2026 What to Know Before You Go

NCURA Registration & Regional Connect – Promenade, 2nd Floor
Your NCURA Team and Regional Volunteers look forward to welcoming you!

NCURA Registration and Concierge Desk Dates and Hours
Friday, 7/31: 12 - 6 pm
Saturday, 8/1: 7:15 am - 6:15 pm
Sunday, 8/2: 7:30 am - 5 pm
Monday, 8/3: 7:30 am - 5 pm
Tuesday, 8/4: 7:30 am – 12 pm

Regional Connection Dates and Hours
Friday, 7/31: 4 - 6 pm
Saturday, 8/1: 7:15 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 8/2: 7:30 - 8:30 am

Your badge is your “ticket” to all sessions, events, and meal functions during the Annual Meeting.
***Conference check-in lines will be organized by last name.***
Workshop participants, your materials, workshop location, and information will be emailed directly to you on Monday, July 27th with the subject line starting with "NCURA: Important Details Regarding Annual Meeting Workshop"

Notepads Sponsored by InfoEd Global

• When you check-in at the NCURA registration desk on the 2nd Floor Promenade, you will receive a notepad sponsored by InfoEd Global.

Continuing Education

• NCURA Certificate Program: Earn a certificate in one of the Annual Meeting tracks by attending a session in that track for 6 out of the 10 time slots. Submission details and deadlines can be found here .
• CPE Credits: NCURA is accredited by the National Registry of CPE Sponsors for accounting professionals. The details to participate are here and compliance with the process as detailed is mandatory to receive your CPE credits. Questions? Contact Megan Ritter, ritter@ncura.edu .
• CEU Credits: NCURA will provide CEUs for the 68th Annual Meeting and Workshops for all participants, based on your registration. We will notify you by September 25, 2026 when your CEUs are available on your NCURA Member Dashboard.

Onsite Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering, even for 30 minutes, is a great way to get involved while getting to know your colleagues. To volunteer at the conference click here .

• Serve as a Concurrent Session Evaluator
  What did you think of that last session? Which one was the most helpful? Tell us what you thought about the concurrent sessions of this year's Annual Meeting! We are always striving to improve the content of our meetings and would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Download the form here and return it to the NCURA Registration Desk or email it to Tracey King, king@ncura.edu .
• NCURA Cares Program
  Join us as we leave our impact in New York City, NY, by bringing unused travel size hygiene items packed in your carry on/luggage to help NCURA make hygiene kits to donate. The items can be dropped off at the NCURA Membership booth, Promenade, 3rd Floor.
  Accepted Items (Travel Size) : soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, disposable razors, and sanitizers.
  Please contact Audrey Nwosu at nwosu@ncura.edu if you have any questions.

Hotel Location

New York Hilton Midtown · 1335 6th Ave, New York, NY

Luggage Check

Coming in before the hotel's check-in time or staying past checkout time? Luggage check is available upon arrival and checkout! It is complimentary upon arrival and $6 fee per item on your departure date.

Complimentary Guest Room Wi-Fi and Digital Key Access for Hilton Honors Members

For Hilton Honors guests we recommend utilizing the digital key to avoid potential long lines at check-in. Guests that check in using digital key will receive the complimentary Wi-Fi information via their Hilton Honors App.

Parking and Transportation

For parking information, as well as airport, train and subway instructions, visit the Transportation Page .

Explore NYC Like a Local (and thanks Region 2!)

Big Apple Greeters , via NYC Tourism will be hosting a table near Registration on the Promenade, 2nd Floor Sunday, August 2nd and Monday, August 3rd to guide our members on taking in the Big Apple!
Our own Region 2 has put together a local's guide to New York . Thank you, Region 2!
Discover helpful tips on things to do while in NYC , must-know information, and practical safety recommendations to help you enjoy everything New York has to offer.

Explore New York with Your Region

Each Region has different activities planned and they have been emailed directly to you! If you have questions, stop by the Regional Connection on the Promenade, 2nd Floor, Saturday or Sunday!

