The value of engaging non‑traditional and emerging sites is widely recognized, yet many of these sites continue to be overlooked due to a lack of prior trial experience. This creates a persistent cycle: sites struggle to build experience without access to studies, while sponsors often prioritize experience when selecting sites—ultimately limiting broader representation in clinical trials.

With funding from Roche | Genentech, Duke Clinical Research Institute, and National Medical Fellowships, and support from Continuum Clinical, ACRP and its collaborators will share preliminary findings from qualitative interviews with sponsors and non‑traditional sites. These insights highlight real‑world barriers to participation in Phase III studies. Attendees will gain practical insight into how rethinking site selection—and more intentionally engaging non‑traditional sites—can support stronger recruitment outcomes while advancing meaningful representation.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Ruma Bhagat, MD, MPH, Senior Director, Health Equity & Population Science, Genentech

• Laveina Dash, Director, Doctors in Clinical Trials Research (NMF DCTR), National Medical Fellowships

• Pete Fronte, MBA, President & CEO, Altura

• Karen Lipworth, Communications Strategist and Senior Medical Writer, ACRP

• Kathy Mickel, Director of Membership & Programs, Society for Clinical Research Sites

• Susan P. Landis, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Clinical Research Professionals (Moderator)

This session will delve into how sponsors develop effective recruitment strategies for clinical trials, emphasizing the practical impact of these tactics. Attendees will gain insights into how feedback from clinical sites is utilized by sponsors to craft creative and adaptive recruitment approaches. The session will highlight real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the success of these strategies in enhancing participant engagement and trial efficiency.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Simranjit Mehta, Recruitment Strategist, Pfizer

• Nikki Thomas, Recruitment Strategist, Pfizer

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

The clinical research workforce is facing growing challenges, especially in the recruitment and retention of research nurse coordinators. This session will highlight an innovative collaboration between a clinical research team and a bachelor of science in nursing program aimed at introducing nursing students to clinical research as a meaningful and dynamic career option. By engaging future nurses early in their education, this partnership helps bridge the gap between clinical care and research, building awareness, interest, and preparedness among new graduates. Attendees will hear how this model not only expands the pipeline of qualified professionals but also enhances the visibility and value of the research nurse coordinator role within healthcare. The presenters will share insights, lessons learned, and steps for developing similar collaborations with nursing schools. This forward-thinking approach has the potential to significantly strengthen the clinical research workforce and ensure a more sustainable, informed, and engaged generation of research-ready nurses.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Lauren Hasty, Clinical Research Nurse, St Jude Children's Research Hospital

• Jamie Russell, Manager- Clinical Research Management, St Jude Children's Research Hospital

Related Blog Content:

• Fostering Early Exposure of Future Nurses to Clinical Research as a Career Option

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

This highly interactive session will introduce participants to an innovative, multiculturally aware approach for advancing equitable and inclusive representation in clinical trials. We will share our journey in developing and piloting a novel engagement model, highlighting both the community-engaged design process and early findings from our pilot implementation. Participants will then engage in a hands-on activity that maps key inclusivity-driven strategies and frameworks from our model to their own work. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical, actionable tools to advance equity and racial justice in their clinical trial recruitment efforts.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Chaya Pflugeisen, MSc, MEd, Manager, Investigator Initiated Research, MultiCare Health System

• Deana Williams, PhD, MPH, Research Investigator, MultiCare Health System

Watch a Sneak Peek of the Session Content:

The ACRP 2026 Conference Advisory Working Group (CAWG) works closely with ACRP staff to develop the program for the Annual Conference. Drawing on their diverse experience and real-world knowledge of the clinical research industry, CAWG members provide expert guidance on educational programming and offer detailed feedback as part of the submissions review process.

If you are interested in joining the CAWG, please complete this interest form. Several CAWG members will be at ACRP Booth #531 in the Expo Hall from 2:15 - 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday to share information about the Conference Advisory Working Group for ACRP 2027.

Take a breather and make meaningful connections—mingle with exhibitors and colleagues in the Expo Hall during this afternoon networking break.

Delays in clinical trial budgeting often result not from lack of effort, but from a lack of shared understanding across stakeholders. Sites, sponsors, and contract research organizations each have different processes and constraints that create friction in this critical startup process. This session presents findings from a cross-industry working group that explored the root causes of budgeting misalignment and developed practical, stakeholder-informed strategies to close the gap. The group’s work centers on three key domains—study startup operations, budget estimation, and budget justification—and shares insights from real-world experiences across the research ecosystem. The goal is to accelerate study startup by building mutual understanding, streamlining communication, and promoting efficient negotiation. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools that can be used to upskill staff, improve cross-functional collaboration, and support an improved approach to budgeting in clinical research.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Candida Barlow, PhD, MSN, CRN-BC, RN, Director Clinical Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

• Andrea Bastek, Ph.D., VP of Market Strategy, Florence Healthcare

• Heidi Castle, CCA, Director, Business Development, Mercy Research

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing clinical research by enhancing protocol generation, operational efficiency, and participant recruitment/engagement. Through predictive analytics and digital twins, AI streamlines protocols, optimizes inclusion criteria, and minimizes risk. AI also strengthens safety monitoring by identifying early adverse event patterns across diverse datasets, enabling proactive responses. For sponsors and sites, AI supports ongoing access to training and streamlines standard operating procedure development by analyzing past performance and recommending standardized practices. It automates data collection, reducing manual errors and accelerating timelines. In recruitment, machine learning matches ideal candidates using electronic health records and real-world data, while adaptive algorithms personalize recruiting messaging to improve enrollment rates. Together, these innovations reshape the trial landscape, making studies faster, safer, and more inclusive without compromising data integrity or participant protection. Examples reviewed include seen and unseen real-world AI impacts.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Alain Alvarez Legra, Director for Clinical Research Coordinators, Bolanos Clinical Research

• Karen Lindsley, DNP, MSN, RN, CCRC, CDCES, Manager of Regulatory Knowledge and Support, Clinical and Translational Science Alliance of Georgia, Emory University

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

In a rapidly evolving clinical research landscape, effective leadership is more crucial than ever for driving collaboration, innovation, and trust among academic centers, site management organizations, and technology partners. This dynamic session will introduce the “Four Cs” leadership framework—character, competence, caring, and communication—adapted for today’s complex research environment. Three seasoned leaders with varied backgrounds will share insights on how leadership philosophies must adapt to varying organizational cultures, regulatory demands, and operational realities. Attendees will explore practical strategies to cultivate leadership capacity, manage resource constraints, and prevent burnout while promoting ethical and patient-centered research. Real-world stories will illuminate challenges and solutions in building and sustaining successful collaborations among sites, sponsors, contract research organizations, and academia. The session encourages interactive discussion, equipping attendees with actionable tools to strengthen their own leadership impact and foster high-performing, resilient research partnerships.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Christina Brennan, MD, MBA, CCRC, FACRP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Research, Northwell Health

• Elisa Cascade, MBA, FACRP, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Americas, TrialScreen

• Christine Senn, PhD, CCRC, CPI, FACRP, SVP, Site-Sponsor Innovation, Advarra

Related Blog Content:

• Character, Competence, Caring, and Communication: The Cs of Leadership

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated several significant policy changes impacting how clinical trials are conducted in the U.S. This session will explore five major developments: updated informed consent standards prioritizing plain language and accessibility; new HHS-led interoperability efforts to streamline trial data exchange; clarified Internal Revenue Service guidance on taxing participant stipends; a shift from mandated diversity action plans to a voluntary reporting framework; and cross-agency modernization efforts through the HHS Clinical Trials Modernization Working Group. These changes—while intended to promote transparency and innovation—have introduced ambiguity for sites, sponsors, and contract research organizations. Attendees will gain clarity on how to operationalize these updates, navigate compliance challenges, and align processes with the evolving federal landscape in 2026 and beyond.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Catherine Gregor, MBA, CCRP, CCRC, Chief Clinical Trial Officer, Florence Healthcare

• Sophia McLeod, Director, Government Relations, Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO)

Related Blog Content:

• Adjusting to Changes in Policy at HHS in 2026 and Beyond

This session will provide a high-level overview of the emerging regulatory environment governing clinical research. There are many trends to keep track of as actions by the current administration in the White House affect available funding, workforce readiness, and research priorities in governmental, academic, industry, and private practice settings.

