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SoCRA 22nd Annual Conference
Faces of Global Research: Compliance, Quality, Integrity and Human Subjects Protection

New Orleans, Louisiana - September 27, 28, and 29, 2013
Preconference Workshops- September 26, 2013

Conference Information

DATES/LOCATIONS

  • September 27, 28, and 29, 2013
  • New Orleans, LA
    Sheraton New Orleans
    500 Canal Street
    New Orleans, LA 70130 USA
  • Hotel Phone: (504) 525-2500 or (888) 627-7033
  • SoCRA Room Block Rate $169 USD plus taxes is available until August 26, 2013 or until the room block is filled.
  • Please contact the hotel directly for sleeping room reservations at 1-866-716-8134 or Click HERE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES

For Registrations Confirmed PRIOR to August 19:
Member Fee- $750
Non-Member Fee*- $825
* Non-Member Fees include a (non-refundable) one-year membership in SoCRA

For Registrations Confirmed ON or AFTER August 19:
Member Fee- $800
Non-Member Fee*- $875
* Non-Member Fees include a (non-refundable) one-year membership in SoCRA

Preconference Workshops- Add $175

Continuing Education Credit Hours:

SoCRA designates this educational activity for a maximum of 19* Continuing Education Credits for SoCRA CE and Nurse CNE. SoCRA designates this live activity for a maximum of 19 (15 credits Annual Conference, 4 credits pre-conference) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
* The Annual Conference offers 15 credits (maximum). Pre-conference Workshops offer an additional 4 credits (maximum).

Accreditation Statements:
CME for Physicians: The Society of Clinical Research Associates is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CNE for Nurses: Society of Clinical Research Associates is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. ANCC/PSNA Provider Reference Number: 205-3-A-09

SoCRA Course # 13001

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Program Description

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Clinical research professionals including investigators, research coordinators, research associates, project managers, consultants, educators, and administrators. Such participants may be affiliated with medical centers; cooperative research groups; research consortia; pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies; contract research organizations; site management organizations; and independent research firms.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course the attendee should be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of adhering to GCP regulations and guidance in ensuring successful clinical research outcomes
  • Discuss the importance of diversity in clinical research and suggest strategies to positively manage its impact
  • Describe the basic genetic and genomic underpinnings of health and illness and developments that influence therapeutic interventions and research.
  • Discuss common audit findings and ways to avoid citations
  • Discuss issues related to best practice at the clinical site
  • Identify the potential of using public data sources in comparative effectiveness research
  • Discuss issues related to protocol development
  • Discuss clinical research regulations in Canada
  • Discuss current issues in clinical trial regulations
  • Describe challenges related to clinical research in the field of complementary and alternative medicine
  • Describe how quality management activities in clinical trials help to improve site performance
  • Explain device research issues
  • Discuss the challenges of conducting clinical trials globally
  • Discuss project budgeting tools and resources
  • Describe research ethics and human research protections
  • Discuss IRB regulations and operations
  • Describe effective techniques used in the enrollment process
  • Describe mechanisms to enhance performance at the research site
  • Discuss the role of proper training in the administration of a successful research program
  • Discuss current issues in Translational Research
  • Identify statistical tools applicable in clinical research practice
  • Describe issues faced in the monitoring of clinical trials
  • Discuss current issues in oncology research
  • Discuss obstacles faced in ophthalmological clinical trials
  • Discuss the role of clinical trials in the development and advancement of biventricular pacing
  • Describe how a community hospital has adapted their research services to meet ACS Level 1 trauma center criteria
  • Discuss the impact of PPAC on clinical research
  • Discuss the challenges and benefits of working in a generationally diverse workplace
  • Describe the unique challenges faced when conducting clinical research in an emergency room

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Conference Schedule

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Click Here for a Printable Schedule of Events.

Wednesday, September 25
CCRP Certification Preparation and Review Course (requires separate registration - Click Here for more details) (Coming Soon for 2013)
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Course Registration and Session

Thursday, September 26
Certification Examination (requires separate registration - Click Here for more details) (Coming Soon for 2013)
Registration Deadline for application to the exam is August 13, 2013.
7:30 AM to Noon - Examination Registration and Session

Annual Conference Events

Thursday, September 26
Pre-conference Seminars - Eleven pre-conference seminars are planned.

