It’s Time to Celebrate

FROM THE PRESIDENT – Richard Sampson

This year, we’re celebrating the fact that we’re together again

It feels like it is time to talk a little bit about celebration, because we have a very good reason.

As you hopefully already know, in Denver, from November 8 to 11, LTEN will gather in person for the first time in two years, with the 50th LTEN Annual Conference. Some of you will be joining the hybrid event virtually and some will be with us live … either way, we’ll be celebrating the fact that we’re together again.

I could find the words to celebrate that return alone, but in the words of the
infomercial people: “Wait … there’s more!”

For one thing, we’ll be celebrating the top honors of the LTEN Excellence Awards – the LTEN Members of the Year. We presented most of the awards at a virtual ceremony in June, but we saved these key recognitions for this special gathering.  So, whether you’re able to join us live or virtually, you’ll get the chance to be in the room when we recognize, honor and celebrate those members who’ve gone above and beyond to support LTEN.

But wait, there’s more.

The conference also will have the usual celebrations – the receptions, the networking party, break time and meals – where our members can come together in relaxed and safe environments. It’s been too long, and we’re all ready.

So, in a way, this issue is about celebration. Inside this issue you’ll find a special supplement that will preview the 50th LTEN Annual Conference. Whether you’re joining us in person, virtually or in spirit, it’ll give you a good sense of what’s in store this year.

But wait – there’s another celebration I want to tell you about.

This year is the 50th anniversary of LTEN. We’ve been celebrating it all year, marking our golden anniversary and marveling at how far the industry has come in this half-century, and it’ll all culminate at the conference. Coming back together after an extended absence is reason enough to celebrate; add in a special milestone year and it’s even better.

Another celebration you’re invited to will, admittedly, be bittersweet. At this year’s event, LTEN will induct my friend and colleague Chuck Pearson into the LTEN Hall of Fame. Chuck was an LTEN Board of Directors member and the learning leader at Astellas, and a great supporter of life sciences training. Chuck passed away earlier this year, and despite that empty seat at our table, we’ll celebrate his contributions to our network and our industry when we come together this November. We will also be sharing a special announcement so that we can remember and reflect on Chuck’s contributions to our space in an annual way.

But wait – just one more time – there’s more.

We’ll be celebrating what we always celebrate: you, your work, your contributions and your innovation.

That celebration starts here and now: This spring, for the second consecutive year, LTEN awarded scholarships to two field trainer candidates, Shawn Nordquist of Alnylam and Michael Tomlinson of Eisai. As you page through this issue, you’ll find articles from both Shawn and Michael, telling us more about their work and their roles as field trainers.

As you can see, there’s a lot happening at the upcoming event, and thanks so much for joining us. In these pages and at the conference, I hope you’ll find a connection, an innovation, an idea or a partner that will make you celebrate.

Richard Sampson is president of the LTEN Board of Directors and head of global training for Cepheid. Email Richard at richard.sampson@cepheid.com.