Fall 2026 Meeting – NCURA Region V

SOARING

TO NEW HEIGHTS

Days

Hours

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SOARING

TO NEW HEIGHTS

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

NCURA Region V
Fall 2026 Meeting

SOARING TO
NEW HEIGHTS

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!

DOWNLOAD THE NCURA APP

How do I find the event on the app?
On an iPhone, the bottom of the home screen, select “Events” and browse to the Region V Fall 2026 Meeting.
On Android phones, open the menu drop down at the top of the screen and select “Events”.
The NCURA App also has a web version, to access the NCURA App and download your handouts directly to your computer or tablet, please visit https://ncura.clowder.com/webapp/. Your login is the same as your NCURA login.

VOLUNTEER

There are so many ways to get involved! We are looking for individuals for various volunteer opportunities at our regional meeting. Complete the form at the link below to volunteer!

Registration for the Fall 2026 Meeting is now closed.

On-site registration will be available between 11/1 – 11/3 (Member price = $650; Non-Member price = $700).

Registration Rates:

Rate	Purchase Availability	Member Price	Non-Member Price
Early Bird Full Registration Rate	7/29/2026 - 9/22/2026	$595	$645
Regular & On-Site Full Registration Rate	9/23/2026 - 10/20/2026 & 11/1/2026 - 11/3/2026	$650	$700
Bulk Package Registration Rates (Bulk 5):	Ends 10/20/2026	$2,825	$2,825
Bulk Package Registration Rates (Bulk 10):	Ends 10/20/2026	$5,650	$5,650
Daily Rate for November 2nd or 3rd	7/29/2026 - 10/20/2026	$425 (per day)	$425 (per day)

Dietary Restrictions and Accommodations: If you have any dietary restrictions or require specific accommodations, please indicate your needs on the registration form, and a representative will reach out to you directly.

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!

NOTE: The room block closed on October 9th. Rooms may still be available outside of the room block.

Meeting Hotel: Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott
Address: 8440 Freeport Parkway, Irving, TX 75063
Group Hotel Rate: $189/night

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.

For any additional hotel accommodations, please contact the hotel directly.

TRANSPORTATION/PARKING INFO:

The DFW Airport Marriott has negotiated a special rate specifically for Region V – parking is $5/day. The hotel will soon provide a code for Region V attendees – you must use this code to register your car when parking. Instructions for registering your car for onsite parking are below.

Complimentary transportation to/from D/FW Airport is offered.

NCURA Region V Hotel Parking Instructions

Shuttle Instructions

CITY INFO:
www.irvingtx.gov

ACCOMODATIONS INFO

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Sunday, November 1

7:30am – 5:00pm

Registration & Information Desk
(closed from 12 – 1pm for lunch)

8:30am – 3:00pm

Tranquility Room Open / Co-Working Space Open

8:30am – 12:00pm

Paid Workshops
(See list of workshops)

1:00pm – 4:30pm

Paid Workshops
(See list of workshops)

3:30pm – 4:30pm

“Welcome Aboard” Conference Orientation and Q&A

4:30pm – 5:15pm

Networking Reception

5:15pm – 8:30pm

“Birds of a Feather Walk Together” Dinner & Evening Entertainment
(Included with conference registration)

Monday, November 2

7:30am – 4:30pm

Registration & Information Desk
(closed from 12:30 – 1:45pm for lunch)

7:30am – 8:45am

New Member & First-Time Attendee Breakfast
(Included with conference registration, ticket obtained when checked-in at registration desk)

9:00am – 10:00am

Welcome & Keynote Speaker

10:00am – 5:30pm

Tranquility Room Open / Co-Working Space Open

10:15am – 11:15am

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

11:30am – 12:30pn

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

12:30pm – 1:45pm

Region V Lunch & Business Meeting
(Included with conference registration)

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

3:00pm – 3:15pm

NCURA Publications Q&A

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

5:45pm – 8:30pm

Dinner & Evening Entertainment
(Included with conference registration)

Tuesday, November 3

6:30am – 7:30am

“Wake Up & Wing It” – A Wellness Takeoff

7:30am – 11:00am

Registration & Information Desk

7:30am – 8:45am

Networking Breakfast
(Included with conference registration)

7:30am – 9:00am

MMP Alumni Breakfast

9:00am – 10:00am

Distinguished Speaker Session

10:00am – 3:30pm

Tranquility Room Open / Co-Working Space Open

10:00am – 10:30am

Coffee, Connections and Committees

10:30am – 11:30am

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

11:30am – 1:00pm

Region V Awards Lunch & MMP Graduation
(Included with conference registration)

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

2:30pm – 3:30pm

Concurrent Sessions and Discussion Groups

3:30pm – 5:30pm

“Fly Home for the Winter” Farewell Networking Reception

5:30pm

Dinner Groups and Networking

The full Program Schedule is now available! Click the link below to view:

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

ACTIVITIES

Birds of Feather Walk Together

Named after the tallgrass prairie that once covered more than 23,500 square miles of Texas from the Red River to San Antonio, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s mission is to promote and enhance populations of raptors through rehabilitation, conservation, and education initiatives. This live raptor program, featuring hawks, owls, and falcons, will introduce you to the world of raptors.

