportunities for connections with each other and, as a result, have made some major changes this year.
As you read on, you will see that this is a meeting of change, and you will see changes in more ways than one. First, we are back home at the beautifully renovated Washington Hilton. Come see what a $140 million landmark restoration project looks like. You will be amazed. A few items of interest: a Starbucks in the lobby area, the small conference rooms have been reconfigured and now have state-of-the art technology and audiovisual capabilities, the pool area has been totally refurbished and moved, and the exhibit space has doubled. There is an elegant new bar in the lobby next to the Capital Café, which has also been refurbished and renamed The District Line. All 1,070 guest rooms have been updated. This is just the beginning. Ladies, there are now 79 bathroom stalls near the meeting areas!
Our meeting hotel is not all that has changed. Keep reading!
WELCOME TO THE NCURA TAILGATE REUNION!
Following the Sunday Workshops, AM52 will officially begin with a dinner event, as it has in years past. We will gather in the ballroom as usual, but in this case "ballroom" means a large room with balls. Footballs. You read that correctly - we are having an NCURA Tailgate Reunion! Come hungry to meet and mingle, while enjoying a variety of "tailgate" food. Plan to dress casually and wear your school colors. This event will be an ideal opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones in an inclusive, relaxed and enjoyable forum. We may have a surprise or two in store. Look for your Program Committee in their football finery. More details will be forthcoming.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
We are very excited about our keynote speaker this year. Daniel Pink is the author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. This book uses 40 years of behavioral science to overturn the conventional wisdom about human motivation and offer a more effective path to high performance. You may have seen the book in your local bookstore: it hit the New York Times bestseller list in the first month of publication. While at the bookstore, you might also have seen Pink's A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. It also has been on the New York Times and Business Week bestseller lists and so far has been translated into 21 languages. Does that sound dry? Not on your life. Is it important to me? Absolutely. In this time of incredible budget constraints, Pink addresses how to use rewards - and how not to use them - to improve performance. He is a person you will want to listen to. He is entertaining and has fascinating information, information that will change the way you think about your work and maybe about your life.
REGIONAL REUNIONS
In recognition of the vital role our regions play in the NCURA community, time has been scheduled on Monday after lunch for regional reunions. This format will give the regions a scheduled opportunity to connect with new members and discuss regional matters. Members can expect to be updated on regional initiatives, introduce and welcome new members, and engage the regional membership in conversation about strategic plans, volunteer initiatives, etc. Your regions are there for you, so meet for dessert, and chat about how your region is better than all of the others.
DINNER GROUPS
The ever-popular dinner groups will occur on Monday evening as usual. The NCURA National Office always has a great selection of restaurants to choose from. The difficulty is making a decision! Menus will be posted early with the sign-up sheets. Most of the restaurants are within a short walking distance, and it is another opportunity to meet some folks and spend some time together while sampling a bit of what Washington has to offer.
SOUL SOURCE AND THE NO-COST EXTENSIONS
Per tradition, join us on Tuesday night for the 21st anniversary of NCURA's own house band the Soul Source and the No-cost Extensions. Come rock to "Got Your F&A Right Here!" as well more traditional rock and roll favorites. Led by the talented past NCURA President Steve Smartt of Vanderbilt University and including various NCURA members from around the country, the Soul Source night is a perennial favorite at the Annual Meeting.
Many of us have grown up as research administrators listening and dancing to this group over the last 20 years. Sadly, as all good things must come to an end, this will be Soul Source's Farewell Tour. Join us as we thank these talented colleagues and friends for their dedication to our entertainment these last two decades, and wish them the best.