As we gear up for the AUTM 2015 Annual Meeting, I want to extend a special welcome to those attending AUTM either for the first time or those who are coming back after a hiatus of a few years. The Freshman Orientation session is scheduled for Sun, Feb 22, 5 pm - 6 pm, in the Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The event is designed just for you - to help you connect with your colleagues and peers and make the most of your Annual Meeting experience.
The Freshman Orientation offers a brief overview of the conference program and spotlights educational and networking opportunities, forums, receptions, and other special events. It's a chance to become familiar with the partnering software, AUTM Connect™, that will help you maximize your networking capabilities. It's also a great way to jump-start your Annual Meeting networking as the Orientation session concludes with introductions, a business card exchange, refreshments and a chance to meet with senior AUTM leadership.
To further assist you, the Freshman class of 2015, we will have a large group of seasoned AUTM technology transfer veterans in the crowd to recommend sessions or address any other questions you might have. We will also be emailing nightly reminders and summaries about the Annual Meeting's next day's events. Please email me at: gayatri@umd.edu if you would like receive these updates.
Be sure to take advantage of the AUTM Connect partnering software which is now active and can be used by Annual Meeting registrants to schedule meetings with industry representatives.
Lastly, those preparing to attend the Annual Meeting for the first time might be interested in reading accounts by several AUTM members describing their experiences at their first Annual Meeting here, and here.
Safe travels and see you all in New Orleans!