Navigating Conferences in a Changing Advocacy Landscape
A 3-Part Webinar Series on Protecting Scientific Integrity, Mission Alignment, and Reputation
Click the links beneath each description to register for one or more of the upcoming webinars:
Part 1: Navigating Conferences with Anti-Animal Research Participants/Sponsors: Protecting Integrity and Reputation
As scientific conferences and public discussions increasingly include voices opposed to the use of animals in research, institutions and scientists may find themselves navigating complex environments where their work and values are challenged. This session will explore how we arrived at this moment—where openness, advocacy, and activism intersect—and provide practical guidance for participating in or responding to events sponsored by, or featuring, groups that oppose animal research. Attendees will learn key dos and don’ts for maintaining scientific integrity, communicating with confidence, and safeguarding both personal and institutional reputations—without inadvertently lending credibility to anti-research agendas.
Registration link for Webinar – Part 1 – February 17
Part 2: Navigating Conferences with Anti-Animal Research Participants/Sponsors: From Principles to Practice — Protecting Mission Alignment in Conference Programming
Building on the foundation established in Part One, this webinar focuses on the concrete actions associations can take to ensure their conference programs remain aligned with their mission and values.
Participants will explore practical strategies for developing and applying clear guidelines, policies, and review processes for speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other participants. The session will also address how associations can proactively prevent participation by individuals or organizations that are not aligned with the mission—and how to respond appropriately if misalignment arises before or during a conference.
The webinar will include a discussion of:
- Translating mission and values into actionable conference policies
- Setting expectations for speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors
- Establishing processes for review, enforcement, and removal when necessary
- Balancing mission protection with legal and reputational considerations
The session will conclude with a Q&A, allowing participants to ask questions and discuss real-world scenarios.
Registration link for Webinar – Part 2 – March 3
Part 3: Navigating Conferences with Anti-Animal Research Participants/Sponsors:
This final webinar in the series builds on Parts One and Two and is designed for association members, volunteers, and conference planning committee members who want to play an active role in ensuring conferences reflect and uphold their association’s mission.
Participants will learn how members and planners can advocate for and support the implementation of appropriate guidelines within their associations, including practices that prevent participation by individuals or organizations whose goals are opposed to the mission—such as those opposing the ethical and responsible use of animals in research.
Topics will include:
- The role of members and planning committees in mission stewardship
- How to raise concerns and propose mission-aligned policies effectively
- Understanding key legal considerations and boundaries
- Practical steps for monitoring alignment and responding to potential conflicts
The webinar will emphasize constructive engagement, awareness of legal implications, and collaborative approaches that strengthen both conference integrity and the association as a whole.
A Q&A session will close the webinar, giving participants the opportunity to explore challenges, share experiences, and seek guidance on next steps.
Registration link for Webinar – Part 3 – March 17
Registration is subject to approval. These webinars are open to members of the research community who are in alignment with our mission to keep medical advances moving ahead. Please register with your work credentials. If you would like to sign in to the webinar with your personal email. Just let us know by emailing us at paula@amprogress.org. Thank you!