Find your calm in the Zen Den—a quiet retreat where you can unwind, reset, and take a breather from the hustle of the conference. Color your sketchbot, relax with mindful activities, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself.
Step into Connection Cove—a relaxed space designed for casual chats and low-pressure networking. Come as you are; we’ve got conversation starters and ideas to make meeting others feel natural.
When you arrive in Orlando, make your way to the registration desk (Convention Level) to receive your conference badge and essential materials, ensuring you're fully equipped for ACRP 2026.
If you have questions or need assistance throughout the conference, the registration desk is where you’ll find the answers you seek.
Have a complimentary headshot taken to build professional credibility and make a great impression.
Start your day in the Expo Hall with a delicious breakfast and engaging conversations—connect with 50+ innovative organizations driving better results in clinical research.
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.
Signature Series Session
Clinical research is a dynamic field shaped by the people who plan, conduct, and oversee it at every career stage. This engaging panel brings together diverse voices to share their career journeys, the leadership skills that fueled their growth, and the pivotal moments that defined their paths.
Panelists will offer insights on:
How they entered and advanced within clinical research
The leadership competencies that made the greatest impact
Lessons learned and practical advice for others shaping their careers
What keeps them motivated and passionate in an evolving field
Whether you’re just starting out or guiding the next generation, this conversation will highlight the resilience, leadership, and sense of purpose that drive long-term success. You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, actionable guidance, and renewed inspiration to chart their own path, make meaningful contributions, and thrive in a field that is constantly evolving.
At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
Explain leadership as a core competency in clinical research
Recognize and cultivate their own leadership style
Identify common leadership blind spots
Create their own action plan
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Michelle Rowe, RN, VP, Research, HCA Healthcare
Jennifer Sheller, ACRP-CP, Senior Vice President and Head, Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO), Merck
Muriel Maignan Wilkins, CEO & Founder, Paravis Partners
Susan P. Landis, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Clinical Research Professionals (Moderator)
Related Blog Content:
Perk up with a shot of caffeine and a splash of conversation—don’t miss this 15-minute recharge in the Expo Hall!
The Careers in Clinical Research (C-CLEAR) Program is an eight-week immersive summer experience designed to introduce undergraduate students to careers in oncology clinical trials. Hosted by the University of Kansas Cancer Center's Clinical Trials Office, the program provides hands-on exposure to core research functions including informed consent, protocol navigation, adverse event reporting, regulatory documentation, and data entry. Students complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training and gain real-world experience through shadowing across multiple departments, including time with oncologists in the Phase One Clinic. The program also emphasizes professional development through mentorship, résumé building, and final presentations to research staff. This session will present a practical and replicable model for building early-career pathways into clinical research. Attendees will receive tools, strategies, and lessons learned to support workforce training and sustainable pipeline development in academic research settings.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speaker:
Joseph Hines II, MPH, Executive Director, Research Operations-Clinical Trial Office, University of Kansas Cancer Center
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
In response to growing pressures from federal sponsors to demonstrate efficient research oversight, the Penn State College of Medicine undertook a strategic reorganization of clinical research monitoring and auditing services. This effort involved centralizing monitors from multiple units and realigning an auditor into our human research quality assurance office. A scalable chargeback model was developed to support this new structure, financial stewardship, and risk-based workload allocation. Attendees will learn how institutions can transition from siloed, grant-dependent quality functions to a centralized model that is both cost-recoverable and operationally sustainable. They will learn how to evaluate capacity, align oversight with risk profiles, and design a flexible fee structure based on study complexity and enrollment. The session explores how the reorganization positions the institution to adapt to the evolving expectations around indirect costs. This presentation provides a practical roadmap for modernizing research oversight by enhancing sustainability, or maximizing value from existing resources.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speaker:
Kevin Gardner, Jr., MS, BSN, RN, CCRC, Director, Clinical Trials Office, Penn State College of Medicine
Ready to take the next step in your clinical research career? Join this expert panel of ACRP Certified professionals—leaders who’ve served on the Academy Board, committees, as item writers, and more—to gain insider knowledge on achieving your certification.
