2010 District 8 Conference

2010 District 8 Conference

Mission Palms Hotel, Tempe, Arizona

May 5, 2010-May 7, 2010

Participate in workshops featuring Rodent Necropsy, Swine Anesthesia, Rodent Imaging and More!

Presenting Keynote Speaker Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Check out the announcement


Call for Poster Abstracts
- fill out this form and return by April 15, 2010 by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to 75 South 2000 East Ste 311 Salt Lake City UT 84112.  Awards: 1st Place $500, 2nd Place $350, 3rd Place $250, and 4th Place $100

Tempe Mission Palms Hotel - A block of rooms has been reserved under D8 AALAS  at the rate of $159.00 per night plus 12.07% tax which includes wireless high speed internet access, local and toll-free telephone calls, incoming fax service, daily newspaper delivered to each guest room, in-room coffee service, airport transportation, valet and covered parking, and access to the fitness center. Please use the following number for reservations: 800-547-8705.  In order to receive this rate your reservations must be made on or before April 5, 2010.

Advance registration (before March 31st) - $165 ($195 nonmember)
Advance one-day registration - $95 ($125 nonmember)

Regular Registration (April 1-25) - $185 ($215 nonmember)
One-day regular registration - $115 ($145 nonmember)

Late registration (After April 26) - $230

Registration includes admittance to D8 Meeting, Keynote Speaker Event, Breakfast & Lunch on May 6-7

Workshop Registration - $70 - Workshops filled on first come first serve basis.  Once a workshop is filled a waiting list will be established.  Transportation to and from workshops will be provided.  Departure times are the indicated workshop time.  Transportation meeting areas are located at the front of the Mission Palms Hotel.

Workshops Offered

Basic Suturing -  Date TBD (max 15) - Every participant will spend the workshop learning and performing suture patterns and knot tying techniques

Rodent Imaging -  Date TBD (max 16) - Students will learn the methodology of small animal imaging that researchers use to study biological processes noninvasively and how this aids in the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of human disease.  They will participate in the hands-on demonstrations of in vivo small animal imaging using state of the art small animal imaging equipment including 7T MRI

Rodent Necropsy -  Date TBD (max 16) - Students will participate in performing systematic necropsies on rats and mice.  They will also be taught the proper methods for collecting and preparing samples for shipments to reference laboratories

Swine Anesthesia -  Date TBD (max 10) - Participants will spend the workshop performing the basic veterinary nursing skills necessary for providing proper anesthesia to swine models.  Students will learn the techniques for placement of endotracheal tubes, venous catheters, and arterial lines

Rodent Handling Wet Lab -  Date TBD (max 20) - Students will spend their time learning and performing basic techniques for working with rats and mice.  Procedures include handling, restraint, sexing, health assessment, injections, blood collections, gavage, and euthanasia

Golf Excursion - $75 - Join the First Annual District 8 Golf Tournament - May 5th: 8:00am Shot Gun Start at ASU Karsten Golf Course rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest "Best Places to Play" - Includes golf fees, cart fees, practice balls before start, official scoring by professional staff and a BBQ following play.

Cancellation policy: Registrations are NOT transferable.  Requests for refunds of registration, workshops or wetl ab fees must be submitted in writing 30 days prior to the start of the 2010 District 8 Meeting.  A $25 processing fee will be withheld for registrations, and a $10 processing fee will be withheld for each workshop and wet lab.  Requests for refunds of registration, workshops or wet labs submitted in writing less than 30 days prior to the start of the 2010 District 8 Meeting will be considered by the District 8 Planning Committee on an individual basis.  Please allow up to 30 days for any refund requests to be processed.

Registration is not complete until full payment is received.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact Karen Ellevold at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (801) 581-6430, Penny Noel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (801)581-6430.