New York Hilton Midtown Hotel Outlets - Operating Days and Hours

Herb & Kitchen Grab and Go:
Daily: 5am – 1:00am
Herb & Kitchen Breakfast Buffet:
Daily: 6:00am – 11:00am
Lobby Lounge:
Daily: 12:00pm – 12:00am
Bridges Bar:
Tuesday- Saturday: 5:00pm – 1:00am
Closed Sunday and Monday

Wardrobe Call

Participants are encouraged to wear business casual attire that reflects their personal style. Bring a sweater or light jacket for cool meeting rooms, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated , and get ready to learn, network, and enjoy the conference!

Ready for Your Close-Up?

Bring an outfit that's camera-ready! Thanks to Kuali , you'll have access to a complimentary Professional Headshot Booth ...the perfect chance to capture a fresh professional photo.

Show your Regional Spirit!

Wear a simple costume or accessory inspired by your region's Broadway show for the NCURA Tony Awards: Best Regional Ensemble on Monday night August 3rd!

Your Region's Show

Region I: Grease
Region II: Hairspray
Region III: Wicked
Region IV: Chicago
Region V: The Phantom of the Opera
Region VI: Cats
Region VII: West Side Story
Region VIII: Chorus Line

Each region will take the dance floor as music from its show plays, with judges awarding the NCURA Tony for Best Regional Ensemble! The goal isn't perfection…it's participation and fun!

Show Your School Spirit!

On Tuesday, August 4 , wear your institution's colors or favorite campus gear and help us fill the final day of the Annual Meeting with school pride!

NCURA Merch

Have you ordered your 68th Annual Meeting NYC Offical Merch? Click here to get yours! (Exclusively Online Ordering Only, and Shipped Directly to Your Door.)

Download the App

• Download the NCURA App - The 68th Annual Meeting Conference is LIVE in the NCURA App! Search "NCURA" in the App Store, Google Play. Available for iOS and Android.
• Web Version of NCURA App - Access the NCURA App and download your handouts directly to your computer or tablet. Your login is the same as your NCURA login. https://ncura.clowder.com/webapp/

Get Logged In!

Please log in to the app using your NCURA login and password.
We encourage you to log in prior to arriving to the hotel, in case a password has been forgotten and requires a password reset.

Will There Be a Printed Program Onsite?

Printed programs will not be available onsite. If you need a printed program please click here and select “Print Full Program” on the top right of the page.

Where Can I Find the Participant List?

You can find your colleagues in the App. We have also created a PDF Version for you.
Attendee Rosters

• By Last Name | By Organization

Where Can I Find the Handouts after the Annual Meeting?

When the conference concludes, make sure to select "Past Sessions" on the top of the event's "Agenda" screen to access the 68th Annual Meeting Conference and materials in your app.
Handouts will be posted under the "Additional Information" section within each Concurrent session as they are received.
Android Users : Be sure to give the NCURA app permission to download files.

What's New in the Annual Meeting App!

• Keep Sessions/Events/Personal Appointments in One Agenda
  Add sessions and events to My Agenda by tapping the "+" on each session. Then tap the "+" in the upper-right corner of your My Agenda page to add your own personal appointments and keep your entire schedule in one place.
• See Who's Speaking
  Browse the full list of presenters, learn more about them, and bookmark your favorites.
• Schedule 1:1 Meetings
  Connect with colleagues and grow your network. Tap the "+" in the upper-right corner of the 1:1 Meetings page to schedule meetings.
  To Keep 1:1 Meetings in My Agenda
  1. Select Event → 68th Annual Meeting.
  2. Set Location Type to Manually and enter your meeting location
• Send Messages
  Message individual attendees or create group chats to keep the conversation going throughout the meeting.
• Digital Business Card
  Instantly share your contact information and save new connections as you network.
• Solutions Exchange
  Ask questions, share resources, exchange ideas, and discover how colleagues are addressing today's research administration challenges.
• Social Feed
  Share your Annual Meeting experience, post photos, see what others are doing, and exchange recommendations for New York City restaurants, attractions, and must-see spots.
• Play Community Quest!
  Visit exhibitors, scan QR codes, and complete the quest for a chance to win a $100 American Express® Gift Card!