Click Here for pre-conference workshop descriptions. (Coming Soon for 2013)

12:30 PM to 5:15 PM Pre-conference seminar registration and sessions

  • Preparing for the FDA Clinical Investigator Site Inspection
  • IRBs and the Informed Consent Process
  • Clinical Research Administration, Budgeting, Contract Negotiation and Finance: A Site’s Perspective
  • GCP 101 for Sites - New Study Coordinator Workshop
  • Presentation Skills Workshop
  • SOP Development and Implementation
  • Legal Issues involving Researchers, including Fraud and Misconduct
  • Grant Writing and Protocol Development Workshop
  • Statistics in Clinical Research - Understanding Protocols and Statistical References
  • Device Research Regulatory Basics
  • Project Management and Process Standardization in Clinical Trials

Welcome Reception and Registration
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Reception and Registration for Attendees, Speakers, Exhibitors, Poster Presenters and SoCRA Board of Directors. Exhibitor Booths will be open to attendees.

Friday, September 27

General Session

  • 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Registration
  • 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast
  • 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM Welcome, Introduction and Opening Plenary Session
  • 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM Morning Break with Exhibitors
  • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Exhibits and Poster Session
  • 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM Luncheon / Exhibit and Poster Session
  • 1:30 PM to 5:10 PM Breakout Sessions
  • 3:05 PM to 3:35 PM Afternoon Break with Posters and Exhibitors

Saturday, September 28

General Session

  • 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Registration
  • 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast
  • 8:30 AM to 5:20 PM - Breakout Sessions
  • 10:05 AM to 10:50 AM - Morning Break with Exhibitors
  • 10:05 AM to 5:00 PM - Exhibits and Poster Session
  • 12:25 PM to 1:40 PM - Luncheon / Exhibit and Poster Session
  • 12:40 PM to 1:30 PM - Chapter Orientation Luncheon
  • 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM – Afternoon Break with Exhibitors

Sunday, September 29

General Session

  • 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast
  • 8:30 AM to Noon Closing Plenary
  • 9:50 AM to 10:10 AM - Morning Break
  • 12:00 Noon Program Adjourns

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Conference Agenda

Click Here for a Schedule of Breakout Sessions.

Click Here for the Annual Conference agenda.

Click Here for the preconference workshop descriptions.

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How to Register for the Conference

Click Here to register online.

Click Here to download the Registration Form (PDF).

*SoCRA Registration Policies/Information:

  • Non member fees include a one year membership in SoCRA.
  • Membership fees are processed immediately and are not refundable.
  • Fees are in U.S. dollars. Please make checks payable to “SoCRA”
  • Checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank or marked “Pay in U.S. Funds”.
  • Written cancellation requests received by SoCRA prior to August 31, 2013 may receive a $525 refund ($125 for pre-conference).
  • We regret that refunds cannot be issued for cancellations on or after August 31, 2013.
  • Taping (audio or video) is prohibited unless SoCRA’s written permission has been acquired.
  • ADA - This program is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please list any special needs in the area indicated in the registration form.
  • If for any reason this conference cannot be held, SoCRA is not responsible for costs incurred by attendees, such as airfares, or hotel or other reservations.
  • SoCRA is an educational non-profit membership organization (corporation) - Federal Tax ID #61 1208981.

Click Here for information regarding the Prep and Review Course.

Click Here for information regarding the CCRP Certification Examination.

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Poster Program

Special Recognition Award Competition

Special Recognition Award Competition Offers $500 grant + Fee Waived Annual Conference Registration*

Please consider contributing to this very important meeting through the poster program. Abstracts of approximately 500 words are requested for identification, evaluation, and publishing of poster presentations.

There are two categories of submission.

  • Clinical Trials: Scientific papers reporting on findings of treatment, intervention, or survey studies.
  • Clinical Research Management: Critical reviews, position papers, or descriptive case reports dealing with issues associated with implementation, coordination, or management of clinical research or programs.

