Training challenges persist throughout the clinical research enterprise. This session presents benchmark data and discusses practical solutions for partnerships between sponsors, contract research organizations, and sites to address site-based training shortcomings for the betterment of clinical trial conduct.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Jimmy Bechtel, Vice President, Site Engagement, SCRS

Study startup delays represent a critical barrier impairing efficiency in clinical research timelines and our ability to ultimately serve patients. Tackling each contributing factor in this issue should be an effort we all engage in. The Site-Sponsor Consortium—a unique collaboration of sponsors, contract research organizations, institutional sites, and commercial sites—will unveil its inaugural whitepaper, which details actionable strategies to simplify and harmonize Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement processes across the industry. Consortium members will discuss the operational and ethical imperatives for reform, the value of master and bilateral agreements, and the collaborative journey that led to consensus-driven solutions. Attendees will gain insight into the practical steps needed to reduce study startup timelines and foster a culture of shared responsibility, transparency, and innovation in clinical research.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Carlos Orantes, Chief Executive Officer, Alcanza Clinical Research

• Michelle Rowe, RN, VP, Research, HCA Healthcare

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

• Brandi Walker, Executive Vice President, Clinical Development Operations, Syneos Health

Related Blog Content:

• Standardizing CDAs: A Promising Way to Overcome Study Start-up Delays

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Clinical research can be made more trustworthy and accessible by engaging communities through unconditional, literacy-driven outreach. This session shares a model for engaging people where they are, not as future participants or workforce members, but as community members deserving of clarity, inclusion, and respect. Presenters will share examples of how they deliver plain-language education about clinical research, facilitate conversations around research mistrust, and equip communities with the tools to navigate research information and options. These efforts aren’t tied to active studies or enrollment; rather, they’re grounded in the belief that long-term public trust is built through repeated, agenda-free education. Attendees will walk away with replicable strategies for building community-facing literacy initiatives centered on equity, transparency, and relationship-building.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Addison Gumbert, Clinical Research Marketing Strategist, Premier Clinical Marketing

• Mitchell Hilbe, CEO / Co-Founder, DiversiTrials

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

Clinical trial recruitment often fails not because patients do not exist, but because they are never identified. Specialty private practices hold large, underutilized patient populations, yet recruitment strategies still rely on static feasibility surveys and manual chart review.

This session introduces a data-driven approach that begins with a retroactive audit of existing patient records to quantify true trial feasibility, followed by real-time identification of eligible patients directly within clinical workflows. By structuring both structured and unstructured EHR data, sites can surface eligible patients continuously without manual effort.

Using real-world deployments, we will show how this model replaces guesswork with measurable patient availability, reduces screening burden, and enables faster, more predictable enrollment. The result is a shift from reactive recruitment to a continuous system aligned with how care is actually delivered.

This session does not provide ACRP Contact Hours.

Speaker:

• Ayush Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Syntra

This session is sponsored by

Does working with your IRB feel like a roadblock? With the right strategies, you can develop a powerful partnership to ensure ethical, efficient, and compliant research.

In this session, participants will learn how to communicate with the IRB in ways that reduce delays, improve protocol clarity, and support ethical decision-making. Grounded in real-world IRB review practices, federal regulations (45 CFR 46), and institutional experience, we’ll explore what the IRB actually prioritizes in a protocol submission and how to deliver a clear and concise submission for review.

We’ll cover how to describe study activities in a way that aligns with regulatory criteria, write protocols with clarity around data handling, participant interactions, and multi-site coordination, and navigate pushback or differing IRB interpretations. Whether you’re managing a straightforward survey study or a complex, multi-site data integration project, this session will equip you with strategies to make your IRB submissions more efficient and effective.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Rachel Lally, MPH, CIP, Assistant Vice President for Research, Penn State University

• Challace Pahlevan-Ibrekic, Director, Clinical Research, Northwell Health

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.

What if the real obstacle to better recruitment isn’t your budget or your systems... but how you communicate? Too often, clinical teams overlook the role personality plays in how messages are delivered, received, and acted on in both internal departments and patient communications.  And believe or not, they coorelate more than you think.