WALK THE HYPE™ Happy Hour Experience is a walking silent disco party for people with questionable rhythm and elite enthusiasm. Walk the Hype™ is part happy hour, part nostalgic sing-along, part outdoor dance party… and 100% designed to make you smile. You’ll wear wireless silent disco headphones while walking with a fun group of people listening to upbeat throwback music, crowd favorites, sing-alongs, and playful hype moments led by self-proclaimed “World’s Worst Dancer” Doug Rice.

Availability is limited! Register HERE

Join fellow fall meeting attendees in the Crosswinds for cornhole, board games, and other fun activities. Snacks included!

Cleared for Laughter

Frisco-based lawyer, entrepreneur, and stand-up comedian Rocky Dhir was raised in the DFW area and is ready to bring the laughs during dinner!

The evening continues with J’s Dueling Pianos: an all-request, sing-along show that bridges the gap between stage and audience. It’s a collaboration of all your favorites, and a few deep cuts, delivered in the way they were meant to be heard. Entertainment touched with a taste of comedy, laced with some well-deserved attitude, and overloaded with some in-your-face rock’n’roll.

Looking for a more laid-back evening? Sign up for a beginner crochet class in the Tranquility Room (Arlington). We’ll supply the crochet needles and yarn and lead participants through the basics. Are you an experienced crafter? Bring along your current project (knitting, embroidery, or quilting) and hang out with your fellow creatives!

Availability is limited! Register HERE

"Welcome Aboard" Orientation and Q&A

Sunday, November 1, 3:30 – 4:30pm
"Wake Up & Wing It!" A Wellness Takeoff

Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 – 7:30am

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

Be inspired by an exceptional speaker lineup!

We have an awesome lineup of distinguished speakers. We are thrilled to welcome opening keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Davis Mersey, Executive Vice President and Provost at SMU. A visionary academic leader and champion for high-impact research, Dr. Mersey will launch our meeting with insight and inspiration.

We are also excited to welcome an impressive group of distinguished speakers:
Gil Tran • Lori Schultz • Amanda Humphrey • Tanta Myles • Kacey Strickland

OTHER INFO

Meals & Receptions Summary

Sunday, November 1, 2026 Reception & Dinner in Salon EF

- - Networking Reception with one drink ticket + cash bar: Opens at 4:30pm
  - “Birds of a Feather Walk Together” Dinner Buffet opens at 5:15pm

Monday, November 2, 2026 Meals

- - Breakfast Buffet: Opens at 7:30am for all registrants in Salon EF (Included in registration, badge required)
  - Breakfast Buffet for New Members and First-time attendees opens at 7:30am in Crosswinds (ticket required)
  - Region V Lunch & Business Meeting (Plated meal) in Salon EF, sponsored by UT Southwestern Medical Center (pending sponsorship), Lunch served beginning at 12:30pm (Included in registration, badge required)
  - “Cleared for Laughter” Buffet dinner with two drink tickets + cash bar, sponsored by Torguson & Associates – opens at 5:45pm in Salon EF (Included in registration, badge required)

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Meals & Reception

- - Breakfast Buffet: Opens at 7:30am for all registrants in Salon EF (Included in registration, badge required)
  - Breakfast Buffet for Mustang Mentoring Program Alumni and Board Members – opens at 7:30am in Irving III (MMP ticket required)
  - “It Takes a Village to Soar to New Heights” Awards Ceremony & Musting Mentoring Program Graduation – Lunch Buffet opens at 11:30am in Salon EF, lunch sponsored by University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Included in registration, badge required)
  - “Fly Home for the Winter” Farewell Networking Reception which includes heavy appetizers and one drink ticket in Foyer & Salon EF – begins at 3:30pm (Included in registration)

SPONSORSHIP

The Fall 2026 Meeting would not be possible without our amazing sponsors! Interesting in becoming a sponsor? Click the button below to access our Sponsorship Form, which includes information on the levels of sponsorship that are avaiable.

Call for Presentation Proposals - Now Open!

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rachel Davis Mersey

"Everything I Learned about Research Administration, I Learned as a Navy Brat"