Further, recent and forthcoming updates to various U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance, International Council for Harmonization guidelines, and ethical, safety, and efficacy concerns in the design and conduct of drug and device clinical trials will make this a valuable session for all stakeholders across the entire clinical research enterprise.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• David Vulcano, LCSW, MBA, CIP, RAC, FACRP, Vice President, Clinical Research Compliance & Integrity, HCA Healthcare

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content

Strong collaboration between contract research organizations (CROs) and study sites is essential for reducing trial delays, improving data quality, and accelerating patient access to new therapies. This panel, designed for clinical research professionals in operations, monitoring, study startup, and site roles, explores how intentional collaboration between CROs and study sites can drive measurable improvements in operational efficiency and data quality. Panelists will share real-life case studies and practical examples that highlight strategies for streamlining study startup, reducing rework, and building trust. Attendees will gain forward-thinking insights and walk away with actionable tips, tools, and processes to strengthen site-CRO relationships and enhance trial success. Join us to explore how shifting from reactive problem-solving to proactive partnership can transform site-CRO relationships into high-impact alliances that advance research and patient care.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Elizabeth Feathers, Clinical Operations Supervisor, Study Startup, CIBMTR

• Kassandra Nealon, BS, Clinical Operations Manager, CIBMTR

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

Whether you’re a coordinator worried about missing a detail, a site director focused on quality, or a sponsor looking for practical ways to help ease site burden, this session is for you.

Hear directly from sites about how Peter The Protocol Reader, a practical AI assistant, is helping give time back each day. From quickly checking whether a medication is prohibited to streamlining preparation for a patient visit, Peter is helping teams work through everyday study questions faster and with less mental burden.

You’ll also hear why sponsors like Merck are embracing Peter for their sites and what sponsors require when AI is used for their studies.

Come see why hundreds of coordinators have Peter supporting their daily workflows and how you can get started.

This session does not provide ACRP Contact Hours.

Speakers:

• Haitham Abulaban, MBBS, CCRC, ACRP-PM, Founder and CEO, Lakeview Institute of Clinical Research

• Rupi Bancil, Senior Vice President of Global Study Operations & Global Expansion, CareAccess

• Sarah Branch, Sr. Global Trial Optimization Specialist (GTOS), Merck

• Gloria Calbert, Bradenton Research

• Justin Yang, MD, MPH, FACRP, FACOEM, Principal Investigator, CareAccess

This session is sponsored by

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming clinical research by streamlining patient identification, automating data capture, and enhancing imaging analysis. This session explores practical applications of AI in oncology trials, focusing on three high-impact areas: 1) patient matching and identification using advanced algorithms to accelerate enrollment and improve diversity; 2) seamless data collection through integration from electronic medical records to electronic data capture, reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency; and 3) automated imaging analysis, such as AI-driven RECIST measurements, to improve consistency and speed in response assessments. Attendees will take away actionable insights and learn from real-world examples for implementing AI solutions while addressing challenges in adoption, data quality, and regulatory considerations.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Chelsea Osterman, MD, Executive Medical Director, Tempus AI

Related Blog Content:

• AI in Oncology Clinical Research: Accelerating Patient Matching for Trials

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

The session is designed to open the door to a live reinactment of an institutional review board (IRB) meeting that includes samples of the the most sensitive and controverted decisions facing IRBs today. The purpose is to inform researchers of the inner workings and, more importantly, the often intense deliberations arising from today's clinical trial proposals and reports as the panel reconciles regulatory mandates and ethical principles with modern research conundrums. The 30-minute, mock IRB meeting will include a protocol, amendment, report of noncompliance, and continuing review followed by a 15-minute Q&A opportunity.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Claudia G. Christy, MSN, RN, CCRC, ACRP-CP, FACRP, IRB Board Member, Univo IRB

• Melissa Gottke, BA, CIP, IRB Chairperson, Advarra

• Amanda Higley, MS, PhD, CIP, IRB Chair Director, Advarra IRB

• Robert Romanchuk, CIP, BSHS, Chairperson, Regulatory Director, Univo IRB

• Deborah L. Rosenbaum, FACRP, CCRC, CCRA, ACRP-CP, ACRP-PM, Consultant, Sarrison Clinical Research, LLC