This session explores how internal misalignment in communication can spill over into patient-facing interactions, impacting trust and clarity (and ultimately recruitment & retention). Using personality test frameworks like DISC, MBTI, and others, we’ll explore our own communication preferences, categorize communication styles of others, and how to adjust your approach to build stronger connections. When applied to patient recruitment, strong communication builds greater trust with patients by showing an understanding of who they are, their priorities, and how they communicate. When patients feel understood, you earn their trust.

When communication flows, recruitment follows.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Addison Gumbert, Clinical Research Marketing Strategist, Premier Clinical Marketing

This session will discuss the implementation a novel tool for Identifying IRB Review Level for Studies involving Secondary Use of Data/Specimens.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Leslie Bell, Regulatory Specialist, Medical University of South Carolina-South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute (SCTR)

Related Blog Content:

• The Right Tool Can Ease Second-Guessing on Secondary Uses for Researchers

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Discover how prioritizing soft or aligned skills in hiring and training entry-level clinical research professionals can open sustainable pathways to success—and learn how to put skills-based hiring into action at your institution. We’ll briefly examine industry trends and the importance of a sustainable talent pipeline with the right skills. We will share our real-life experiences building a workforce development program, and provide tools for screening, hiring, and developing the desired soft skills. Participants will reflect on their own institutional needs and practices, and come away with actionable strategies to create inclusive, skills-based paths into the profession. By revisiting the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency model through the lens of your institution’s prioritized soft skills, you’ll assess alignment, identify gaps, and explore ways to refine expectations—ensuring your training goals and performance benchmarks are appropriate and personalized.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Kathleen OMalley, BSN, CCRP, Director of Education and Training, Jefferson Clinical Research Institute, Jefferson

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

Clinical trial recruitment faces persistent challenges, including prolonged enrollment periods, high screen failure rates, and inconsistent data quality. This session introduces the innovative block enrollment strategy, which accelerates trial recruitment by concentrating all site resources on a single protocol during a focused enrollment period. By aligning the entire research team and optimizing patient engagement, the block enrollment approach improves enrollment efficiency, reduces screen failures, and enhances participant retention. Drawing on real-world data from ophthalmic trials, attendees will explore how this model streamlines workflows while maintaining rigorous quality standards. The session will engage participants in discussing scalability and adaptation of block enrollment across various therapeutic areas. Key roles of principal investigators, study coordinators, and support staff in this focused recruitment method will be highlighted. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about a transformative, practical approach that reshapes clinical trial enrollment and optimizes site performance.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD, President and CEO, Centers for Advanced Surgical Exploration (CASEx) and Erie Retina Research

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Decentralized clinical trials are reshaping how research is conducted, offering new opportunities to expand access, improve participant accrual, and reduce the burden on limited organizational resources. This session will explore transformative approaches institutions can take to implement and manage decentralized trials effectively. Attendees will learn how to adopt flexible models that support research growth without requiring extensive staffing or infrastructure. The session will highlight practical strategies for integrating decentralized elements into existing workflows, including virtual visits, digital tools, and participant-centered processes. Real-world examples will show how organizations have successfully used decentralized models to reach underserved populations and streamline operations. Whether the organization is beginning to explore decentralized research or looking to scale existing efforts, this session will provide actionable insights to help align trial design with institutional goals. Attendees will discover how decentralized research can be a powerful tool for increasing efficiency, expanding reach, and supporting sustainable research operations.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Shreya Singh, Consulting Sr. Associate, Huron Consulting Group

Related Blog Content:

• DCTs: A Necessity for Inclusive, Efficient Trials

This session proposes a new operational paradigm focused on redesigning the internal structure of clinical trial sites through the incorporation of specialized roles--with active support from the industry--to ensure quality, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The presenter will analyze the structural limitations of the traditional site model and their implications for quality, compliance, and efficiency; demonstrate the strategic value of new key roles such as clinical trial managers, quality control specialists, quality assurance specialists, clinical trial educators, and clinical research coordinator assistants; present a scalable framework based on quality management systems (QMS) that integrates these roles; and offer an action plan to transform site structures and strengthen the workforce.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Carlos Pinoargote, Chief Operating Officer, BRCR Global

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

Learn a values-based framework to standardize budgets while honoring site needs, empowering advocacy, equity, and site sustainability.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• LaTisha Weaver, Consultant - CEO, LDM Clinical Research Source

This session is designed for new project managers and those aspiring to move into a project management role. The focus is on the project manager’s role in feasibility planning, recruitment execution, and effective communication. While job titles and responsibilities may vary across sponsors and contract research organizations, this session underscores the core project management practices that support the primary goal of delivering clean, reliable data and protecting study participants—all while keeping the study’s timeline on track.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Lisa Ince, BS, CCRC, CCRA, FACRP, Project Manager, Syneos Health

• Mary Lord, RN, MS, CCRA, CRA Manager, Site Management and Monitoring, Merck

This session explores how to celebrate Gen Z colleagues, collaborate effectively with Millennial bosses, and embrace the strengths of a multigenerational workforce. Today’s organizations face new challenges as employees bring diverse values, attitudes, and expectations. Baby Boomers represent 15% of the workforce, Gen X 31%, Millennials 36%, and Gen Z 18%.

Participants will learn to identify and compare generational core values and cultural influences to enhance communication and build high-performing, inclusive teams. The session highlights recognizing personal biases and avoiding snap judgments about other generations.

A key focus is the paradigm shift from a traditional “boss” mentality to a “coach” approach, fostering trust and engagement across age groups.

In the clinical research community, where collaboration is critical, each generation contributes unique strengths and perspectives. This session equips attendees to support intentional cross-generational communication, encourage mutual understanding, and leverage diversity to strengthen teamwork and improve outcomes in this dynamic environment.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Yekatrina Tsabur, Organizational Consultant, Sophos

• Yelena Tsabur, Organizational Consultant, Sophos

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

This session will highlight the transformation of protocol activation and lifecycle management that results in improved research billing compliance, streamlined workflows, aligned financial policies, and enhanced training curriculum. Despite the complexity of study activation, we found that mastering the basics—clear policies and procedures along with practical tools—was key to success. Attendees will leave with strategies and tools to confidently support clinical trial workflow transformation projects.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Chad Eriksen, MS, CCRC, FACRP, President, Strategic Advisor / Sr. Project Manager – Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) Iron Horse Research

• Kayleen Joyce, MS, CCRC, ACRP-PM, Consulting Manager, Huron Consulting Group

This session will delve into the critical role of academic medicine in clinical research, exploring why it is considered the pinnacle of clinical trials. We will discuss the historical and current challenges faced by academic researchers and how they are navigating the modern clinical trials environment. The session will review the impact of startups, technology, data, patient engagement, and newer political challenges on medical research. We will also identify solutions for current bottlenecks in academic research and propose strategies for moving forward and thriving in the current environment. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of clinical research and the innovative approaches being employed to overcome obstacles. The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, allowing for an interactive discussion with the audience.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Edwina McNeill-Simaan, EdD, MSHS, CCRC, CCRP, Program Director, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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The question of how—and how much—to compensate research participants is far from settled. While undue influence remains a central concern, too little compensation can be equally problematic—failing to respect participants’ time, reinforcing inequities, and limiting recruitment from underrepresented groups. What truly constitutes "undue influence"?  Should compensation only reflect time and inconvenience, or also acknowledge risk?  Do higher payments undermine voluntariness, or do they simply acknowledge the realities of participation? This session will examine current debates alongside emerging trends, including reimbursement versus compensation, digital wallet payments, gamification, and punitive terms of payment. Drawing on ethical frameworks, regulatory guidance, and real-world case examples, we will provide attendees with practical tools to evaluate and justify compensation strategies that withstand scrutiny while supporting participant trust and engagement.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

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

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

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!