BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//ABSA International - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:ABSA International
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://absa.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ABSA International
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20280312T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20281105T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261001
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261101
DTSTAMP:20260804T155346Z
CREATED:20260804T155213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T155346Z
UID:10000852-1790812800-1793491199@absa.org
SUMMARY:October is Biosafety and Biosecurity Month!
DESCRIPTION:Enhancing Biosafety and Biosecurity through Technology \n\n\nFor October 2026 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month\, we encourage our members to use this opportunity to spotlight training ideas\, stewardship\, and engagement\, how to foster positive relationships within the research community\, and how to support responsible and ethical research through our profession.
URL:https://absa.org/event/october-is-biosafety-and-biosecurity-month/
LOCATION:PA
CATEGORIES:ABSA-Sponsored,Featured
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ABSA-2026-BSBSmonth-Graphic-1200x628-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261010
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261015
DTSTAMP:20251203T195448Z
CREATED:20251102T171152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T195448Z
UID:10000642-1791590400-1792022399@absa.org
SUMMARY:69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference
DESCRIPTION:  \nOctober 10-14\, 2026\nMobile Convention Center\nMobile\, Alabama \n\nIntensive professional development courses to educate and inspire\nThree full days of state-of-the-art keynotes\, papers\, and panels highlighting best practices and hands-on skills crucial for today’s biosafety and biosecurity professionals\nIn-person exhibits showcasing the latest in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity products and services\nInvaluable networking opportunities to share and learn from other biosafety and biosecurity professionals\n\n\n\nThe ABSA International Conference is the largest biosafety and biosecurity conference in the world! The conference will provide solutions to tackle your most challenging issues\, present fascinating case studies\, and showcase the latest developments in biosafety and biosecurity. ABSA International’s educational sessions offer insights into the ever-changing world of biosafety and biosecurity\, keeping you updated on the latest techniques and best practices. You’ll have opportunities to network with your peers and discuss common issues\, share advice\, and exchange ideas. There will also be commercial exhibits showcasing the latest technologies in biosafety and biosecurity.
URL:https://absa.org/event/69th-annual-biosafety-and-biosecurity-hybrid-conference/
LOCATION:Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center\, 1 South Water Street\, Mobile\, AL\, 36602\, United States
CATEGORIES:ABSA Conference,ABSA-Sponsored,Featured
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ABSA2026-event-848.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
GEO:30.6918608;-88.037837
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center 1 South Water Street Mobile AL 36602 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1 South Water Street:geo:-88.037837,30.6918608
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261022
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261030
DTSTAMP:20260603T014408Z
CREATED:20260603T003803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T014408Z
UID:10000815-1792627200-1793318399@absa.org
SUMMARY:5V. Keeping it Going: Maintaining and Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term
DESCRIPTION:5V. Keeping it Going: Maintaining and Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term\nOctober 22 and October 29\, 2026\n11:30 am – 3:30 pm CDT \nOverview:\nKeeping a select agent program going can be difficult\, especially in the face of ever-changing regulatory requirements and limited resources. Established procedures may suddenly become unacceptable\, interrupting research and frustrating laboratorians. Likewise\, a single unexpected adverse event can put an entire program at risk. Being prepared to deal with such changes and events is critical to maintaining a robust program. Anticipating future challenges can be even more advantageous\, elevating a program from good to great. A proactive approach can minimize the impact of new requirements and reduce duration and frequency of crises sparked by sudden\, unexpected requirements or events. This course will explore strategies for maintaining and improving an existing program\, including how to anticipate and respond to new requirements. The focus will be on U.S. select agent requirements\, although a small section on comparable requirements in the international community will be included. Strategies will be based on the instructors’ experience with their program with additional input solicited from class attendees during open discussions. Topics will include select agent program history; effective oversight; efficiently meeting ongoing requirements; reporting\, responding to\, and analyzing incidents; suitability program case studies; inactivation requirements\, including “failure” investigation; and inspection preparation and response. The course will consist of topical presentations followed by group discussions aimed at facilitating application of presented strategies to