Registration materials for the 2009 NAVREF Annual Conference are now live on-line at https://www.regonline.com/NAVREF09AC. Please join your colleagues for this annual event September 20-23 in Chicago.  The linked web site contains complete program, hotel and registration information.

All VA-affiliated nonprofit research and education corporations (NPCs) are encouraged to send at least one staff member and one board member to the 2009 Annual Conference.  This year, the theme for the meeting is “governance” and the tagline is “Bring a Board Member!”  Executive directors, key administrative staff and board members together will gain an understanding of the governance and operational issues that confront VA-affiliated nonprofits on a daily basis. 

On Sunday afternoon, new NPC executive directors and board members who are new to NPCs are invited to a special session focusing on the unique operational and governance requirements applicable to these nonprofits.  Then attend the NAVREF Annual Membership Meeting followed by our annual “Welcome!” reception and dinner.

Monday's general sessions will begin with a keynote speech by Marianne Jennings, a nationally known speaker on business ethics.  The program will continue with Board and Staff Roles and Responsibilities - Transparency and Trust; Critical Issues for NPCs from the Board Perspective; and Fundraising for NPCs.  The day will end with sessions on NAVREF initiatives and a presentation on Innovative NPC Programs.  Then join your colleagues for a casual networking reception. 

Tuesday will start with an inspirational presentation illustrating why the NPCs are a vital part of VA research.  Then we will continue with practical governance guidance for NPC Boards covering the board's role in planning and board development.  Afternoon breakout sessions will offer two tracks.  One track will focus on federal grants management.  The other will offer more practical governance guidance for NPC board members and staff.  

The conference will conclude on Wednesday with an opportunity for you to ask questions in open forums organized by NPC size and a session on meeting the challenges of VHA oversight. 

For details of the 2009 Annual Conference Advance Program - Click Here

Special note regarding VA attorneys: Our colleagues who are VA attorneys are always welcome to attend the NAVREF annual conferences. However, as you review the 2009 Annual Conference program, you will note that the focus is on boards and staffs working together and that there will be no sessions on CRADAs because in-depth, day long advanced CRADA training sessions are being held for VA attorneys and NPC staff regionally during April, May and June.  If NPCs have limited travel support available and prioritizing is necessary, we recommend supporting staff and board member participation in the 2009 NAVREF Annual Conference, and fostering staff and attorney attendance at the advanced CRADA training in your region.

Please take few minutes now to go to https://www.regonline.com/NAVREF09AC. Take note of the dates and times, hotel reservation details and register!  If you have questions, contact amurakami@navref.org. 

Program Co-Chairs Eileen Lennon, PhD, and Bob Obana join the NAVREF staff in looking forward to seeing you in September!