#ASHTrainee 2025: Can’t-Miss Trainee Events at the 67th ASH Annual Meeting
Congratulations on planning your trip to the 67th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, Florida! This premier event in hematology attracts tens of thousands of participants from across the globe, making it the largest hematology event in the world. Navigating the ASH annual meeting can feel overwhelming for many attendees, especially first-time conference-goers and trainees at any stage. But don’t worry, the ASH Trainee Council has your back! We want you to have an incredible #ASHperience without stress, so we’ll point you toward the best opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development (plus where to find free food and #ASHswag!)
Below is a trainee-focused roadmap to create a rewarding and memorable #ASH25 experience in Orlando this December.
Friday, December 5
ASH-a-Palooza: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ASH-a-Palooza is back by popular demand to kick off the annual meeting. Make a splash with us at SeaWorld Orlando and expect an immersive experience at the premier trainee event of the year.
This year’s ASH-a-Palooza will begin with the first-ever Global Hematology Trainee Networking Lunch at noon. All trainees, local and international, are encouraged to attend, as is anyone with an interest in global hematology. This informal session will connect fellow trainees and hematologists from around the world.
Don’t worry, we still have the three #ASH-a-Palooza staples: Blood Drops (10-minute micro-learning sessions), Blood Buddies (one-on-one meetings with potential mentors/leaders), and Blood Booths (ASH initiative presentations). This year’s #ASHTalks will feature two amazing sessions focused on career development: Career Transitions and Making the Most of Mentorship, featuring Ted Wun, MD, Soo Park, MD, and Alfred Lee, MD, PhD.
For those with a competitive streak, join our Treasure Hunt and Red Cell Rumble trivia competition for a chance to win exciting prizes! We promise there won’t be a dull moment at ASH-a-Palooza!
Trainee Welcome Reception: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The fun doesn’t end there! Stick around for the Trainee Welcome Reception, filled with free food, drinks, music, and dancing! Take time to relax, enjoy the SeaWorld rides, and grab a selfie with ASH’s beloved mascot, Red!
Saturday, December 6
Career Development Lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Meet with leaders in hematology to discuss a wide array of career paths, from basic and translational research in academic or industry settings to private and clinical practice and beyond. Multiple tables are dedicated to each area, led by an expert facilitator or faculty member. Boxed lunch provided. (Note: This is an in-person, first-come, first-served event.)
Sunday, December 7
Medical Educators Symposium: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Open to all medical educators across the trainee continuum, this session highlights innovative teaching techniques and features participants from the ASH Medical Educators Institute.
Sunday, December 7 and Monday, December 8
Trainee Didactic Sessions: Sunday, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m; Monday, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15pm.
These sessions explore career development topics tailored to trainees and early-career faculty in basic, translational, or clinical research. Each includes a panel discussion, followed by audience Q&A.
| Sunday, December 7 |
| Drug Development |
| Basic Statistics for Hematologists |
| Monday, December 8 |
| Application of Microarray and Bioinformatics in Hematology |
| Outcomes Research in Hematology |
| Other Events of Interest | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Ham-Wasserman Lecture | Saturday, December 6 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
| ASH Foundation Run/Walk | Sunday, December 7 | 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
| Announcement of Awards | Sunday, December 7 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Plenary Scientific Session | Sunday, December 7 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| E. Donnall Thomas Lecture and Prize | Monday, December 8 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
| Ernest Beutler Lecture and Prize | Monday, December 8 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Women in Hematology Networking Event | Monday, December 8 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
| Late-Breaking Abstracts Session | Tuesday, December 9 | 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
| Presidential Symposium | Tuesday, December 9 | 9:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
| Poster Session and Welcome Reception | Saturday, December 6 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 7 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | |
| Monday, December 8 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | |
| Trainee Lounge | Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 7 | 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | |
| Monday, December 8 | 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | |
| Tuesday, December 9 | 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | |
| Office Hours at Trainee Lounge (ASH Trainee Council meet & greet) |
Swing by to say hi to ASH Trainee Council members and discuss opportunities to get involved: | |
|
Saturday, December 6 |
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | |
| Monday, December 8 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | |
Quick Tips for a Smooth #ASH25
- Download the official 2025 ASH Annual Meeting app to your phone before you arrive. Create your personal calendar, navigate the venue, and access presentation recordings.
- Plan your networking: Reach out in advance to mentors or collaborators to set up an introduction. (Try messaging on the official app!)
- Grab a complimentary lunch in the Exhibit Hall (Saturday, December 6, 11:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 7, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
- Comfort matters: You’ll be on your feet all day, so bring comfortable shoes!
- Review the Pre-ASH Meeting Trainee Webinar (password: GqV8!+p0)
- Explore the full ASH 2025 meeting schedule here.
The ASH Trainee Council is committed to helping you feel supported, included, and inspired throughout #ASH25. We hope this guide empowers you to navigate the meeting confidently, discover new opportunities, and enjoy the vibrant community that makes ASH truly special.
We can’t wait to see you in December and share an #ASHmazing experience together!
Acknowledgment: This article was edited by Ruby Arora, MD, Ryan Mack, PhD, and Andrew Volk, PhD.