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Hematopoiesis

Amplify Your ASH Annual Meeting Experience Tips for Trainees

Congratulations on attending the 66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition! Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or a first-time attendee, this guide has everything you need to amplify your experience.

For trainees, the meeting kicks off with ASH-a-Palooza, on Friday, December 6, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, followed by the Trainee Welcome Reception, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ASH-a-Palooza is the premier trainee event of the year. It includes Blood Drops micro-learning, Blood Buddies mentorship opportunities, FREE FOOD (plus other ASH giveaways), music, and so much more, including a sneak peek at Hearts of Hematology, a new initiative focused on telling the stories of hematology!

Fortunately, the trainee events continue after ASH-a-Palooza! There are many trainee-focused activities designed to help you build community, learn, and have a lot of fun (see below)! If you need a break during the meeting, stop by the Trainee Lounge to relax.

Quick Tips

  • Download the official ASH 2024 app to your phone before the meeting to create a personal calendar and access a map. Search for trainee-specific events with the “trainee filter,” as well as for medical education sessions, which tend to offer great topic overviews.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater or jacket for the cool San Diego evenings.
  • Consult your mentors for session recommendations and networking opportunities; maybe they can even help you make an introduction!
 Trainee Event Details Registration
ASH-a-Palooza
Friday, December 6, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a reception from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego  Sign up when you register for the ASH annual meeting 
Trainee Welcome Reception 
Career Development Lunch  Saturday, December 7, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  First come, first served 
Trainee Didactic Sessions 

Sunday, December 8, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

  • Talk 1:Creating a Laboratory and Clinical Research Program From Scratch
  • Talk 2:Time Management in Clinical and Research: There Are Only 24 Hours in a Day or Everyone Needs a System

Monday, December 9, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

  • Talk 3: Setting up a Health Services and Outcomes Research Program
  • Talk 4: Building, Nurturing, and Sustaining a Research Program
No registration required 
Trainee Lounge 

Saturday, December 7 through Monday, December 9, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, December 10, 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

No registration required 

There is so much happening at the meeting, it’s always helps to plan ahead! Find the complete meeting schedule here. See below for a few of our favorite events we want to highlight:

Select Sessions Details 
ASH Foundation Run/Walk  Sunday, December 8, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 
Announcement of Awards  Sunday, December 8, 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Plenary Scientific Session  Sunday, December 8, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
Women in Hematology Networking Event  Monday, December 9, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
Presidential Symposium  Tuesday, December 10, 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. 
Poster Session & Reception  Saturday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday, December 9, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

To Conclude

The ASH Annual Meeting is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the field of hematology, gain valuable knowledge, and build lasting connections. Embrace every moment, stay curious, and make the most of this experience. Enjoy the meeting, and we look forward to seeing the impact you’ll make in the world of hematology! Looking to get more involved? Consider applying to serve on the ASH Trainee Council (applications opening soon).

Safe travels and see you in San Diego!

From your trainee council chair, Dr. Kaitlyn Dykes, and previous chair, Dr. Maya Abdallah.

Drs. Dykes and Abdallah indicated no relevant conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment: This article was edited by Drs. Urshila Durani and Lawrence Boise.