2026 Webinar: Get Ready for Congress ’26! Networking Strategies and Maximizing the Value of Professional Conferences

Includes a Live Web Event on 09/23/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

Description: This webinar will provide practical guidance on how professionals can build meaningful connections, engage with colleagues, and strategically expand their networks through conference participation, with a focus on preparing for Congress ’26. Panelists will share insights from their experiences attending conferences, including AATB meetings, and discuss approaches they have found effective for building professional relationships, starting conversations, and creating lasting connections within the field. Participants will gain actionable strategies to help them network with confidence, maximize conference opportunities, and build relationships that support their professional growth.

Target audience: Professionals in the tissue banking and donation field, particularly those looking to strengthen their professional networks, build industry relationships, and make the most of conferences such as Congress ’26. This webinar is especially beneficial for early- to mid-career professionals, new conference attendees, and anyone seeking to expand their connections and support their professional growth.

Jeff Cox

President & CEO

United Tissue Resources

Jeff Cox has over 39 years of experience in tissue banking and is a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist. He currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the AATB Board of Governors and is a member of the AATB Executive Committee. Throughout his career, he has held various roles within AATB, including serving on the Certification, Ethics, Accreditation, Standards, Finance, and Program Committees, as well as the AATB Tissue Policy Group. He has served as AATB Secretary-Treasurer, Chair of the AATB Board of Governors, as well as former Secretary of the Accredited Tissue Banks Council and the Donor Suitability Council. He has also contributed as a coach to the AATB Emerging Leaders Program.

In addition to his work with AATB, Jeff is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals, the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses. He holds a master's degree in biochemistry and a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology.

Currently, Jeff Cox serves as the President and CEO of United Tissue Resources.

Diana H. Buck, M.Ed., MBA, CTBS

Principal Consultant

D Buck Consulting Group LLC

Diana is a consultant with D Buck Consulting Group LLC, bringing more than two decades of experience in tissue banking and donation services. Prior to transitioning to consulting, Diana served as Senior Vice President of Tissue Donation Services at New England Donor Services (NEDS), where she was a member of the executive team and provided strategic leadership and oversight of tissue recovery services. In this role, she focused on advancing organizational goals, developing leaders, optimizing workforce performance, and promoting best practices in tissue recovery.

Diana transitioned from a career in Education Administration to tissue banking in 1999 and has been an engaged member of the AATB community since 2001. Throughout her career, she has been committed to advancing the field through leadership, collaboration, education, and active participation in AATB. She now applies her extensive industry experience through her consulting work with D Buck Consulting Group LLC.