The AUTM Central Region meeting, “Forward Thinking: Tools, Strategies, Success!” was held in Madison, WI, July 27 – 29. A record 252 attended, one from as far away as Saudi Arabia. The goal of the meeting was to provide new tools to new and seasoned members to enable them to not only to survive, but to thrive, in these difficult economic times. Topics included new ways to evaluate technology, how to handle software, protect or not, and crafting of agreements.
A hallmark of the Central Region meeting is “networking.” Ideas, business cards and advice were generously given to all.
The three plenary sessions also provided a unique opportunity to hear from a number of experts with differing opinions. A lively discussion, led by Mr. Arjun Sanga, (University of Texas System), ensued between three University Research Deans, Dr. Molly Jahn, (University of Wisconsin at Madison), Dr. Tim Mulcahy, (University of Minnesota), and Dr. Michael Sharer, (Western Michigan University). They were very reassuring in their support of tech transfer and the hard work that our offices do as well as the issues we face with multiple constituency needs.
As always, the annual plenary trivia contest - this year “Let’s get Cheesy” in honor of the Wisconsin location - was a big hit! The winning team “Howard’s (Bremer) Team” took first place honors, each member receiving a “loving cup trophy” and our best wishes for getting it through airport security.
A high point of the meeting was the opportunity to honor Howard Bremer, (WARF), for his commitment to our profession and his personal involvement in crafting the Bayh-Dole Act. Vicki Loise, Executive Director of AUTM, came to Madison to present Howard with a marked up copy of the bill that was signed by Senator Bayh.
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art was the perfect venue for the Tuesday night event. Attendees had the opportunity to eat, drink and mingle in the museum galleries and on the rooftop garden. The weather was perfect and a great time was had by all.
Thanks to the hard work of Jennifer Gottwald, site chair (WARF), the Central Region Committee and the support of our meeting sponsors we were able to provide a high quality conference for our attendees. Next year we go south to Memphis and the Peabody Hotel July 12-14, 2010. Brush up on your Elvis facts, which are sure to be part of the trivia contest.