ADRP Conferences

ADRP 2009 Annual Conference

May 13-16, 2009 St. Pete Beach, Florida

For a copy of the preliminary program click here.

Letter from ADRP's Immediate Past President:
Dear Fellow Donor Recruiter,

As noted in my column in the Summer Drop, donor recruiters face daunting challenges in the blood banking industry in 2009. Industrywide we find ourselves with increasing pressures:
• an aging population,
• more tests that shrink the existing donor pool,
• the struggle for donor’s time to give blood and build donor retention,
• competitive environments,
• the need to decrease costs and increase service WHILE
• increasing the number of nonrenumerated voluntary blood donors.

Compound that with the struggles of economic issues, catastrophic weather or emergencies that your community or center can suddenly face on a local basis, and even the seasoned recruiter veteran can become easily overwhelmed.

For the reasons stated above and many others, I believe the theme for this year’s conference could not be more appropriate. “With You Every Step of the Way” serves as the underlying message behind ADRP’s mission. ADRP was created 30 years ago “To provide education, development and resources for the donor recruitment professional.” The association’s conference provides diverse learning and networking opportunities for all recruiters whether you are just getting started in the profession or have been with us throughout our 30-year history.

Mihalko My sincere appreciation goes out to Florida Blood Services (FBS), one of the blood centers I worked at during my career in blood banking. When I approached them to serve as hosts for this year’s conference—the center did not hesitate. FBS believes in the mission and work of ADRP. I applaud them for being with us every step of the way in helping recruiters worldwide.

So, I encourage recruiters and recruitment/public relations managers to sign up to attend this year’s conference not only for the education, but to gain new perspectives and to renew—or develop new—relationships with fellow recruiters. We all share common issues. ADRP’s conference provides a wonderful chance to share ideas and concerns as well as encourage and inspire each other.

If you’re thinking you don’t have time or money to attend, I urge you to reconsider. You will take home more than enough ideas to offset the cost of registration and travel. The experience, education and networking can NOT be found anywhere else. Sign up to register now.

Carolyn Mihalko
2008-09 ADRP President
Director, Education/Biomedical Services
Northeast Division American Red Cross

Why Do Members Attend ADRP Conferences...

1--To Learn from Each Other

At the May Conference in Halifax, two member centers provided conference attendees with creative ways they overcome the traditional decrease in blood donors during the summer months.

See how Oklahoma Blood Institute partnered with the Beef Council to create interest in donating blood.

Check out how Canadian Blood Services helped build ridership on its Life Bus Shuttle service and increase donations.

2--For the Networking and Great Education Sessions

This is the first time for me to join ADRP annual conference. The conference is worth traveling around half the earth for 26 hours. I've learned much and felt that we face the same difficulties. The passion and efforts of all attendees will make our world better. Salute to all who recruit.
Young-Chan Ju
Korea National Red Cross Blood Service Headquarters

The exchange of information and ideas at the 2008 ADRP conference has proved to be invaluable to the betterment of my donor center. With three years of recruitment experience under my belt, I feel as though I learned tips from the seasoned veterans on what to do when you have hit a creative road block in the recruitment of donors. See you in Florida ADRP!
Guy Harrigan
Armed Services Blood Program
Fort Benning Blood Donor Center