IMCI News: Admin Retreat is a Success!
Written by Austin Eldridge – February 23rd, 2026
Images by Travis Warner
IMCI is excited to share the success of this year’s Admin Team Retreat! Over the weekend of February 6, 2026, the team gathered in rainy Spokane to discuss several high‑level objectives related to the future of our institute’s operations and our aims for the near future.
We kicked off the retreat on Friday evening, when guests and the admin team came together over dinner for a stimulating discussion on modeling, AI ethics, and our own take on the “commandments of modeling.”
After a night’s rest at the Spokane Club, we reconvened in the Gourmet Room to explore new and sustainable models for the Modeling Core—proposing improved ways to connect researchers with modelers and build more efficient workflows.
Following a brief break, we shifted our focus to the rapid growth of our community—an energizing topic that, unsurprisingly, wove itself into many conversations throughout the weekend. At times the discussions grew heated and the occasional “grenade” was thrown into the room, but we stayed constructive and surfaced important ideas.
As Saturday marched on, coffee pots emptied and the clock tower bells chimed. We lightened the mood with a conversation about swag, which quickly branched into ideas for awards, celebrations, networking, and community‑building events—further supporting the grassroots spirit IMCI has become known for.
Then came the bombshell topic: how to allocate the accumulating F&A returns. The conversation took us in many directions, though we as a group agreed that IMCI wants to do more to connect the community, both local and abroad.
After wrapping up the day, everyone went their own way for dinner. On Sunday morning, the IMCI crew reconvened with renewed energy, demonstrating a clear passion for strengthening connections across our scientific community. Ideas included future retreats, more accessible funding opportunities, and more intentional networking and matchmaking initiatives. The admin team concluded the retreat that afternoon, heading home as the Winter Olympics and Super Bowl LX played overhead.
Overall, the retreat was a tremendous success. IMCI now moves forward with more clarity, unified direction, and an exciting set of plans just over the horizon.
