The Florida Alliance hosts an annual conference in the Fall that gathers research development and administration professionals from across the state of Florida for a day of presentations, discussions, and workshops. We welcome companies and organizations to sponsor the conference and engage with our professional community. For more information about sponsorship, please contact: info@FL-RDA.org. For more information about the conference, contact a member of the Planning & Outreach Committee.
2026 Annual Conference
We will host this year’s annual conference at NSU in Fort Lauderdale from October 28-30. At this event we will also celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Florida Alliance!
From RD to RD+: Celebrating 10 Years of Expanding the Reach of Research Development Across the Research Enterprise
Research development (RD) is no longer confined to a single role–it’s becoming a dynamic, enterprise-wide force. As FL-RDA celebrates its 10th anniversary, this milestone conference highlights a decade of growth while looking ahead to the future of RD+. Join us as we explore what research development is—and what it’s becoming—as RD principles intersect with data, analytics, strategy, and partnerships across the institution and beyond. Sessions at the 2026 FL-RDA conference will spotlight how RD-inspired work is emerging beyond traditional roles, how RD approaches and mindsets can be embedded in many types of research support workflows, and how early upstream faculty engagement drives greater competitiveness. This year’s conference is more than a gathering—it’s a celebration of community, progress, and possibility. Engage in lively discussions, exchange innovative practices, and help shape the next chapter of RD+ alongside colleagues from across our statewide, RD-forward network. As always, expect a highly interactive experience, and come be part of this exciting 10-year milestone as we learn, connect, and imagine what’s next together.
Call for session proposals (due by July 17): https://forms.gle/vvDCDf7C6gEh5RSi9.
See tentative timing of the event schedule below (subject to change).
- October 28: Preconference (all day)
- October 29: Main Conference Day 1 (all day)
- October 30: Main Conference Day 2 (half day)
2025 Annual Conference
Last year’s conference was held at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, November 6-7.
The theme for the conference was “Navigating Research Development During Dynamic Times.” The theme addressed recent national changes and the status of institutional research, as well as the evolving role of Research Development and Research Administration professionals, including the work of the Florida Alliance. At our home institutions and in the specific research disciplines we support, it can mean pivoting how you support researchers at your institution or adapting to the landscape of new and existing funding agencies, or perhaps wearing different hats in your role. This conference provided an in-person opportunity to connect and support one another, learn ways to maintain resiliency, and find new tools and resources to maximize your professional potential in supporting Florida’s research enterprise.
Conference agenda here
If your organization is interested in becoming a conference sponsor, please contact info@FL-RDA.org.
Thank you to our 2025 Partner-Level Sponsor:
Thank you to our other conference sponsor:
