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

  
  

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

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

Many early-career clinical research professionals are thrust into complex, fast-paced project environments with limited exposure to formal project management training. This session provides a practical introduction to core project management principles tailored to clinical research settings—specifically at the study and site level. Attendees will explore key tools and strategies for managing timelines, tracking milestones, handling communications, and identifying potential risks before they become problems. Real-world case examples will highlight how applying simple project management frameworks can reduce study delays, improve team coordination, and support operational success. This session will be especially valuable for site coordinators, study managers, and new team leads looking to enhance their organizational skills and confidence in managing day-to-day research operations.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Cassidy Chester, Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Utah

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

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

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

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.