attendees’ individual programs and providing a platform to capitalize on attendees’ collective experience. \nObjectives: \n\nIdentify strategies to efficiently maintain a compliant select agent program and anticipate future regulatory focus\nDevelop effective approaches for preparing for inspections and implementing required changes\nReview a series of suitability program case studies and identify strategies for dealing with potential suitability concerns\nSummarize inactivation requirements and identify successful strategies for compliance\n\nSuggested Background:\nNone \nTarget Audience:\nAll Safety Professionals\, Select Agent Program Safety Professionals \nAudience Level:\nIntermediate \nCourse Logistics:\nCourse is two 4-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break each session. To receive credit and a certificate\, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
URL:https://absa.org/event/5v-keeping-it-going-maintaining-and-improving-a-select-agent-program-over-the-long-term-2/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:ABSA-Sponsored,Online Education,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ABSA-Webinar-2026_5V-SelAg.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261109
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261114
DTSTAMP:20260603T014236Z
CREATED:20260603T000128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T014236Z
UID:10000816-1794182400-1794614399@absa.org
SUMMARY:6V. Institutional Infectious Substance Shipping Program  Assessment and Development
DESCRIPTION:6V. Institutional Infectious Substance Shipping Program Assessment and Development\nNovember 9 through November 13\, 2026\n12:30 pm – 2:10 pm CST \nOverview:\nThis course is tailored for individuals responsible for establishing and overseeing infectious substance shipping programs within their facilities. This webinar series aims to assist institutions in developing robust shipping programs tailored to their needs. Course elements include: training; written policies; written descriptions of program plans; transport and shipping specific SOPs; safety and security plans; emergency response plans; logistics and supplies; carrier selection and support; MOUs and authorizations; access control and personnel assurance. The instructor will provide a detailed and comprehensive shipping program assessment and implementation guidance document. Attendees will receive an introduction to this document and step-by-step guidance on its completion. By completing the assessment document\, attendees will conduct a thorough review to identify areas for improving existing shipping programs. This interactive\, instructor led\, web-based training will invite attendees to share examples of how these elements are addressed at their own institution. \nObjectives:\n\nEvaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that influence shipping policy and program components at a facility\, emphasizing the relevance of international regulations (ICAO TI)\, international standards (IATA DGR)\, and other guidance (CDC\, WHO\, CWA) for developing a robust shipping program\nRecognize the components of a shipping program and utilize provided tools and templates to assess current shipping program elements\, identifying opportunities for improvement\nCompare and contrast various approaches to setting up a shipping program (centralized\, decentralized\, hybrid)\, and gain an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each\n\nSuggested Background:\nIATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification \nTarget Audience:\nExperienced Biosafety Professionals\, Infectious Substance Shipping Managers & Trainers\, EHS Program Managers & Directors\, Professionals who manage and train others in shipping programs \nAudience Level:\nAdvanced \nCourse Logistics:\nCourse is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate\, attendees must attend the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
URL:https://absa.org/event/6v-institutional-infectious-substance-shipping-program-assessment-and-development/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:ABSA-Sponsored,Online Education,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ABSA-Webinar-2026_6V-ISSProgMgmt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T150000
DTSTAMP:20260603T014141Z
CREATED:20260603T004141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T014141Z
UID:10000817-1795086000-1795100400@absa.org
SUMMARY:7V. We Built the BSL-3… Now What? Operational Management\, Sustainability\, and Risk-Based Decision Making for  High-Containment Laboratories
DESCRIPTION:7V. We Built the BSL-3… Now What? Operational Management\, Sustainability\, and Risk-Based Decision Making for High-Containment Laboratories\nNovember 19\, 2026\n11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST \nOverview:\nHigh-containment laboratories play a critical role in public health preparedness\, infectious disease research\, and diagnostic response. However\, constructing a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory is only the first step; ensuring it is safe\, sustainable\, and compliant in operation presents significant technical\, operational\, and organizational challenges. Many institutions struggle with maintaining complex containment systems\, implementing robust biosafety programs\, and sustaining competent personnel and operational procedures over time.This course provides a practical framework for the operation\, management\, and sustainability of BSL-3 laboratories. Attendees will explore the operational components required to maintain high-containment facilities\, including governance structures\, risk