President Letter – Changes to MiCRA Educational Conference

Hello!

I hope all are doing well and you are enjoying the beautiful Michigan summer!

With the 46th MiCRA State Conference quickly approaching and on behalf of the board, I am writing to share some changes as well as concerns about this year’s annual meeting.

The board has decided to reduce the number of hours, speakers, and topics at this year’s conference. Typically, our annual educational conference is hosted by Michigan Cancer Registry members and hospitals throughout the state. The hosting hospital secures most or all the speakers and the board members, then partners with the hosting hospital on all aspects of the conference, from the planning stages to post-conference follow-up.

The amount of time and effort in planning the annual meeting is extensive whether it is in-person or virtual. The purpose of different hospitals hosting the annual meeting is to provide facilities, the opportunity to showcase their cancer programs, and to keep the pool of speakers/topics fresh from year to year. Placing the responsibility on the board for all components of the conference cannot be sustained long-term.

Again, this year Registry Partners have graciously offered to support our meeting by providing technical support as well as three educational sessions. In the future, if we cannot secure a hosting facility, we may not be able to hold an annual educational conference. This year’s annual meeting will be two half days instead of two full days. There will be an evening kickoff on Wednesday, October 26th. Thursday and Friday we have secured seven speakers and will provide seven CEs. The conference times for both days will be from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Sincerely,
Stacey Meredith
MiCRA president