Communities of Innovation 101

Discover the building blocks behind thriving ecosystems at AURP’s Communities of Innovation 101. Designed for emerging professionals and those seeking a deeper understanding of research parks and innovation districts, this immersive session explores the essential elements of building and managing successful Communities of Innovation. 

COI 101 Chair: Kate Engel, Officer At-Large, AURP; Executive Director, Nebraska Innovation Campus 

8:00am – 8:15am   |   WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS 

Vickie Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, AURP
Allison Madden, MBA, President, AURP; Corporate Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, USF Research Park, University of South Florida

8:15am – 10:00am   |   MODULE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH PARKS 

Research Parks – Working with Your University
Jeff Smith, MBA, Vice President, AURP; Director, Research Parks, Michigan State University Foundation

University Research Park Governance
George Ward,  Executive Director, Coldstream Research Campus; Associate Vice President for Economic Development and Real Estate, University of Kentucky 

Master Planning a Park 
Stephen Coulston, Vice President, Cities & Places, Jacobs
Laura O’Blenis, Board Member, AURP; President and CEO, Stiletto: Make a Point

Q&A with Module 1 Speakers

10:00am – 10:15am   |   NETWORKING BREAK

10:15am – 12:00pm   |   MODULE TWO: RESEARCH PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT [Founders Room (6th Floor)]

Impact of Government Relations on the Innovation Environment 
Brian Darmody, Past President, AURP; Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

Designing for Economic Impact and Measuring the Results 
Deborah Cummings, Principal and Managing Director, TEConomy Partners LLC

Focus on Innovation Districts 
Tom Osha, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Economic Development, Wexford Science & Technology

Q&A with Module 2 Speakers

12:00pm – 1:00pm   |   NETWORKING LUNCHEON
This special invitation only luncheon includes AURP Board of Directors as we welcome attendees of the COI 101, Leadership Roundtable, Sponsors, and AURP’s Newest Members (since 2025).

1:00pm – 2:45pm   |   MODULE THREE: RESEARCH PARK MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

Programming & Engagement Strategies for Your Park 
Amy Adams, Treasurer, AURP; Executive Director, Nexus234 Innovation District

Marketing & Communications for Your Park 
Kelly Propst, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Research Triangle Park of NC

Incubator Programs for Growth and Success 
Casey Carrillo, Chief Innovation Officer, University of Arizona Center for Innovation

Attracting and Supporting Corporate Innovation Centers 
Tracy Shickel, Officer At-Large, AURP; Associate Vice President, Corporate Engagement, University of Delaware

Q&A with Module 3 Speakers

2:45pm – 3:00pm   |   NETWORKING BREAK

3:00pm – 4:00pm   |   MODULE FOUR: RESEARCH PARK OPERATIONS 

Financing Your Park 
David Tyndall, Founder and CEO, Collaborative Real Estate

Case Study: Iowa State University Research Park – Recipient of 2025 Distinguished Community of Innovation Award
Stacy Dreyer, Associate Director of Corporate Engagement, Iowa State University Research Park

Q&A with Module 4 Speakers

4:00pm   |   ADJOURNMENT

4:00pm – 4:30pm  |   VIP NETWORKING RECEPTION
AURP Board of Directors plus COI 101 and Leadership Roundtable participants and speakers.