Date
July 21-22, 2026
Location
Tech Square | Atlanta, GA
Networking
Define and strengthen your distinctive value in external engagement
This two-day, in-person UIDP workshop hosted by The University Financing Foundation (TUFF) and Collaborative Real Estate convenes leaders from community colleges through R2 institutions and emerging research institutes where external engagement extends beyond traditional research models to examine practical, mission-aligned approaches to working with external partners.
For institutions where traditional sponsored research is not the primary pathway, the focus is on alternative partnership models—workforce development, contracted services, philanthropy, ecosystem collaboration, and other non-sponsored research strategies that create value for both institutions and industry.
Through facilitated working sessions and peer exchange, participants will explore what works, why it works, and how it can be adapted to their own context.
What to Expect:
Case spotlights, moderated panels, peer roundtables, and structured working sessions designed for actionable outcomes—not passive listening.
What You Will Gain
Practical models for industry engagement beyond sponsored research
Peer-tested strategies aligned with institutional mission and capacity
Templates and examples developed through a UIDP co-created toolkit
Meaningful connections with leaders navigating similar opportunities
To help you navigate this evolving landscape, UIDP is launching the Partnership Advantage Network, a new professional community for leaders at R2 and R3 institutions, primarily undergraduate institutions, and community colleges seeking to strengthen corporate engagement across the enterprise.
Subscribers will gain access to:
- Monthly peer town halls on timely partnership topics, like corporate expectations, gifts vs. grants, and workforce strategy
- A quarterly newsletter with practical insights and examples
- A community online forum to exchange ideas and challenges supported by UI practitioners who present and are experts in the space
- Representation at an annual in-person convening
Meet the Steering Committee
Kevin Byrne
President and Chief Executive Officer
The University Financing Foundation
Bryan Davis
Executive Director, The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Furman University
Colleen Fitzgerald
Senior Vice Provost for Research and Creative Activities
Hofstra University
Christine Hendren
Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation
Appalachian State University
Kimberly Mayer
Associate Vice President and Chief Research Officer
University of North Florida
Kendra Sharp
Dean, School of Engineering
Santa Clara University
Jessica Trask
Interim Associate Vice President for Research
San José State University
Event Fees
Before June 19, 2026
$300
After June 19, 2026
$500
Limited seating available to support meaningful dialogue and hands-on engagement.
Registration is required and subject to approval.
Group Rate: UIDP offers a special registration rate for groups of 5 or more from a single organization.
Please contact us to request the institutional rate and save 10%.
Thank you to our Partnership Advantage Workshop site hosts:
Thank you to our sponsors:
When
July 21: 9 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
July 22: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where
The Clubhouse
848 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
The University Financing Foundation (TUFF)
75 5th Street, NW, Suite 1025
Atlanta, GA 30308