AUTM Updates

An Important Message for AUTM Members re: U.S. Region Meetings in 2026

Dear AUTM Members,

As we look ahead to 2026, we want to share an update on how AUTM is thinking about regional engagement and educational programming in the coming year. As always, our goal is to support members with meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and engage while also being thoughtful about the evolving financial and capacity constraints facing our community, including significant budget uncertainties across U.S. universities and the possibility of reduced travel/discretionary funding.

In 2026, the AUTM Annual Meeting, AUTM University, the Canadian Region Meeting, and the Unconference will continue to serve as our primary, in-person programs for education, professional development, and networking. We are committed to maintaining the quality and relevance of these core offerings as we assess how best to support members across the broader calendar year.

 

Exploring a New Approach to U.S. Regional Engagement

We are currently evaluating alternative approaches to U.S. regional programming for 2026. As part of this assessment, AUTM will not host traditional, standalone U.S. region meetings in the Central, Eastern, and Western Regions in 2026.

Instead, we are exploring more flexible and scalable ways to provide regional engagement and learning opportunities, recognizing that needs, resources, and travel capacity vary widely across institutions and individuals.

Our exploration is guided by several considerations, including:

  • Accessibility: Identifying approaches that reduce travel and cost barriers where possible.
  • Relevance: Aligning educational content with timely topics and diverse career stages.
  • Connection: Supporting meaningful engagement within local and regional technology transfer communities, where feasible.

The Canadian Region Meeting is expected to take place in late spring 2026 under its existing model, while we use 2026 to pilot and assess potential new approaches within the U.S.

We are excited to share additional details as plans develop, and we welcome continued dialogue as we shape the future of regional engagement.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the technology transfer profession and to AUTM.

 

Sincerely,

AUTM Chair Joy Goswami and the AUTM Board