*Papers to be considered for a special recognition award will be accepted through July 22. Submissions will be subject to blinded review by a panel of experts in clinical research. The author of the abstract receiving the highest score in each of the above categories will receive a $500.00 award and a fee waived registration to the annual conference.

Guidelines for Submitting Poster Abstracts

  • If the submission is a research project, the first sentence must state the purposes or specific objectives of the study. Methods should describe the study design, subjects, and evaluative procedures. Clear documentation of statistical methodology should accompany the methods/results section. A summary of the results must be stated in the abstract to support the final conclusions. Please do not include statements about providing further data or conclusions at the time that the abstract is presented.
  • If the submission is an overview or a theoretical position paper, state the purpose and methodology if appropriate. The body of the abstract should include the main points that are to be made as well as the conclusion(s).
  • Abstracts of posters are limited to 500 words in length, (not including figures, tables, or graphs) and must be presented on a single page/poster. Poster boards are limited in size to four feet high by eight feet wide (4’x8’).
  • Abstracts must present new data. The author must certify that no prior copyright or ownership applies to the abstract or poster.
  • Once an abstract is accepted, it may not be revised prior to publication. Updated material may be presented in the poster or during the presentation.
  • Award winners will be encouraged to give an oral presentation at a future annual conference.
  • Authors of posters must be registered attendees for the conference at the time of submission in order to be considered for the poster program and competition and to have the abstract published.
  • Authors should check the box for Poster Competition on their Annual Conference Registration Form
  • At least one author must be a SoCRA member prior to abstract submission in order to qualify for the Special Recognition Award.
  • Abstract applications received postmarked after July 16 will not be included in the abstract/poster evaluation and award process, but will be accepted for the poster sessions at the Annual Conference.
  • Poster sessions will be conducted as a distinct part of the program.

Explanation of Special Recognition Award Review and Evaluation Process

  • Abstracts are submitted and scored prior to the annual conference.
    • Abstract scores are based on the following criteria; Impact on Clinical Research, Impact on Audience, Originality, Adequacy of Findings and Conclusions, Adherence to Format, and Clarity.
  • The displayed posters are scored by the review committee during the first day (Friday) of the conference.
    • Poster scores are based on Flow / Layout, Impact on Clinical Research, Impact on Audience, Adequacy of Findings and Conclusions, Adherence to Format and Clarity.
  • The highest total of abstract score and poster score determines oral presenters.
  • Oral presenters are notified on Friday evening of conference week and are invited to a presentation and question and answer session that is scheduled for Saturday morning.
  • Saturday morning, selected contributors present their posters (orally). Speakers are asked to use a projected PDF or image to display their posters in a session devoted to the poster program.
  • Up to two of the original authors for the Poster are allowed to speak during the presentation.
  • Finalists are afforded two to three minutes to present a brief review of their poster, followed by a question and answer session open to interested attendees and the selection committee.
    • Presentation scores are based on Effectiveness of Delivery, Impact on Clinical Research, Impact on Audience, Adequacy of Findings and Conclusions, Delivery, and Adherence to Format.
  • Presenters receiving the highest aggregate score among abstract, poster, and presentation session for each of the two categories (Clinical Research Management and Clinical Trials) are awarded $500 and a fee waived conference registration for the following year.
  • Special recognition awards will be announced and awarded during the Sunday morning closing plenary session.

Guide to Writing a Poster Abstract for the SoCRA Annual Conference

Poster abstracts submitted to SoCRA should serve as the initial report of knowledge, experience, or best practices in the field of clinical research. Submissions participate in a peer-review process and are evaluated by a committee of experts. A well-written abstract is more likely to be considered as a finalist, and ultimately for the special recognition award. To expedite the review process, to assure effective communication, and to elevate the work toward the special recognition award, abstracts should follow a standardized format.

Writing an effective abstract is best learned with guidance by an experienced mentor. If such a person is not available, we suggest seeking input from a colleague who would review and critique the poster abstract prior to its submission.

General suggestions

The following are some suggestions about poster abstracts that assist in increasing the readability and quality of the submission.

  • Check for proper spelling and grammar.
  • Use a standard typeface such as Times Roman with a font size of 12.
  • Begin sentences with words (not numbers).
  • Standard abbreviations may be used without definition, but nonstandard abbreviations/acronyms should be placed in parentheses after the first use of the terminology. It is important to keep nonstandard abbreviations/acronyms to a minimum, to allow for readability and understanding.
  • Use generic names when referring to medications.
  • Do not include tables, figures, or graphs in the abstract. Such content is appropriate for the poster.
  • Limit the abstract to 500 words.
  • Try to organize the abstract with the following headings where appropriate, as explained below; purpose, methods, results, conclusions.

Title

The abstract title conveys the content/subject of the poster. The title should not be misleading and should pertain to the purpose, methods, results and conclusions. The title may be written as a question or the title may be written to suggest the conclusions, if appropriate. A short concise title may more easily catch a reader’s attention. Try to not use abbreviations or acronyms in titles.

Purpose

The introductory sentence(s) may be stated as a hypothesis, a purpose, an objective, or state the current evidence for a particular finding.

  • Hypothesis is a supposition or conjecture used as a basis for further investigations
  • Purpose is a statement of the reason for conducting a particular project or reporting on a particular program, process or activity
  • Objective is the end result that the author is trying to achieve by conducting a particular project, program, process or activity

Methods

Briefly describe the methods of the project to define the data or population, outcome variables, and analytic techniques, as well as data collection procedures and frequencies. A description of statistical methods used may be included if appropriate.

Results

The results should be stated succinctly to support only the purpose, objectives, hypothesis, or conclusions.

Conclusions

The conclusion(s) should highlight the impact of the project, and follow the methods and results in a logical fashion. This section should not restate results. Rather, the utility of the results and their potential role in the management of the project should be emphasized. New information or conclusions not supported by data in the results section should be avoided.

Important note

Poster program finalists are determined following evaluation of each actual poster by the review committee. Finalists will be notified by a call to their cell phone on the Friday evening of the Annual Conference. Authors should assure that they include a cell phone number on their application, as they will be asked to give an oral presentation on Saturday morning. On-site contact information is critical to participation as a finalist in the annual conference poster program.

Benefiting from a good outcome

Presenting a poster at a SoCRA meeting is a noteworthy way to share expertise or accomplishment in a specific area while contributing to clinical research. Poster finalists may be asked for permission to convert their work into an article for a future edition of the internationally recognized SoCRA Source journal. A quality poster abstract is the first step to making that happen.

In submitting this poster abstract, the primary author has reviewed and agreed to the following Guidelines for Submitting Posters.

Submit Your Poster Abstract

All poster authors must be registered attendees to the conference. Click Here to register for the conference.

To submit your abstract, click here. Form must be emailed to the SoCRA Office.

Click Here to E-mail Your Poster Abstract.

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Exhibit Program

EXHIBIT HOURS:

  • Thursday, September 26: 6PM – 7PM
  • Friday, September 27: 10AM - 5PM
  • Saturday, September 28: 10AM - 4PM

 

 

   

Exhibit Details:

  • SoCRA will supply 8’ high blue drape, 3’ high blue side dividers, one 6’ x 30” white draped table, two side chairs, one wastebasket, black carpet, and a 7” x 44” one-line identification sign
  • Exhibitors may also bring a display system which may utilize (up to) a 10’x10’ footprint.
  • Exhibits will be open from 6PM to 7PM on Thursday, 10AM to 5PM on Friday, and 10AM to 4PM on Saturday. Exhibitors should be available during the morning and afternoon breaks on Friday and Saturday.
  • The drayage company will supply other furniture/material that you require as well as drayage, signage and labor for your booth. Electrical & communications will also be coordinated through them. They will include the electrical and communications forms in their service kit for quick access and to facilitate your ordering procedures.
  • All attendee breaks are held in the exhibit hall.
  • Separate (optional) exhibit staff luncheon is offered during the afternoon session
  • Other details will be provided to the exhibitor upon registration.

 

Exhibit Fees:

  • First Exhibitor registration: $1,050
  • Two additional exhibit staff may register at $400 each.
  • Registration must be confirmed by August 13 in order to be listed in program materials.