They’ll share their personal journeys and practical strategies for success, from navigating the application process to preparing for the exam. Discover what to expect during eligibility review, explore testing options, and learn proven study tips that can help you earn the most reputable credentials in the clinical research industry. ACRP Certification goes beyond the letters—learn how it can be a catalyst for impact, opportunity, and career growth.
Please note that this session will not cover exam content. If you have questions regarding your individual certification journey, please talk to the staff at the ACRP booth in the Expo Hall.
This session does not provide ACRP Contact Hours.
Speakers:
Lisa Ince, BS, CCRC, CCRA, FACRP, Project Manager, Syneos Health
Tiffany Taylor Mayo, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology; Director of Dermatology Clinical Research, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Jen Milam CAE, ICE-CCP, Certification Manager, ACRP
Robert O’Connor, CCRA, ACRP-CP, FACRP, Senior Clinical Scientist, The Procter & Gamble Company
The emergence of decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) has reshaped the way we approach execution of clinical trials requiring few or no face-to-face touchpoints with patients. A successful DCT requires a different operational infrastructure, different technology, and different personnel from a traditional clinical trial. This session offers a practical, end-to-end toolbox for designing and operationalizing DCTs. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for protocol design that allow remote workflows and patient-centric recruitment. We will discuss common pain points that contribute to attrition in DCTs and strategies for prevention. The session will review approaches for building and leading remote teams and for leveraging technology to improve efficiency of remote work. Finally, we will discuss the role of the principal investigator, research coordinator, and data manager as they are deployed in a decentralized fashion. This talk is for those interested in launching DCTs and for those running DCTs who want to expand their capabilities.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Kimberly Lamberti, PhD, Senior Clinical and Regulatory Affairs Specialist II, Nilo Medical Consulting Group
Marianne Parrish, MPH, Clinical Project and Data Manager, Nilo Medical Consulting Group
The field of oncology clinical trials is dynamic and intricate, with continuous evolution introducing new challenges for research sites. This panel discussion features seasoned representatives from highly active research sites sharing their innovative strategies for navigating this evolving landscape. While universal solutions are elusive, each site employs a unique blend of technology and human expertise to achieve its research objectives.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Meghan Degele, Sr. Director, Tempus AI
Tiffany Kirkpatrick, PharmD, ACRP-CP, Cancer Research Quality Program Manager and Research Pharmacist, Avera Cancer Institute
Ashley Servais, Director of Clinical Research, Nebraska Cancer Specialists
Alexis Wilson, Research Clinical Operations Coordinator, MemorialCare
The clinical research enterprise often attracts the kind of perfectionists who feel crushed when they make mistakes. They take failure personally, and, in an industry where every "i" and "t" are quality checked, their shortcomings are always noticed. But, what if we could build a clinical research team that promotes inclusion, learning, expression, and contribution--a team whose members no longer wake up in the night wondering if they forgot a signature during the monitoring visit? This session will promote the values of psychological safety in the workplace, and empower listeners to identify psychological safety principles and the impact on teams that lack them. Participants will be guided through real-life monitoring scenarios, learn what went right or wrong, and practice applying the four stages of psychological safety.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Amanda Egan, CCRP, Clinical Research Associate, Merck
Carli Lettrich, Senior Clinical Research Associate, Merck
Kyle Niquette, CCRA, Clinical Research Associate Manager, Merck
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
Clinical research teams manage millions of data points and thousands of documents—yet many still rely on manual, time-consuming processes that slow progress and increase risk. The good news: There are accessible AI and automation tools within your office suite that can significantly streamline everyday tasks. Join experts in clinical research operations as they share practical use cases, share insights, and discuss how you can build confidence and expertise in this rapidly changing field. Specific topics include reducing the AI fear factor, building an AI-informed workforce, and tackling clinical research operations with AI.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Burak Aktan, Head of Business Operations, Clinical Sciences and Study Management, Merck
Noelle Gaskill, MBA, ACRP-CP, VP, GM of Time Network, Tempus
Andrew Gordesky, Regional Director, Clinical Quality Management Latin America, Merck
Sandra Koseoglu, Director/ Program Lead, Clinical Sciences and Study Management, Merck
Chelsea Osterman, MD, Executive Medical Director, Tempus AI
Jessica Propps, ACRP-CP, Clinical Operations Manager - Regulatory, Merck
Jennifer Sheller, ACRP-CP, Senior Vice President and Head, Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO), Merck
Karen Strat, PhD, Clinical Scientist, Merck
Turnover among clinical research professionals increases trial costs, delays timelines, and compromises data quality. Across sponsors, contract research organizations, health systems, and academic sites, workforce instability puts studies—and outcomes—at risk. This session shares a case study from the healthcare sector, where investing in psychological safety through expert-led group coaching led to a 20-point drop in annual turnover and $32 million in annual savings—while improving team performance and engagement. Psychological safety—the belief that team members can speak up and take risks without fear—is a proven driver of retention, operational efficiency, and proactive problem-solving. Group coaching embeds this mindset into team culture, enabling trust, reducing errors, and supporting sustainable performance. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to apply this low-lift, high-impact approach to onboarding, leadership development, and daily operations.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Francie Jain, Founder & CEO, Terawatt, Inc.
