Association of University Technology Managers - AUTM 2027
Event Date
February 21–24, 2027
Location
San Diego, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe AUTM Annual Meeting is the flagship conference of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), widely regarded as the largest annual gathering of technology transfer professionals in the world. It is the premier global event for professionals working in technology transfer, intellectual property management, research commercialization, and university–industry partnerships, bringing together attendees from universities, research hospitals, federal labs, startups, and corporate innovation teams.
The 2027 edition returns to San Diego, California. Each year, the conference explores the ideas, trends, and strategies shaping the future of technology transfer, and offers one of the most comprehensive professional development programs in the field with 90+ educational sessions. Attendees can choose from sessions covering intellectual property, licensing, startup creation, valuation, operations, marketing, policy, and relationship management.
The meeting is worth attending for its blend of education, deal-making, and community. A major highlight is AUTM Connect, the partnering platform that supports thousands of one-on-one meetings each year, allowing attendees to meet potential collaborators, industry partners, investors, and licensees across sectors from life sciences and engineering to software, agtech, and medical devices.
Show Highlights
- AUTM Connect partnering platform — the partnering platform that supports thousands of one-on-one meetings each year.
- Educational program — 90+ educational sessions offering one of the most comprehensive professional development programs in the field.
- Session formats — the agenda includes panels, roundtables, workshops, and deep-dive Kickstart Courses that provide hands-on training in areas such as negotiations, tech valuation, marketing, and advanced licensing.
- Plenary speakers — high-profile plenary speakers and cross-disciplinary discussions that offer insights into emerging federal policies, global IP trends, commercialization challenges, and new opportunities to strengthen research partnerships.
- Networking — beyond the formal programming, the event is designed to build community through networking receptions, meetups, and more.
Attendance
Attendance figures vary by year and location. The conference brings together more than 1,500 attendees from universities, research hospitals, federal labs, startups, and corporate innovation teams. In peak years the audience has been larger; AUTM has described its Annual Meeting as an event where 2,000+ technology and knowledge transfer professionals from 20 countries converge to learn, make deals, and gather strategic takeaways from world-class speakers and panels.
Registration
Registration is handled through the official AUTM website (autm.net), which publishes member and non-member pricing as well as registration deadlines and professional development course add-ons for each Annual Meeting. Attendees can register online and view member and non-member pricing, registration deadlines, and professional development course add-ons.
AUTM members typically receive discounted rates, and add-on Professional Development Courses and specialized forums may carry additional fees. Historically, AUTM has offered tiered deadlines including early, advance, and on-site registration windows, so registering early is recommended for the best rate. Check the official AUTM Annual Meeting registration page for the exact 2027 pricing and deadlines.
History
AUTM (the Association of University Technology Managers) is a long-established professional association serving the technology transfer community. The AUTM 2026 Annual Meeting celebrated AUTM's 50th Anniversary, taking place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington, DC.
Over the decades the Annual Meeting has grown into the field's premier global gathering, rotating among major U.S. cities. San Diego is a recurring host city, and per AUTM's published schedule the meeting returns to the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina multiple times in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the AUTM 2027 Annual Meeting?
The 2027 AUTM Annual Meeting takes place February 21-24, 2027, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in San Diego, California.
Who should attend the AUTM Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for professionals in technology transfer, intellectual property management, research commercialization, and university-industry partnerships. Attendees come from universities, research hospitals, federal labs, startups, and corporate innovation teams.
What makes the AUTM Annual Meeting worth attending?
It offers more than 90 educational sessions plus AUTM Connect, a partnering platform supporting thousands of one-on-one meetings each year. Attendees also gain access to high-profile plenary speakers, workshops, and extensive networking opportunities.
How do I register for the AUTM Annual Meeting?
Registration is completed online through the official AUTM website, where you can view member and non-member pricing, deadlines, and professional development course add-ons. AUTM members typically receive discounted registration rates.
What are the parking and travel options for the venue?
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina offers on-site self parking (about $11 per hour and $55 per day) plus valet. The hotel is within about five minutes of San Diego International Airport and a short walk from the Amtrak station, Gaslamp Quarter, and San Diego Trolley.
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