Exhibit Registration:

Click Here to register online.

Click Here to download the Exhibitor Registration Form (PDF).

Exhibit Service Contractor Information:

GES

Contact information will soon be posted.

Exhibitor Move-In:

  • Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 12 PM to 5PM (with assistance from GES)
  • 5PM to 11PM (NO assistance - must show photo ID to security)

Exhibitor Move-Out: Saturday, September 28, 2013 - 4PM to 7PM (all materials must be removed by 7PM on Saturday)

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Click Here for the Sponsor Opportunities Flyer.

Program Sponsor Categories:

  • Bronze Sponsor $3,000 (includes one fee waived registration)
  • Silver Sponsor $5,000 (includes two fee waived registrations)
  • Gold Sponsor $7,000 (includes three fee waived registrations)
  • Platinum Sponsor $ 9,000 (includes four fee waived registrations)

Sponsorship Suggestions:

  • Program Tracks (Sponsor of Speakers)
  • Commemorative Registration Bags
  • Commemorative Travel Mugs or Water Bottles
  • Welcome Reception
  • Coffee Break
  • Internet Cafe
  • Luncheon

Please note: If you don’t see an opportunity that fits your needs, SoCRA will consider customized sponsorships.
Please contact the SoCRA office for more details.

QUESTIONS? Call the SoCRA office at 1-800-762-7292

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Advertising Opportunities

Pricing for Ads:

  • Full Page Color Ad - $1,000
  • Full Page Black & White / 2 Color Ad - $700
  • Half Page Black & White / 2 Color Ad - $500

If your ad requires resizing or typesetting, please add $100.

Deadline for Submissions:
Ad payment and copy must be received by August 15 to be included in the SoCRA Annual Conference program handout. Please contact SoCRA office with any questions (see below).

Ad Specifications:

  • Full Page - 7¼” x 9”
  • ½ Page Vertical - 3½” x 9”
  • ½ Page Horizontal - 7¼” x 4½”

Guidelines for Program Ads:

  • Please submit high-resolution PDF (preferred), JPG, TIFF or EPS print-ready files.
  • Please assure that all fonts are embedded.
  • Images / files should be 300 dpi minimum.
  • Color ads must use CMYK color.

Instructions for submission:
To submit ad, please complete the SoCRA Print Ad Insertion Order Form and submit to SoCRA along with the ad copy. This form is your invoice.

All ad materials or any questions should be directed to:
SoCRA, Attn. Advertising
530 West Butler Ave, Ste 109
Chalfont, PA 18914 USA

e: ads@socra.org p: (215) 822-8644 f: (215) 822-8633

Click Here to download a printable version of the Advertisement Opportunities handout.

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Travel/Tourism

New Orleans Tourism: New Orleans Tourism Website (www.neworleansonline.com)

Travel by Air: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is approximately 15 miles and 30 minutes from the hotel. Taxi fare from the airport to the hotel is estimated at $28USD.

Parking: Parking is $38 USD per night, Valet only.

Shuttle Service: You may reserve a shared ride service between the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and Louis Armstrong International Airport through New Orleans Airport Shuttle. Rates are $20pp one way / $38pp roundtrip. Please call 504-522-3500 for information or make reservations online at least 24 hours prior to your flight departure time at: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Airport Shuttle.

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Become a Speaker

SoCRA is accepting Speaker Abstracts for the 23rd Annual Conference!

SoCRA 2014 Annual Conference

Dates: September 19-21, 2014

Location: Orlando, FL – Marriott World Center

Right-click HERE and Save file for a speaker enrollment form. Please complete this form and email to socramail@aol.com.

Please note:

  • *All topics related to regulatory and operational areas of clinical research as well as study related experience will be considered.
  • Successful Applicants Will Receive a Fee Waived Annual Conference Registration
  • Enrollment forms must be received by July 31, 2013 for consideration.
  • Successful applicants will be contact in the winter of 2012/2013.

Please direct any questions to the SOCRA office by phone at 215-822-8644 or 1-800-762-7292 or by email to socramail@aol.com.

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