Preliminary Conference Schedule
(subject to change)

Tuesday October 8th
8-8:15am Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:15-9am Plenary Speaker (Peter Neufeld, Innocence Project)
9-11:45am Legal Topics Roundtable
1:15-5pm National Forensic Science Update (NCFS, CFSO, SWGs, & ASCLD FRC)
5-7pm Vendor Reception

Wednesday October 9th
8-10am Accrediting Body Round Table (A2LA, ASCLD/LAB & FQS)
10:30-11:45am Proficiency Test Providers Round Table (CAP, CTS, FTS, SERI, ISFCE, IQAS Cellmark & ASCLD/LAB-PRC)
Noon-1pm Forensic Science Resources Luncheon (optional, space is limited)
1:15-3pm Root Cause Analysis
3:30-5pm AFQAM Business Meeting
6-9pm Mystery Dinner Theater Event (optional, additional registration fee applies)

Thursday October 10th
8am-5pm Breakout Sessions

Friday October 11th
8-11:30am How Not to Drown in Paperwork (AFQAM Members using Access, Beast QMS, Paradigm, Power DMS & Qualtrax)

 Additional Session Information

Forensic Science Resources Luncheon
Linda Galloway, Biology and Forensic Science Librarian, Syracuse University

This lunch presentation on forensic science resources will include information on finding articles, books and data for forensic science practitioners, talk about efficient use of Google Scholar and other freely available resources, and information on the best subscription resources. A box lunch will be provided. Space is limited.

ASCLD/LAB Measurement Confidence, Level 100
Laurel Farrell, ASCLD/LAB

Fundamental to all measurements made in forensic science are the concepts of measurement traceability, measurement assurance, and uncertainty of measurement. For each topic a basic foundation will be presented and the interrelationships between the topics will be explored. A process for the evaluation of suppliers of equipment and/or reference standard calibration services and suppliers of reference materials will be presented. This combined course is a pre-requisite for the ASCLD/LAB Level 200 Measurement Confidence Course.

Move the Cheese Before It Gets Stale – Creating Positive Movement Through Change
Frank Keck

Today’s world is changing at an ever increasing speed. In order to survive, and even thrive, we must lead our people through change. There are many challenges in leading people through change and this workshop will help you to tackle them. How do we “sell” the change? How do we lower the resistance to change? How do we get people on board with constant change? How do we create an environment that supports and encourages change? How do we stay one step ahead? All of these questions and more will be answered in this session.

Uncertainty of Measurement Solutions
Stephen Wilent, Mettler Toledo

Our approach to Uncertainty of Measurement (UOM) in weighing is based on our scientifically and mathematically sound Good Weighing Practices (GWP(r)) program used to determine any balance’s inherent performance limits at its point of use. Determination testing and results can be documented and substantiated. Additionally, factors such as variations due to environmental and human influence and their impact can be integrated to determine a comprehensive UOM calculation on every measurement made on the balance to ensure they are within acceptable limits. We believe our approach compliments guidance to the forensic community communicated from ASCLD/LAB, A2LA, and other accrediting bodies. This workshop session will include:
1. An outline of Uncertainty of Measurement components.
2. Uncertainty of Measurement as outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
3. Actual live demo of establishing UOM on a balance, including a repeatability test.
4. Solutions to monitor, track and report UOM for audit friendliness.

Internal Auditing
Dawn Mettler, A2LA

This training will provide a review of the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for internal auditing, basic audit plans, approaches and styles, and how to properly write deficiencies when nonconformances are identified. In addition, class exercises will allow participants to apply the information they have learned.

Transition to a Paperless System
L. Nix & K. Featherston

This workshop will include presentations from lab employees using three different Laboratory Information Management Systems – Forensic Advantage by TCSC, the BEAST by Porter Lee, and Justice Trax to accomplish “paperless” case file documentation. Presentations will include an overview of the system (e.g., how files are created, analysis (including photos and instrument data) documented, reports generated, reviewed, and distributed). The pros and cons associated with each system will be discussed as well as the lab’s perspective and lessons learned from the transition to a paperless system (e.g., how did the lab handle the planning/design phase, obtain buy-in from lab staff, etc). In addition, presentations/discussion will address how labs address specific accreditation requirements (e.g., marking examination records with case number, secure electronic equivalent of initials, etc.) and whether or not quality records are also integrated into/tracked in the LIMS.

Evening Event

Murder Mystery Dinner
Wednesday 10/9, 6:00-9:00pm

Get ready to experience a dinner like no other.  The ACME Mystery Company provides interactive comedies in a mystery format, usually in conjunction with a dinner. Their shows play on two levels: they are extremely funny and fun to watch, but there also is a very real mystery which each audience member gets the chance to solve. At every seat is a program telling you where you are, when you are, and who you are.  It also tells you about the characters you will be meeting.  Additionally, each table is given a Clue and encouraged to exchange this information with other tables in an effort to put together the most comprehensive list so as to better solve the mystery.

The show will be performed in three acts around a catered dinner.  Tickets for this dinner event are $35 and are inclusive of the catered meal as well as the show.  Registration is due by August 31st.