Conference Schedule

Day One - May 5: 4p.m.
Golf Tournament (8am)
Welcome & Introduction of Ron Orta Humanitarian Award Winner
Keynote Speaker: Rebecca Skloot

Day Two - May 6: 7-4:30p.m.
Principles of Pain Management
Resume Writing 101
Ensuring a Successful AAALAC Site Visit
BioSafety Cares Training Program
Developing Effective SOPs
IACUC's Role in Pain Management
Managing a Diverse Workforce
Euthanasia: A Compassionate Farewell
Writing A Successful Grant
Managing a GLP Study
Inhalation Anesthesia for Imaging Center
Putting Together a Successful Poster
District 8 Caucus

Day Three - May 7: 7-3:30p.m.
Environmental Enrichment
Online Resources for Training
Hands-on vs. Computer Based Training
Talking to the Public about Animal Research
Preparing for AALAS Certification
Mouse as a Model Organism for Genetic Research
Practical Considerations for Animal Procedures
Introduction to Imaging Technology
Creating a Green Operation
ATP for RODAC for QA Assessment
Ergonomic Practices in the Vivarium

Garden Flashlight Tours or the Desert Botanical Gardens
May 6 or May 8:  7 – 9 p.m.

Flashlight Tours are held every Thursday and Saturday evening starting at 7 p.m. during the months of May through August.  Flashlight Tours are a sensory adventure where you will see, hear and feel the desert night with its nighthawks, snakes, insects and night blooming flowers.  Flashlight Tours are recommended for families and children of all ages and are a perfect summer date. Bring your own flashlight, or we’ll provide one for you.

No advance registration required; just arrive at the Gardens 15 minutes before the tour begins. Flashlight tours are free for Garden members.
Adults: $15; Seniors: $13.50 (60 years and over); Student: $7.50 (13 18 & college with ID); Children: $5 (3 12).  Children under 3 are admitted free

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (480)941-1225
 

Plan to spend the week in Tempe and take part in these two meetings before District 8:

THE THREE I's Conference: IACUCs, IBCs & IRBs
Collaboration, Connection & Community...Advancing Bioscience and Security
May 3-4 - Tempe, AZ
 
DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THIS GROUNDBREAKING CONFERENCE!


Register Now * Tempe Mission Palms * Our Sponsors

This conference has been organized by MSMR and the FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate with the collaboration of other Federal agencies.  As a result, attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn about how security communities perceive the risks associated with biological research and also have the ability to convey to the Federal representatives their own questions, concerns, and perspectives.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS: HHS, USDA, AAAS, DHS, FBI, State Department, CITI Program, CDC, HRP ASSOCIATES, Arizona State University, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Oregon

WHO SHOULD ATTEND - This conference is ideal for IACUC, IBC & IRB administrators and members; Research Administrators; Biosafety Officers; Regulatory Affairs Administrators; Members and Staff of Institutional Compliance Oversight Committees; Environmental Health and Safety officers; Security Specialists; Scientists; Laboratory Animal Directors and Management.

The THREE I's: Learning through Collaboration, Connection and Community ...Advancing Bioscience and Security" is a ground-breaking national educational conference dedicated to exploring the most up-to-date topics and issues for the IACUC, IBC and IRB communities. Motivated by the strength of collaboration, this conference will create an open atmosphere of participation, fostering sharing and discussing common and not-so-common issues.

We present a platform for participants to confront tough issues and develop new approaches to enhancing the entire research process through interdisciplinary cooperation and collaboration ... with an additional emphasis on biosecurity. You will find general sessions and breakout sessions designed to provide you hands-on application! Throughout both days, we will include biosecurity topics focused on mitigating potential risks: the goal is to build a culture of responsibility, trust, and cooperation between the scientific and security communities. We are committed to providing real-life examples and practical ideas through the use of case studies and tabletop exercises that will help participants prepare to implement successfully, practical actions in their own regulatory communities.

Moreover, at the conclusion of the conference, it is our goal to determine how the research and security communities can work together and develop collaborative efforts that address risk while ensuring critical biological research continues in an unfettered manner as much as possible.