Tommy Thomas, CEO, Opposite Strengths Licensing, LLC
Research teams are being asked to do more with less—especially when it comes to unfunded or underfunded studies. Whether it’s supporting investigator-initiated trials with no startup budget or absorbing hidden costs from sponsor studies, the financial strain is real. This session offers practical strategies for identifying and managing financial risk at the site level. We’ll walk through tools for feasibility screening, cost recovery, and portfolio-level decision-making. Attendees will leave with insights they can use to engage investigators and institutional leaders in honest conversations about what it really costs to “just get it done.”
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speaker:
Shannon Chism, Education & Research Consulting Sr. Director, Huron Consulting Group
Back by popular demand and reimagined for 2026, the ACRP Game Show returns with more energy, more surprises, and more chances to test your knowledge in this high-energy session. Teams of clinical research professionals will go head-to-head in a fast-paced trivia battle covering everything from ICH-GCP principles to eClinical technology, informed consent essentials, and more!
Audience members won’t just watch—they’ll play along, cheer on their peers, and maybe even walk away with bragging rights. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a curious newcomer, this session is your chance to learn, laugh, and celebrate the clinical research enterprise in a whole new way.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Elisa Cascade, MBA, FACRP, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Americas, TrialScreen
Lexi Herbert, Launch Manager, TrialScreen
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
Technology rollouts in clinical research struggle when change isn’t managed effectively. This session explores how to lead successful transitions to site-based eClinical solutions like electronic investigator site files, electronic source, and participant engagement platforms. The session will highlight common pitfalls in site-level implementations and how to avoid them through proactive communication, pilot workflows, and leadership alignment. Designed for site leaders and operations professionals, the session focuses on practical, real-world strategies for overcoming resistance, fostering cross-functional buy-in, and building adoption plans that last beyond go-live. Attendees will walk away with a clear framework on how to engage stakeholders early, design training that sticks, and track meaningful adoption metrics.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speaker:
Alicia Gearhart, Director of Professional Services, RealTime eClinical Solutions
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections can be high-stakes events for clinical research sites, especially within large site networks. Yet, many sites and quality assurance (QA) teams only engage reactively, leading to inconsistent readiness and potential regulatory exposure. This session presents a proactive, collaborative model for ongoing alignment between site operations and the network’s QA function. Through real-world examples and practical tools, we’ll demonstrate how early QA involvement, open communication, and joint preparation foster a culture of continuous inspection readiness. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies for collaborative mock audits, risk-based Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan implementation, and quality-focused training that empowers staff and mitigates FDA risk.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Margaret (Meg) Rood, VP, Operational Excellence, IMA Clinical Research
Andreja Vlajankov-Salaj, Sr. Director, Quality Assurance, IMA Clinical Research
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.
Research sites often juggle multiple sponsor-required technology systems across their studies. This patchwork of systems can lead to duplicative data entry, repeated training, and inefficient workflows that add significant administrative burden to already demanding workloads.
