AURP Conference (Nov. 11-14) to showcase how UNLV and Nevada are rapidly expanding their impact and influence in North America’s dynamic innovation economy
Tucson, AZ — October 27, 2025 — Innovation leaders from across North America will gather in Las Vegas, NV, November 11–14, as the ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARKS (AURP) hosts its 2025 International Conference, co-hosted by the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Themed “Driving Research and Innovation Across Sectors,” the framework of sessions will dive into how universities, industry and innovation districts are transforming regional economies and fostering next-generation partnerships.
Knowledge-economy executives from research parks and innovation communities will convene to exchange ideas on topics such as workforce training and development, core facilities, plus creating financing and programming opportunities.
Showcasing Southern Nevada’s Innovation Economy
Attendees will experience firsthand UNLV’s expanding innovation ecosystem — from the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, a 122-acre hub for tech-driven collaboration, to new innovation districts shaping Southern Nevada’s economic diversification. Programming also will focus on emerging innovation districts, exploring how research, real estate and technology intersect to fuel economic growth.
Program highlights include sessions featuring Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley; Don Snyder, Presidential Advisor for Strategic Initiatives with UNLV; and Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Leadership Initiatives. Conference presenters will spotlight how Las Vegas is redefining innovation and partnership across sectors. The conference will also feature discussions on AI, clean tech, quantum computing and defense innovation.
A Gathering of Visionary Leaders
“AURP 2025 is more than a conference. It’s a convening of innovators shaping the future of our knowledge economy,” said Allison Madden, AURP President and Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, University of South Florida Research Foundation. “Las Vegas embodies the spirit of transformation, making it the perfect host city for this year’s conversations on innovation, partnership and resilience.”
“Our members are driving the future of innovation — from quantum computing and clean tech to biotech and defense partnerships,” said Vickie Palmer, CEO of AURP. “At this year’s AURP International Conference, we’re not just sharing best practices; we’re charting the course for the next decade of university-industry collaboration and next-generation professionals who will shape communities of innovation worldwide.”
A Week of Innovation and Insight
Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas’ burgeoning innovation economy, AURP’s 2025 International Conference features four days of dynamic programming — from executive roundtables and startup pitches to collaborative sessions on technology, real estate and policy innovation.
Program highlights include:
- “Navigating the Tides of Change” Leadership Roundtable — led by Erin Koshut Executive Director of Cummings Research Park, and Chip Cherry, President & CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, tackling leadership amid uncertainty and political shifts
- “Gener8tor’s Electrify Nevada Startup Showcase” — featuring emerging startups’ breakthrough tech solutions launching from the region
- Main Stage Fireside Chat: “Master Planning — Small Areas, Large Impacts” with Aaron Olver, Managing Director of University Research Park, UW–Madison, and Cummings Research Park’s Erin Koshut
- Panels on emerging frontiers — from Quantum Computing and AI-Powered Corporate Engagement to Clean Tech Energy Production, Research Security and Defense Innovation Collaborations
- Rapid Fire Presentations featuring thought leaders from Halo, Iowa State University Research Park, FirstIgnite and more.
- The week culminates with the AURP Awards of Excellence in Innovation, celebrating top research park achievements and partnerships across the globe
Conference Details:
Dates: November 11–14, 2025
Conference Venue: Durango Hotel, 6915 S Durango Dr., Las Vegas, NV
More Info & Registration: https://aurp.org/education/international
About the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV):
UNLV is a public, urban research institution that holds the nation’s highest recognition for both research and community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching – R1, the gold standard for research institutions. These distinctions underscore UNLV’s vision to become one of the nation’s premier public universities for research, education, and community impact. UNLV research is central to Nevada’s economic renaissance, increasing the availability of good-paying jobs and the secondary industries that support them. We put our expertise to work through projects and partnerships that solve challenges, create opportunities, and answer the profound questions of our time. UNLV research also directly translates to teaching, elevating student learning and bringing context to issues facing our state, nation, and world. Learn more: www.unlv.edu
About AURP:
AURP, a non-profit international organization with offices in the Washington, D.C. area at the University of Maryland Discovery District and in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona Tech Park, focuses on creating communities of innovation and education for research parks, both operating and planned, plus innovation districts, incubators, accelerators and the businesses that support the research park industry. AURP and its global membership promote research, institute-industry relations and innovation districts to foster innovation and to facilitate the transfer of technology from such institutions to the private sector. Learn more: www.AURP.org
Media Contact:
Ken Berlack
AURP
kenberlack@aurp.org