Selected AGENDA TOPICS:

• Mitigating the Potential Risks and Building a Culture of Responsibility, Trust, and Cooperation between the Scientific and Security Communities
• Select Agent Regulations
• Current National Security ... Issues facing IACUCs IBCs & IRBs now and in the future
• IACUCs, IBCs & IRBs Doing More with Less ...Building a culture of responsibility, trust and cooperation among the Three I's committees
• Promoting Integrity in Your Laboratory Animal Welfare Research Program
• Addressing Emerging Technologies ... Issues Facing our Future
• Three I's Team Building ... WHERE are THE CONNECTIONS?
• Promoting Integrity in Your Human Subjects Research Program

Register Now - Save 10% on conference registration - If you are registering 4 or more people from the same institution please contact Lynne Walsh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 978-251-1556.  Offer Expires: April 2, 2010

Rodent Colony & Disease Management Considerations
 offered by Charles River Research Models & Services
May 5, 2010 - Tempe Mission Palms Hotel - Tempe, AZ

This seminar will focus on the best practices and available resources to help manage rodent animal colonies and preserve the integrity of valuable research.  Discussions with the presenters will enhance the participants’ understanding of the material.  Register Today

CONTINUING EDUCATION: This program has been submitted (but not yet approved) for five hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education.  The subject matter category for this program is Laboratory Animal Medicine and its method of delivery is a seminar/lecture.  Call Melissa Spear at 781-222-6454 for more information. (AAVSB RACE provider: Charles River Laboratories, Provider # 104)

For information contact (781)222-6135 Scott Borowick or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Location & Accommodations

Tempe Mission Palms Hotel - A block of rooms has been reserved under D8 AALAS  at the rate of $159.00 per night plus 12.07% tax which includes wireless high speed internet access, local and toll-free telephone calls, incoming fax service, daily newspaper delivered to each guest room, in-room coffee service, airport transportation, valet and covered parking, and access to the fitness center. Please use the following number for reservations: 800-547-8705.  In order to receive this rate your reservations must be made on or before April 5, 2010.

The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel is located in downtown Tempe near Arizona State University - and conveniently located just 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and all major highways in and around Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel is located within walking distance of Old Downtown Tempe's shopping, dining and entertainment district. The hotel is across the street from Arizona State University and only 10 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, and for your convenience the Mission Palms offers complimentary airport transportation from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

The city is packed with history, culture, shopping, dining, nightlife, sports and special events. Treat yourself to a shopping spree at Arizona Mills, kayak on Tempe Town Lake, enjoy a Broadway performance at ASU's Gammage Auditorium, hike in the picturesque Papago Park or simply lounge by the pool.

As one of the most popular spots for Tempe Arizona meetings, Downtown Tempe offers all types of entertainment options to fit any traveler's desires.

The following amenities are offered for your comfort and are included in the hotel room rate:

• Airport transportation is available 5:30 am to 10:30 pm
• High-speed wireless Internet connection
• Valet service for your automobile at the front entry of the hotel
• In-room coffee and tea service
• Local and 1-800 telephone calls made from your guest room
• Receipt of faxes through the hotel's front desk
• Use of the hotel's workout facility between the hours of 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Delivery of the USA Today to your guest room door Monday through Friday
• The Arizona Republic is delivered to your guest room door on Saturday

Each guest room offers the following special features:

• Hairdryer and iron with ironing board
• In-room two-line telephones with voice mail and data ports
• Ergonomic chair at the desk

Nowhere else in Arizona can one experience a Broadway show at a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed theatre, see an NFL football game, choose from more than 75 places to eat, shop at brand-name stores, climb a mini-mountain, kayak on a two-mile lake, take in an independent film, view works of art and stroll under shady trees - all within a one mile radius.  For map and directions go to http://www.missionpalms.com/map.htm

The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, 60 East Fifth Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281  -  (480)894-1400 • Reservations (800)547-8705

If I can be of further assistance, let me know.

Grace Aranda                                        Phone: 520.621.3931
District 8 Council                                    Fax: 520.621.8833
P.O. Box 210101                                   E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tucson, AZ  85721-0101                       

Check out our Website: www.district8.org


The D8 Council was created so all branches within the district would have an equal voice and access to resources available to all branches including:

• a continuity for how a D8 is run by creating a history for what works and what doesn't from year to year;
• a Speakers bureau pooling expertise of all branches and vendors;
• greater communication between branches within the district;
• study groups for certification preparation prior to a directed training session at D8
• establishing scholarships or a site for scholarship information to be readily available
• resource for information on how to write a paper, poster, or reference

AALAS members, whatever their interest in lab animal science have the opportunity for professional growth through involvement in national and local meetings, participation in certification training programs and access to AALAS publications and educational materials. Each branch has its own educational agenda, scientific and technical presentations, workshops, tours of facilities, local training programs and regular social activities.