RAPS seeks two volunteers (pharmaceuticals-focused) to join the committee that develop themes and tracks and identifies topics and speakers for RAPS Convergence, the biggest annual event for regulatory professionals. The committee ensures themes, tracks, topics, and speakers are suited to the needs of RAPS members and the profession, and positions the annual conference as the preeminent professional development, learning, and networking opportunity for the regulatory profession.
Current RAPS members (active RAPS membership required) with previous volunteer experience with RAPS are preferred. Evaluations will be not only based on the individual but on the overall needs of the committee to achieve diverse representation to deliver a well-rounded program.
There are currently two openings in the pharmaceuticals focus area. Volunteers from all countries are encouraged to apply.
The RAPS Convergence Committee will actively work with RAPS staff to perform the following each year:
- Identify content tracks for the full conference that will be a mix of evergreen topics that will remain consistent, year-over-year, and hot topics appropriate to the medical device, pharma, and IVDR regulatory communities.
- Review all conference abstract submissions and, using a pre-selected rubric, select those that reflect excellence and innovation in regulatory work and can be slotted into one of the tracks defined previously.
- Create the conference agenda, based on the tracks and selected abstracts.
- Assist RAPS staff in identifying topics of interest for pre-conference workshops and potential subject matter experts to develop content and lead the workshops.
- Provide feedback to RAPS staff on networking ideas and opportunities.
- Participate and actively contribute in:
- monthly committee calls beginning in December 2024 through September 2025.
- a two-day, in-person program planning meeting at RAPS Headquarters in Rockville, MD (late winter/early spring 2025).
- bi-weekly track calls beginning late spring 2025 through September 2025.
- During program planning, members must be able to provide session and speaker development support and serve as committee liaison for up to five sessions. Expected time commitment and support includes:
- from December 2024 – April 2025: Up to 20 hours per month during general program planning and abstract review period.
- from May 2025 – October 2025: 20+ hours per month during peak program planning.
- Travel to Convergence and provide support as session moderator and/or committee representative.
RAPS CONVERGENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The committee will consist of nineteen members, all RAPS volunteers:
- One Chair
- One Vice Chair
- One President of the RAPS Board of Directors
- Fourteen others, chosen from pool of volunteers
- Two Health Authority Advisors
Committee members serve one three-year term.
Committee Chair and Vice Chair both serve one two-year term in their respective roles. Vice Chair becomes the Committee chair for two additional years.
Health authority volunteers do not have a term limit.
COMMITTEE MEMBER BENEFITS
- Travel, hotel, and meals paid by RAPS for in-person committee review meeting in late winter/early spring 2025.
- Complimentary full conference registration plus one ticket to the Convergence Networking Party for Convergence.
- Travel and hotel coordination and costs for Convergence are the responsibility of committee members.
APPLICATION & DECISION TIMELINE
- 11 November: Deadline to Apply (no extensions)
- 18 November: Decision Notifications Sent to Applicants