clinical-billing
clinical-billing
The 20th Anniversary Clinical Research Billing Compliance Summit: A Recap
Bryon Main
What an incredible three days in New Orleans. The 20th Annual Clinical Research Billing Compliance Summit brought nearly 200 clinical research billing leaders to the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District from February 23–25, 2026 — making it the largest and most geographically diverse gathering in the summit’s two-decade history.
As Conference Chairperson Kelly Willenberg reminded us, twenty years ago clinical research billing was a total mystery. Today, the practitioners in this field are nothing short of heroes — navigating a regulatory landscape that grows more complex every year.
Record Satisfaction, Record Engagement
The numbers tell the story. Day 1 sessions averaged 3.72 out of 4.0, and overall Day 1 experience hit 3.74 out of 4.0. Courtesy and assistance from the Momentum staff earned 92% Excellent — the highest-rated category across the board. Pre-event communications followed close behind at 87% Excellent.
These aren’t just metrics — they reflect real commitment from our team and our community to making this event world-class, year after year.
CAR-T Stole the Show
If there was one session that dominated the conversation, it was the CAR-T & Cell Therapy Crash Course. Approximately 40% of respondents who named a specific favorite session pointed to CAR-T — a clear signal that this topic has become a signature anchor of the summit.
Attendees told us exactly why it resonated:
"CAR-T — this subject was new for me."
"CAR-T, it was so needed because it is a complex topic we need to understand on the clinical level before we can bill correctly."
"The CAR-T and Cell Therapy Crash Course — very informative."
Expect CAR-T to return as a Day 1 anchor in 2027.
AI, Medicare, and Real-World Operations
Beyond CAR-T, several other sessions earned standout recognition:
- AI in Action: Transforming Contracting was praised for practical, actionable takeaways on how AI is reshaping clinical research billing workflows.
- The Medicare Discussion resonated for its direct relevance to day-to-day billing operations.
- Dr. Olatokunbo Awodele’s MAC Medical Director session was called a "wealth of information" — rare, insider access to how a Medicare Administrative Contractor evaluates claims.
- Clinical Trial Budgeting earned multiple mentions for direct applicability.
One attendee summed up the Tamara Syrek Jensen session perfectly:
"Her realness about the current state of government agencies made this the most valuable session for me."
Interactive Formats Won
A clear theme emerged from the feedback: attendees want more interaction, not more lectures. The Jeopardy game was called out as engaging and memorable. Pre-conference workshops received notably strong praise — several respondents said the workshops were their personal highlight for the depth of focus they allowed.
This feedback is shaping how we design the 2027 program. Expect more workshops, case-study formats, and facilitated peer exchanges.
Kelly — Always Available, Always Valued
Multiple attendees singled out Kelly Willenberg’s availability and approachability as a defining feature of the summit experience:
"Speaking with Kelly, she always makes herself available!"
After twenty years, that personal connection remains the heartbeat of this community.
A Night to Remember at Mulate’s
We capped off our 20-year milestone with a celebration at Mulate’s that had everyone on their feet. The highlight? A beautiful vow renewal that brought the community’s legacy full circle — a callback to a wedding at our 10th anniversary party at the very same venue. Between the heartfelt moments, the dance floor stayed packed. These are the moments that make this summit more than a conference — it’s a community.
What’s Coming for 2027
Your feedback is our blueprint. Here’s what we’re building into the 21st Annual Summit based on what you told us:
- A dedicated AI and automation track — the single most requested topic across the entire evaluation
- CAR-T returns as a Day 1 anchor session
- Medicare Advantage as secondary payer — a standalone deep dive into one of the trickiest billing scenarios
- Two-track format exploration — a Foundations track alongside an Advanced/Complex track, requested independently by multiple attendees
- More interactive breakouts and real-world case studies with actual billing error examples and scenario-based learning
- A PI/Sponsor perspective panel — giving you the other side of the billing compliance conversation
See You in Orlando
Mark your calendars for February 2027. We are taking the Clinical Research Billing Compliance Summit to Margaritaville Resort Orlando — a venue our community has been asking for.
Twenty years of building the premier community for clinical research billing professionals. We’re just getting started.