This session will introduce a new AI-powered ChatGPT-like experience for protocol and study document review, and how using site-preferred systems—including the electronic medical record (EMR) and clinical trial management system (CTMS)—can help researchers and coordinators work more efficiently in sponsor-led trials. We will discuss workflows that integrate with existing systems and explore how greater flexibility in technology choices can reduce duplicate work and streamline daily study tasks.
Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how Bring Your Own Technology BYOT approaches are evolving across the clinical research ecosystem and how leveraging familiar systems can simplify study operations.
This session does not provide ACRP Contact Hours.
Speaker:
Keith Wright, Sr. Director, Strategy, Advarra
Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research, but without accounting for health literacy, it often fails to ensure true participant understanding. This session will explore how research professionals can bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and meaningful comprehension, particularly in sensitive fields like reproductive health. Drawing from real-world experience in Phase III trials, biorepository studies, and community health research, I will share practical strategies for improving the consent process using plain language, teach-back methods, and visual aids. We’ll also examine relevant ICH-GCP guidelines, including the requirement that consent information be presented “in a language understandable to the subject,” and discuss how these principles apply in daily research practice. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to support participant-centered communication and to elevate the informed consent process beyond a signature to a personal, nuanced, and regulatory-compliant conversation that leaves patients feeling empowered in their decision.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speaker:
Gianna Gemignani, BS, ACRP-CP, Clinical Research Project Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (Department of OB/GYN)
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
An exclusive, invitation-only event honoring the 2026 Class of Fellows and offering a special opportunity to connect with peers.
Enjoy your favorite specialty coffee and an extra afternoon boost in Booth #411.
Break for lunch and discuss what’s next—connect with your community, share your top takeaways with your peers, and discover solutions from 50+ trailblazing organizations throughout the Expo Hall.
Be sure to leave time to visit at least 10 exhibitor booths to collect stamps for your Go for Prizes card!
Have a complimentary headshot taken to build professional credibility and make a great impression.
Take time to learn about our poster presentations, ask questions, and engage directly with their work. Attendees can also vote for their top three poster presentations in two categories: student and non-student.
Winners will be announced Sunday at 5:30 PM at the Expo Hall Main Stage.
Sites are overwhelmed by the increasing number and complexity of technology solutions required to execute clinical trials. This is exacerbated by the increasing number of solution providers selected. Currently, research sites are typically required to use sponsor-provided technology systems. The Decentralized Trials and Research Alliance's (DTRA's) "Bring Your Own Technology" initiative aims to enable clinical research sites to use their own validated technology systems in industry-sponsored clinical trials while maintaining regulatory compliance and sponsor oversight. The objective is to reduce operational inefficiencies, improve data quality, and enhance site and patient experiences. This session will share the work done by DTRA to date to define a process to enable adoption of site-preferred technology in registrational trials. Using eConsent as a model, key considerations and impact assessments conducted to identify opportunities and challenges from a multi-stakeholder perspective will be shared. The work continues in 2025-26, focusing on site-preferred eSource adoption by sponsors.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Joe Dustin, Founder and Principal, Dauntless eClinical Strategies
Rick Greenfield, BBA-IS, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, RealTime eClinical Solutions
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
The relationship between clinical research coordinators and monitors is at the heart of every trial. Too often, it is defined by miscommunication, mistrust, and turf wars, but clinical trials move too quickly and are too important to allow these avoidable barriers to persist. This interactive session, led by monitors who were once coordinators, flips the script. With a unique dual perspective of site and sponsor, the speakers explore how empathy, communication, and perspective-taking can transform this critical relationship from adversarial to collaborative. Attendees will gain heightened self-awareness and actionable strategies for their unique situations. When coordinators and monitors work in sync, clinical trials run smoothly. Let's rethink the status quo and co-create a culture of mutual respect and shared goals--because better relationships mean better research.
CEU: 1.00 ACRP
Speakers:
Jodie Addington, Senior Specialist, Clinical Research Monitoring, Edwards Lifesciences
Kelly Chan, BS, CCRA, Manager, Clinical Research Monitoring, Edwards Lifesciences
Misty Daniel, CCRC, CCRA, Senior Specialist, Clinical Research Monitoring, Edwards Lifesciences
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:
