Posted by Catherine Rogers, marketing coordinatorTake one look at the photos from last year’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Conference and you’ll notice a few visual cues that speak to the meeting’s intrinsic value: A vibrant community. A diverse faculty. Smiling faces. Raised hands. Ah-ha moments. But the pictures tell only part of the story…To fully grasp the impact of the IACUC Conference, though, it’s necessary to immerse yourself in the experience. That’s why I wanted to share some preliminary details about PRIM&R’s 2010 IACUC Conference, which will be held March 22-23, with pre-conference programs being held on March 21, in Baltimore, MD, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.Based on the feedback we’ve received about last year’s IACUC Conference, our meetings continue to expand and improve, and 2010 will be no exception:

• We’re expecting 700 attendees from 30 countries worldwide.
• Our faculty has grown to nearly 125, including almost 20 federal representatives.
• The conference program is composed of 20 tracks and 80 sessions designed to improve communication and collaboration, foster programmatic integration, and achieve convergence throughout an institution’s animal care and use program.

In addition, attendees will have greater access to networking with peers, colleagues, experts, thought-leaders, and federal government representatives! We know it’s not always easy to find a space to continue a discussion, reconnect with old friends, or engage in a thoughtful discussion with new ones. That’s why we have done the work for you! Once you’re onsite at the Marriott, look for signs directing you to a series of hand-picked Alternative Networking Depots—aka AmpersAND Lounges—where you’ll find comfy couches and cozy nooks, perfect for coffee and conversation.General registration will open this winter, and we will continually update our website with information about the program and faculty, so please be sure to check back for the latest developments.Hope to see you in Baltimore!