FROM THE DESK OF THE IHIA ASSOCIATION MANAGER STEVE LEWIS

As we begin the second half of 2023, the IHIA is extremely proud of the increased numbers of members and the number of quality training events we have presented. Every week we receive requests for training all over the country and around the world.

Our upcoming 29th annual symposium in Oklahoma City is coming together nicely. We already have registrants from 6 countries and our registration numbers look fantastic. Our exhibitors and sponsors have registered early, and we are sold out of all booths for 2023. Not only do we have outstanding presenters and topics, but our planned social events will

On Sunday, from 4pm-7pm, the exhibit hall will open, along with early registration/check-in. We have some cool swag to give away, food, drinks, and the opportunity to visit our amazing exhibitors/sponsors. Exhibitor booth fees cover this event and it’s a great time to visit them before all the presentations start on Monday morning.

• On Monday evening, with support from our platinum sponsor, QIAGEN, we will be visiting the Bricktown Brewery. The music, food, and libations are amazing there! It’s only 2 blocks from the hotel in the Bricktown entertainment district.

• On Thursday evening, our second platinum sponsor, DNA Labs International, will help us wind down the week at Michael Murphy’s Dueling piano bar. Those of you who have never been to a Dueling Piano bar, I guarantee you will be singing and dancing along with some amazing entertainers. We will also be giving out the final big raffle items.

Here are highlights of some of our successes thus far in 2023.

• In June, we facilitated a 40-hour homicide investigations course in Bogota, Colombia. 50 attendees from Colombia, Panama, and Honduras.

• Also in June, we presented a one-day Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy seminar in the United Kingdom, with 120 attendees.

• We presented three (3) of our Basic Homicide Investigations courses in Louisville (KY), Columbus (OH), and Riverside (CA). A fourth course is scheduled for the week of July 10th in Omaha, Nebraska.

• We also presented our specialty courses in Largo (FL), Albuquerque (NM), New Castle (DE), San Diego (CA), and Chandler (AZ). And we will be in Nashville (TN) the last week in June for our Cold Case/No Body course.

• To finish off 2023, we will be back in Bogota, Colombia, New Orleans (LA), Mesa (AZ), and Grand Prairie (TX).

• Our 2nd DNA & FIGG Seminar in D.C.

• 2024 planning is underway!

Stay Safe!

Steve Lewis IHIA Association Manager