SOARING
TO NEW HEIGHTS
- November 1 - 3, 2026
- DFW Airport Marriott - Irving, TX
SOARING
TO NEW HEIGHTS
- November 1 - 3, 2026
- DFW Airport Marriott - Irving, TX
NCURA Region V
Fall 2026 Meeting
SOARING TO
NEW HEIGHTS
- November 1 - 3, 2026
- DFW Airport Marriott - Irving, TX
Region V is Soaring to New Heights in 2026!
Elevate your expectations! NCURA Region V is charting a course for the most dynamic, high-altitude event in research administration. Join us for the NCURA Region V Fall 2026 Meeting, happening November 1 – 3 at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott in Irving, TX, your ultimate launchpad for professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to taxi on the research administration runway, this is where connections spark, ideas lift off, and careers climb.
Expect high-impact sessions, powerful networking, and unexpected inspiration, all wrapped in the energy of a community that’s truly Soaring to New Heights.
Pack your purpose.
Chart your course.
And get ready to fly with Region V!
VOLUNTEER
There are so many ways to get involved! Join Region V’s wide variety of volunteer offerings to contribute, learn and network.
Complete the form at the link below to get started!
REGISTER
Registration for the Fall 2026 Meeting is available on the NCURA National website (see link below).
HOTEL & TRAVEL
A room block has been set aside for regional meeting attendees at the beautiful Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott. To secure your hotel room at a fabulous rate, book your room today!
Meeting Hotel: Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott
Address: 8440 Freeport Parkway, Irving, TX 75063
Group Hotel Rate: $189/night
NCURA Region V Group Rate Code: NR1NR1K
Highlights about the hotel:
All guest rooms are spacious with King or Double options.
Complimentary Wi-Fi included for registered guests.
Complimentary access to fitness center and pool.
TRANSPORTATION/PARKING INFO:
$5/day for Daily and overnight guests
Complimentary transportation to/from D/FW Airport
CITY INFO:
www.irvingtx.gov
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
Sunday, November 1
7:30am – 8:30am
Breakfast
(Included with paid morning workshop registration, ticket required)
8:30am – 12:00pm
Paid Workshops
(See list of workshops)
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch
(Included with paid afternoon workshop registration, ticket required)
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Paid Workshops
(See list of workshops)
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Region V Orientation and Q&A
(All registrants are welcome)
4:30pm – 5:15pm
Networking Reception
5:15pm – 7:30pm
Welcome Dinner & Evening Entertainment
(Included with conference registration)
Monday, November 2
7:30am – 8:45am
Networking Breakfast
(Included with conference registration)
7:30am – 8:45am
First-time attendee and New Member Breakfast
(Ticket required)
9:00am – 10:00am
Opening Keynote Speaker
10:20am – 12:10pm
Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups
12:10pm – 1:30pm
Region V Lunch & Business Meeting
(Included with conference registration)
1:40pm – 4:40pm
Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups
4:45pm – 5:15pm
Networking Reception
(Included with conference registration)
5:15pm – 8:00pm
Celebration Dinner & Evening Entertainment
(Included with conference registration)
Tuesday, November 3
7:30am – 8:45am
Networking Breakfast
(Included with conference registration)
9:00am – 10:00am
Distinguished Speaker
10:10am – 12:00pm
Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups
12:00pm – 1:20pm
Region V Awards Lunch
(Included with conference registration)
1:30pm – 3:20pm
Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Closing Keynote Speaker
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Farewell Reception
(Included with conference registration)
Disclaimer:
Recording and Copying of Presentations is Strictly Prohibited. Audio/video recording, capturing, photographing, broadcasting, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an NCURA program in any form is strictly prohibited. In addition, the unauthorized copying, sharing, or distribution of NCURA copyrighted electronic materials is also prohibited.
Call for Presentation Proposals - Now Open!
The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Region V invites individuals to submit a proposal present at the Fall 2026 Meeting. Read below for more details about presentation types, topics and guidelines.
Audience
- New to the profession – Region V is happy to support you in identifying a co-presenter and support you in preparing your presentation
- Emerging leaders
- Executive-level
- Seasoned professionals
- Different types of adult learners
Types of Sessions
Workshops (Nov. 1)
3.5 hours, interactive programs taught by topic area experts. Workshops are supported by PowerPoint presentations and handouts and are presented by two to three individuals. Workshops will be offered in the morning from 8:30am – 12pm and from 1 – 4:30pm.
Concurrent Sessions (Nov. 2 - 3)
50-minute session, inclusive of Q&A presented by two to three presenters and supported by a PowerPoint presentation. Participants are typically in a classroom or theater-style setting.
Discussion Groups (Nov. 2 - 3)
50-minute session, small group facilitated by conversation led by two facilitators. Specific topics are discussed more in-depth and information is shared by the group’s attendees. Content expert and experienced research administrators are encouraged to lead these sessions. Participants are typically in a half-moon or table setting.
Presentation Topics
We welcome proposals addressing a wide range of research administration related topics, including:
- Pre-Award / Research Development
- Post-Award / Financial
- Research Compliance / Clinical Trials
- Professional Development / Team Building
- Departmental / Other
Knowledge Levels
Basic
Assume some level of fundamental knowledge of research administration. Participants have limited experience of the subject area; they may be mid-career managers or directors looking to fill in gaps to solidify their skill set and individuals new to the profession.
Intermediate
This level is appropriate for individuals with some knowledge and experience in the subject area, individuals who are mid-level managers and directors in their fields with an established degree of competence and for those seeking to build on, apply or enhance existing knowledge.
Advanced
Assume mastery of the subject. Sessions focus on in-depth knowledge and are at a high-level with peer-to-peer sharing, creativity, and innovation. Topics may be highly technical or detailed, preparing learners to shape organizational strategy and aid in the growth or progress of best practices. Objectives may be to enhance the learner’s ability to lead change, manage high-performing teams, and develop leadership at their institution. This level is appropriate for senior staff and executives with significant expertise, knowledge and experience who could be deemed an expert in the field.
Overview
Sessions provide a general review of a subject area from a broader perspective.
Update
Will provide a general review of new developments within a subject area.
What if I have an idea, but need help finding someone to present with me?
We can help you! We encourage you to contact ncuraregionv@gmail.com. Also, please submit your presentation idea and note that you would like to be paired with a co-presenter and we will assist you with finding someone to lead a presentation.
Deadline to Submit: Monday, April 20, 2026
Proposals should be submitted via the link below:
Presenters are encouraged to incorporate interactive elements into their sessions and are encouraged to partner with someone to submit a proposal. Individuals who have never submitted a proposal are encouraged to submit and Region V’s Professional Development Initiative will assist with identifying co-presenters who can mentor new presenters.
Proposals will undergo a peer-review process by the Region V Professional Development Initiative and Executive Committee. All proposals will be reviewed using a rubric. A new guideline this year is to request all identifying information to be removed from the Presentation Description to assist the committee with ensuring a fair review process. Selection criteria includes relevance to the conference theme, clarity of objectives, innovation, and potential for attendee engagement. A program committee made up of member volunteers who are experts in research administration and understand the skills necessary to be successful in the profession, will review all proposals. Proposals are evaluated on each of the following five criteria:
Originality
Relevance
Program Design
Ability to Inspire Action
Overall Quality
Individuals who submit a proposal will be contacted by mid-May, 2026.
Questions? Please email ncuraregionv@gmail.com