How Can I Use the App to Find AI Related Content at the Annual Meeting?

• Here are a few opportunities to explore:
  1. Follow the Artificial Intelligence, Data and Systems Track throughout the meeting.
  2. In the NCURA App , navigate to the 68th Annual Meeting event, sort sessions by Track , and select “AI Related Content” to view all sessions on the program that include AI-focused topics.

  We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting and continuing the conversation about the evolving role of AI in research administration.

App Questions?

Stop at the AM68 registration desk for help!

Wi-Fi Information

• Network: NCURA Conference
• Access Code: NCURA2026

The Midtown Work Lounge

• Location: Lincoln, 4th Floor
  This room is set up for quick email checks, last-minute edits, and quiet work between sessions.

The Central Park Calm Lounge

• Location: Harlem, 4th Floor
  A quiet & welcoming space to pause, reset, and recharge between sessions. Settle into a comfortable seat, take a few deep breaths, stretch, journal, or simply enjoy a moment of stillness.

The City Sanctuary

• Location: Holland, 4th Floor
  A quiet, respectful space set aside for meditation, prayer, and personal reflection throughout the Annual Meeting.

Guided Relaxation

• Location: Rotunda, 3rd Floor
  Unwind with a guided Yoga Nidra session and experience deep relaxation, stress relief, and renewed energy—no yoga experience, or movement, required.

Lactation Room

• Location: Mamava Pod, 4th Floor
  Located near the restrooms on the 4th Floor. Download the Mamava Pod app for access or see the NCURA Concierge Desk for the access code.

NCURA Expo Hall

Sunday, August 2nd & Monday, August 3rd
Location: Americas I & II, 3rd Floor
Exploring the Expo Hall is a little like exploring New York City—each “neighborhood” has its own energy, and you never know what great find is around the corner. This year, our Expo Hall has two NYC-inspired neighborhoods: Downtown (downstairs) and Uptown (upstairs). Wander both floors to discover partners, tools, and ideas that can make your work easier and your programs stronger. Come curious, ask questions, and you’ll discover resources and relationships that make your work easier long after NYC.

Exhibitor Guide

Click here to view and plan your visit to the exhibit hall to see our vendors support research administration with their programs, products, and services.

Community Quest

Make the most of your time in the Expo Hall by participating in the Community Quest! Visit each exhibitor booth in Americas I & II, 3rd Floor , learn about their organization, and connect with their team. After your conversation, the exhibitor will show you their QR Code .
To scan a code, open the NCURA app and select More → Community Quest → Scan QR . A confirmation message will appear after each successful scan, and you can track your progress directly in the app.
There are 37 exhibitors to visit. Attendees who scan all 37 QR codes will be entered into drawings for a $100 American Express® Gift Card. Five winners will be selected in drawings held from Sunday after the Presentation of Awards & Keynote Address through the end of sessions on Monday.
Tip: Each exhibitor’s QR code can only be scanned once, so be sure to visit every booth to complete the challenge! 🎉