Related Blog Content:

• Shining a Light on IRB Decisions: Mock IRB Meeting Reveals Processes

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

Clinical expertise has a clearly defined role and purpose in clinical research from randomizing treatments to managing adverse events to monitoring the overall health of participants. However, scientific expertise seems to be expected only from those who design studies, analyze final datasets, and manage the investigational products in question. This increases a sense of separation between sponsors and sites that results in clinical trial operations being considered mostly in terms of financial transactions. At the site level, a similar divide in research staff often occurs as the study coordinators understand the study mechanics and the medical clinicians understand the disease, often causing friction in operations and staff turnover. By developing a novel clinical research model, our team has addressed these gaps and witnessed improvements in staff recruitment and retention as well as decreases in detrimental protocol deviations. This model includes a clear career development pathway for clinical research professionals.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Lacey Andrews, MS, CCRC, CCRA, Lead Coordinator, Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Health

• Todd Davies, PhD, Associate Director of Research, Marshall Health

The clinical research industry offers a variety of career pathways, yet many site-based professionals struggle to transition to roles within contract research organizations or sponsor settings. This session will outline the skills, experiences, and strategic positioning needed to make that leap successfully. Drawing from real-world examples, panel insights, and current hiring trends, we’ll explore how site-based coordinators, managers, and research staff can translate their operational expertise into qualifications for project management, clinical research associate, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, and other sponsor-side roles. Attendees will leave with a roadmap, tools for self-assessment, and strategies to proactively align their current responsibilities with future goals.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Tamika Harris, Clinical Operations Manager - Regulatory, Merck

• Jessica Propps, ACRP-CP, Clinical Operations Manager - Regulatory, Merck

Related Blog Content:

• Developing the Clinical Research Career Transition Roadmap

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

This interactive presentation guides participants through applying proven project management principles across all scales of work, from organizational initiatives to everyday task management. Attendees will learn to leverage essential project management tools including strategic planning frameworks, effective scheduling techniques, Gantt chart creation and interpretation, and dependency mapping to optimize workflow and productivity. Through practical examples and hands-on exercises, participants will discover how to break down complex projects into manageable components, identify critical path dependencies, and create realistic timelines that account for resource constraints and competing priorities. The session will demonstrate how the same methodologies that drive successful large-scale initiatives can transform daily task management, reducing stress and increasing efficiency.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Leslie Pimentel Byatt, MSML, MBA, CCRC, PMP, FACRP, Director, Clinical Trials Operations, University of New Mexico Hospital

Related Blog Content:

• Project Management Benefits Span Strategic Initiatives and Daily Tasks

Step into the ACRP 2026 Video Kiosk and share your story! Celebrate a standout conference moment or reflect on how membership, certification, or the ACRP community has supported your growth as a clinical research professional. Your voice can inspire others—and it only takes a few minutes to record.

Have a complimentary headshot taken to build professional credibility and make a great impression. 

Connect with your colleagues and 50+ leading-edge organizations and suppliers helping you get better results in clinical research.

Relax and unwind with a beverage and light hors d'oeuvres in the Expo Hall.

If you’ve collected stamps from 10 booths, drop off your prize card at the ACRP booth #531 and be there at 5:00 and 5:15 for your chance to win one of our high-value giveaways, including an iPad, a Breville Espresso Machine, a YETI Soft Cooler, gift cards, and more—must be present to win!

Join fellow attendees for a special party where you’ll gather with the people who’ve shaped our journey—and those who will lead its future.

All ACRP 2026 registrants are invited to attend the ACRP at 50 Anniversary Celebration, where we’ll honor five decades of advancing excellence in clinical research and the community that makes it possible.

• Full conference, weekend, Saturday, and Expo only registrants are encouraged to attend.

• There is not an additional registration fee.

• You will not need to register in advance to reserve your spot.

• Gold attire is encouraged

This is our moment to connect across generations, share stories, and celebrate our collective impact. Let’s envision the possibilities for what’s to come in the next fifty years of clinical research—together!