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- 2026 Workshop Abstracts
Beyond the Booth: Building Meaningful Connections in the Laboratory Animal Science
Community
Presenters: Rene Ketelsen + panel of Commercial Partners
Abstract: Success in the laboratory animal science industry depends on more than products and services—it depends on relationships. This interactive vendor panel brings together experienced industry professionals to discuss effective networking strategies, building long-term partnerships, and creating meaningful connections within the research community. Panelists will share insights on how vendors, researchers, facility managers, and industry stakeholders can maximize networking opportunities at conferences, trade shows, association meetings, and throughout the year. Attendees will learn how successful networking leads to collaborative problem-solving, professional growth, operational improvements, and stronger industry partnerships. This open-forum session encourages audience participation, allowing attendees to ask questions and engage directly with vendor representatives who have built extensive professional networks across academia, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and supplier organizations. Whether new to the industry or an experienced professional, participants will gain practical strategies for expanding their professional network and fostering valuable industry relationships.
Sick to Solved – Identifying and Addressing Morbidity & Mortality in Rodent Colonies
Presenter: Sarah Hansen
Abstract: Morbidity and mortality events in rodent colonies present complex management challenges, particularly in those housing immunocompromised strains where disease progression can be rapid and consequences severe. Early recognition and appropriate response are critical to minimizing animal loss, preserving research integrity and restoring colony stability. Animal caretakers and technicians are often the first to detect subtle changes in behavior or appearance trends that signal emerging health concerns. Successful intervention requires swift action with appropriate sample collection for thorough diagnostic evaluation. This one-hour interactive presentation provides participants with guided decision-making and best practices in the approaches to these cases. Audience engagement is enhanced through the use of a free mobile polling app that allows participants to answer questions, vote on strategies, provide real-time feedback and reinforce learning in an enjoyable, low-pressure environment.
When Things Go Sideways: Lessons Learned for Vivarium Leaders
Presenter: Jennifer Hickerson
Abstract: Vivarium supervisors, managers, and directors navigate an unpredictable landscape — from facility-wide emergencies and critical equipment failures to the day-to-day realities of managing complex teams and difficult investigator relationships. This interactive workshop invites lab animal operations professionals to share hard-won lessons learned across real-world scenarios: emergency response protocols put to the test, boiler and HVAC failures that threatened animal welfare, navigating challenging relationships with principal investigators, and the everyday operational challenges that don’t make it into any training manual. Structured around facilitated small-group discussion and full-group debrief, participants will leave with practical strategies, renewed peer connections, and the confidence that comes from knowing others have faced — and survived — the same situations. Keywords: vivarium management, emergency response, facility outage, HVAC failure, lab animal operations, PI relations, vivarium leadership, lessons learned.