Date & Time	Location	Event Name & Information
Saturday, 8/1 7:15am-5:00pm	Promenade, 2nd Floor	🌎 Regional Connections Connect with members from your NCURA Region and expand your network on the 2nd Floor Promenade.
Saturday, 8/1 4:45-5:15pm	Mercury Ballroom, 3rd Floor	👤 68th Annual Meeting Orientation for First Time Participants Start your Annual Meeting journey by connecting with the NCURA community and discovering everything you need to make the most of AM68.
Saturday, 8/1 5:15-6:15pm	Trianon Complex, 3rd Floor	🗽 Welcome to NYC! Kick off NCURA's first Annual Meeting in New York City at our Welcome Reception.
Sunday, 8/2 6:00-7:00am	Meet-up Location & Time: New York Hilton Midtown Lobby at 5:45am	🏃 Fun Run & Power Walk - "Morning Miles, Manhattan Style" Sign the Electronic Waiver to Participate Here
Sunday, 8/2 7:30am-4:00pm	Promenade, 3rd Floor	📷 Professional Headshots Sponsored by Kuali Smile! Thanks to NCURA Gold Plus Sponsor Kuali, you can enjoy a complimentary professional headshot during AM68.
Sunday, 8/2 7:30-8:15am	Americas I & II, 3rd Floor	🥯 Bagels & Brainstorms Start your day with coffee and conversation.
Sunday, 8/2 7:30am-4:00pm	Americas I & II, 3rd Floor	🤖NCURA AI Exchange Booth Pick up a resource sheet and connect with colleagues during the refreshment breaks and explore AI-related resources and discussions.
Sunday, 8/2 7:30am-4:00pm	Americas I & II, 3rd Floor	🏙️ Uptown and Downtown: NCURA Expo - NYC Edition Your next great idea could be just one booth away—visit our exhibitors and join the Community Quest adventure!
Sunday, 8/2 7:30am-5:00pm	Promenade, 3rd Floor	🌎 NCURA Global Hub Explore how NCURA connects research administrators worldwide, advances international collaboration, and provides global resources and opportunities for all members.
Sunday, 8/2 7:30am-5:00pm	Promenade, 3rd Floor	🤝 NCURA Membership Central Visit Membership Central for membership support, the Power of Community Wall, information on the 2026 U.S. Salary Survey, and a sweet treat!
Sunday, 8/2 7:30-8:30am	Promenade, 2nd Floor	🌎 Regional Connections Connect with members from your NCURA Region and expand your network on the 2nd Floor Promenade.
Sunday, 8/2 8:30-10:00am	Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor & Balcony 4th Floor	📣 Keynote Address & Presentation of NCURA Robert C. Andresen Outstanding Achievement Award Carlos Whittaker - Better Humans, Better Teams, Better Results: A Blueprint for Thriving Teams and Resilient Leaders What if the secret to high-performing teams and resilient leaders wasn't working harder - but working humaner? In a world overwhelmed by burnout, distractions, and disconnection, Carlos delivers a game-changing message: More connected, kinder people aren't just better humans - they're better employees, teammates, and leaders. Carlos's philosophy - BE human, SEE humans, FREE humans - is a practical roadmap for bridging divides, fostering connection, and unlocking the full potential of your team. Attendees will leave energized and equipped to lead with empathy, collaborate with curiosity, and build a workplace culture that delivers both results and fulfillment. Because when people are seen, heard, and empowered, they don't just show up - they actually soar.
Sunday, 8/2 2:30pm-3:30pm	See app for specific Region Business Meeting Locations	📜 Regional Business Meetings While we're together in New York, take this moment to connect with the region you're part of - meet colleagues, hear updates from regional leadership, and learn about programs, services, and ways to get involved. Think of it like finding your NCURA "neighborhood" at the Annual Meeting: just as NYC's boroughs bring together people from everywhere, our regions create a welcoming hub for connection, opportunity, and leadership - no matter where you're traveling from. Your community starts here - find your people, see what's ahead, and plug in. (See app for meeting room details).
Sunday, 8/2 6:00pm	Meet-up Location: New York Hilton Midtown Lobby Floor	🍽️ Big Apple Bites - Dinner Groups Click the link below or scan the QR code to choose your restaurant and reserve your spot. This activity is perfect for first-timers, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to meet people fast. Sign Up Now Spots are limited—sign up early!
Sunday, 8/2 7:00-9:30pm	Rotunda, 3rd Floor	🛋️ Midtown Meetup Lounge A relaxed space to connect or unwind. Take a break and have fun playing board games!
Sunday, 8/2 8:30-9:30pm	Trianon Ballroom, 3rd Floor	💃 Chorus Line Warm-Up Line Dancing Lessons - Learn fun group dances and build energy.
Monday, 8/3 6:15-7:00am	Mercury Ballroom, 3rd Floor	🏃 Fitness Trifecta - "Broadway Warm-Up" (a Non De-Minimus Workout) Join Gil Tran (Attain Partners), Roseann Luongo (Huron) and Tara Bishop (NCURA) for a fun, all-levels morning mix. 6:15 - Warm up - All 6:20 - 6:35 am - Zumba with Gil Tran, Attain Partners 6:35 - 6:50 am - Kickboxing with Roseann Luongo, Huron 6:50 - 7:00 am - Cool Down Yoga Stretching with Tara Bishop, NCURA Sign the Electronic Waiver to Participate Here
Monday, 8/3 7:30am-4:00pm	Promenade, 3rd Floor	📷 Professional Headshots Sponsored by Kuali Smile! Thanks to NCURA Gold Plus Sponsor Kuali, you can enjoy a complimentary professional headshot during AM68.
Monday, 8/3 7:30-8:15am	Americas I & II, 3rd Floor	🥯 Bagels & Brainstorms Start your day with coffee and conversation.
Monday, 8/3 7:30am-4:00pm	Americas I & II, 3rd Floor	🤖NCURA AI Exchange Booth Pick up a resource sheet and connect with colleagues during the refreshment breaks and explore AI-related resources and discussions.
Monday, 8/3 7:30am-4:00pm	Americas I & II, 3rd Floor	🏙️ Uptown and Downtown: NCURA Expo - NYC Edition Your next great idea could be just one booth away—visit our exhibitors and join the Community Quest adventure!
Monday, 8/3 7:30am-5:00pm	Promenade, 3rd Floor	🌎 NCURA Global Hub Explore how NCURA connects research administrators worldwide, advances international collaboration, and provides global resources and opportunities for all members.
Monday, 8/3 7:30am-5:00pm	Promenade, 3rd Floor	🤝 NCURA Membership Central Visit Membership Central for membership support, the Power of Community Wall, information on the 2026 U.S. Salary Survey, and a sweet treat!
Monday, 8/3 8:30-9:45am	Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor & Balcony 4th Floor	🎤 NCURA Live: A Special Event at the 68th Annual Meeting Big Questions. Real Answers. NYC. Step into the conversation shaping research administration right now. This is not a traditional panel. It's a live, unscripted conversation with Dan Harmon, Kris Monahan, Dipti Pandya, Mindy Pava and Gilbert Tran tackling the biggest issues facing our profession today. From funding uncertainty and research security to AI, workforce challenges, and global collaboration, expert voices will share real-time insights on what's changing and what it means. Moderating the conversation is Paul Mecurio , comedian, former lawyer, and host of Inside Out with Paul Mecurio, known for leading thoughtful, energetic conversations that go beyond surface-level discussion with humor, authenticity, and insight. One conversation. Big questions. Real answers. Only in NYC.
Monday, 8/3 11:30am-1:00pm	Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor & Balcony 4th Floor	✨ Community Tables Networking Luncheon & Julia Jacobsen Distinguished Award, Distinguished Educator Designation, and Emerging Excellence in Research Administration Award Recognition
Monday, 8/3 4:00-5:00pm	Rotunda, 3rd Floor	🌿 Guided Relaxation Unwind with a guided Yoga Nidra session and experience deep relaxation, stress relief, and renewed energy—no yoga experience, or movement, required.
Monday, 8/3 7:00-10:00pm	Rotunda, 3rd Floor	🛋️ Midtown Meetup Lounge A relaxed space to connect or unwind. Take a break and have fun playing board games!
Monday, 8/3 7:00-10:00pm	Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor & Balcony 4th Floor	🎉 Together in NYC - Broadway Block Party Celebration BINGO! During the celebration, be sure to grab a bingo card when you enter the ballroom. Click Here to read the instructions on how to participate. What Should I Wear? Be comfortable and casual—or show your regional pride by representing your region's Broadway musical in the NCURA Tony Awards: Best Regional Ensemble! Costumes do not need to be elaborate. Simple, creative, and recognizable is perfect. Your Region's Show Region I: Grease Region II: Hairspray Region III: Wicked Region IV: Chicago Region V: The Phantom of the Opera Region VI: Cats Region VII: West Side Story Region VIII: Chorus Line
Tuesday, 8/4 7:30-8:15am	Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor & Balcony 4th Floor	📜 Continental Breakfast & Annual Business Meeting: State of the Community Join the Board of Directors for continental breakfast and updates on NCURA's progress, priorities, and what's ahead.
Tuesday, 8/4 7:30-11:00am	Promenade, 3rd Floor	🌎 NCURA Global Hub Explore how NCURA connects research administrators worldwide, advances international collaboration, and provides global resources and opportunities for all members.
Tuesday, 8/4 7:30-11:00am	Promenade, 3rd Floor	🤝 NCURA Membership Central Visit Membership Central for membership support, the Power of Community Wall, information on the 2026 U.S. Salary Survey, and a sweet treat!

Below are events our sponsors will be presenting during the conference. If you would like to view the full session details and locations, click here .

Deloitte : The Future of Higher Ed and Research - Perspectives from the Association of American Universities, Boston University and Deloitte | Monday, August 3rd | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

Huron : Huron and the Research Landscape | Sunday, August 2nd | 10:30 – 11:30 am

Kuali : The Kuali Research Suite and AI Augmentation for the Research Enterprise | Monday, August 3rd | 10:15 – 11:30 am

Attain Partners : Attain Partners Sponsor Information Session | Monday, August 3rd | 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Cayuse : End-to-End Technology for Modern Research Administration | Monday, August 3rd | 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Endpoint IQ : How Costing Accurately will Save you Millions, or Fund More Research, when Using Endpoint IQ's Costing & Pricing Module | Sunday, August 2nd | 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Streamlyne : The AI-Driven Administrator: Grow your Research Enterprise by Leveraging AI | Tuesday, August 4th | 9:45 – 10:45 am

Tru Consulting : Beyond the Spreadsheet: A Smarter Approach to Grants Forecasting | Tuesday, August 4th | 8:30 – 9:30 am

These sessions do not qualify for CPE credits

68th Annual Meeting Program Committee

Diane Hillebrand

NCURA Vice President

University of North Dakota

Natalie Buys

Annual Meeting Co-Chair

University of Colorado Anschutz

Amy Thomas

Annual Meeting Co-Chair

Auburn University

Artificial Intelligence, Data, Systems

Thomas Spencer, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Kari Woodrum, University of Illinois at Champaign

Departmental

Susan Holden, University of North Dakota

Meladi Lanier, University of Idaho

Federal/Sponsors/Agencies

Michiko Pane, Stanford University

Jennifer Rodis, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Financial/Post Award

Erin Bailey, University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Brigette Pfister, Colorado State University

Gabbie Slappey, Deloitte, NCURA Gold Plus Yearlong Sponsor

Human Capital

Liz Grinstead, University of Chicago

Dotty Waters, Montgomery College

International/Global

Connie Killey, University of Melbourne

Julie Ward, University of the Sunshine Coast

Medical/Clinical/Industry

Jen Cory, Stanford University

Eric Miller, University of Florida Health Cancer Institute

Organizational and Executive Leadership

Christine Cline, Auburn University

Erin Johnson, Huron, NCURA Gold Plus Yearlong Sponsor

Tim Schailey, Thomas Jefferson University

Pre-Award/Research Development

Megan Fillbrandt, Gustavus Adolphus College

Jill Mortali, Dartmouth College

PUI/ERI (Emerging Research Institutes)

Camille Coley, University of San Francisco

Katie Plum, Angelo State University

Research Compliance and Ethics

Jeff Seo, Northeastern University

Betty Rasmussen, University of Colorado Boulder

Workshops

Sylvia Bradshaw, Southern Utah University

Rosemary Madnick, The Lundquist Institute