management systems\, operational procedures\, infrastructure and engineering controls\, preventive maintenance programs\, and emergency preparedness strategies. Emphasis will be placed on integrating engineering controls\, administrative controls\, and biosafety practices into a coherent biorisk management approach aligned with international guidance and best practices. The course also examines common institutional challenges encountered in high-containment laboratories\, including infrastructure failures\, gaps in operational planning\, insufficient maintenance strategies\, and misalignment between laboratory design and operational capabilities. Attendees will learn how to evaluate these risks and implement practical solutions to improve laboratory performance and safety. Through case studies\, operational examples\, and scenario-based discussions\, attendees will analyze real-world challenges related to the management of BSL-3 laboratories and explore strategies to strengthen institutional governance\, improve operational resilience\, and ensure sustainable laboratory performance. \nObjectives:\n\nEvaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that influence shipping policy and program components at a facility\, emphasizing the relevance of international regulations (ICAO TI)\, international standards (IATA DGR)\, and other guidance (CDC\, WHO\, CWA) for developing a robust shipping program\nRecognize the components of a shipping program and utilize provided tools and templates to assess current shipping program elements\, identifying opportunities for improvement\nCompare and contrast various approaches to setting up a shipping program (centralized\, decentralized\, hybrid)\, and gain an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each\n\nSuggested Background:\nIATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification \nTarget Audience:\nExperienced Biosafety Professionals\, Infectious Substance Shipping Managers & Trainers\, \nEHS Program Managers & Directors\, Professionals who manage and train others in shipping programs \nAudience Level:\nAdvanced \nCourse Logistics:\nCourse is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate\, attendees must attend the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
URL:https://absa.org/event/7v-we-built-the-bsl-3-now-what-operational-management-sustainability-and-risk-based-decision-making-for-high-containment-laboratories/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:ABSA-Sponsored,Online Education,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ABSA-Webinar-2026_7V-Built-BSL3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270314
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270320
DTSTAMP:20260923T141459Z
CREATED:20260923T130038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T141459Z
UID:10000908-1804982400-1805500799@absa.org
SUMMARY:Principles & Practices of Biosafety®\, Seattle\, WA
DESCRIPTION:March 14-19\, 2027\nEmbassy Suites Seattle Downtown-Pioneer Square\n255 South King Street\nSeattle\, WA 98104 \nDescription:\nPrinciples & Practices of Biosafety® will introduce the essential elements of biosafety and provide extensive resource lists for use after the course. Interactive exercises will be used throughout to provide hands-on experience and to encourage networking and problem-solving among participants and instructors.
URL:https://absa.org/event/2027-principles-practices-of-biosafety-seattle-wa/
LOCATION:Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown-Pioneer Square\, 255 South King Street\, Seattle\, WA\, 98104\, United States
CATEGORIES:ABSA-Sponsored,Featured,Principles & Practices of Biosafety
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PPB-2027-SeattleWA-848.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
GEO:47.5980919;-122.3309701
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown-Pioneer Square 255 South King Street Seattle WA 98104 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=255 South King Street:geo:-122.3309701,47.5980919
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270718
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270724
DTSTAMP:20260923T141812Z
CREATED:20260923T141812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T141812Z
UID:10000909-1815868800-1816387199@absa.org
SUMMARY:Principles & Practices of Biosafety®\, Pittsburgh\, PA
DESCRIPTION:July 18-23\, 2027\nEmbassy Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown\n535 Smithfield Street\nPittsburgh\, PA  15222 \nDescription:\nPrinciples & Practices of Biosafety® will introduce the essential elements of biosafety and provide extensive resource lists for use after the course. Interactive exercises will be used throughout to provide hands-on experience and to encourage networking and problem-solving among participants and instructors.
URL:https://absa.org/event/2027-principles-practices-of-biosafety-pittsburgh-pa/
LOCATION:Embassy Suites—Pittsburgh Downtown\, 535 Smithfield Street\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15222\, United States
CATEGORIES:ABSA-Sponsored,Featured,Principles & Practices of Biosafety
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://absa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PPB-2027-PittsburghPA-848.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ABSA International":MAILTO:info@absa.org
GEO:40.4413521;-79.9980174
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Embassy Suites—Pittsburgh Downtown 535 Smithfield Street Pittsburgh PA 15222 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=535 Smithfield Street:geo:-79.9980174,40.4413521
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR