RAPS Convergence Planning Committee (2023)

RAPS Convergence Planning Committee

Purpose 

To develop themes and tracks and identify topics and speakers for the RAPS Annual Conference (“Convergence”) that are suited to the needs of members and the profession and position the annual conference as the preeminent professional development, learning, and networking opportunity for the regulatory profession.

Who Should Apply

Current RAPS members 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 (2) openings in the medical device focus area and three (3) openings in the pharmaceuticals focus area.

Domestic and international volunteers are encouraged to apply.  

 
Scope 

The RAPS Convergence Committee will work with RAPS staff to do the following: 

• 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 in monthly committee calls beginning in December 2022, and one, 2-day in-person program planning meeting occurring 21-22 March 2023 at RAPS Headquarters in Rockville, MD.
• During program planning, provide support and guidance for speakers and session development (can be up to 20 hours per month during abstract review period and peak session planning months: March – September)
• Travel to Convergence and provide support as session moderator and committee representatives

Composition/Size

• The committee will consist of seventeen (17) members, all RAPS volunteers
• Chair
• Vice Chair
• President of the RAPS Board of Directors
• Fourteen (14) others, chosen from pool of volunteers

Length of Service

• Committee members serve one (1) three-year term and then become eligible for reapplication.
• Committee Chair and Vice Chair both serve one (1) two-year term in the respective roles: Vice Chair becomes the Committee chair for two (2) additional years.

Experience Required

• Eight (8) or more years of industry experience
• Demonstrated success in working with committees (RAPS and otherwise)

Primary Staff Contact

• Director, Meetings and Educational Experiences