Drumming Up Excitement at TXPO Opening
By Laura Fusco

AABB members stepped back in time Saturday night with a glimpse into the sights and sounds of Old Montreal. The percussionists played their instruments with precision, capturing the attention of attendees gathered to celebrate the opening of the 2008 AABB Transfusion Medicine Expo (TXPO) with its 1600s-era music, display of colorful costumes and flags, and skillful maneuvering of military guard weaponry.

Following this festive prelude, J.Daniel Connor, MM, president of AABB, welcomed attendees to the opening of the 2008 TXPO. “We’re excited for you to see the latest products and services that will help keep your facility on the cutting edge,” he said. “But none of this would be possible without the support and generosity of Roche, our sponsor of these opening night festivities.” Connor then turned the attention to Roche’s Mike Pintek, who announced the official opening of the TXPO with a “bang,” as the military guard simultaneously fired its weapons in salute of the celebration.

TXPO Café

Attendees at this year’s TXPO will be privy to demonstrations of the most innovative products, services and technologies in the field, with more than 200 exhibitors on-site. After investigating the array of new products in the blood banking, transfusion medicine and cellular therapy communities, attendees are encouraged to take a break in the TXPO Cafe, where a light lunch and refreshments will be served Sunday and Tuesday in a relaxing environment close to the action. Sunday lunch items will be available to luncheon coupon holders thanks to support provided by Baxter Healthcare. On Tuesday the cafe will be transformed into the French Quarter and Bourbon Street for the New Orleans Preview Lunch, showcasing the host city of the 2009 AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO.

Abstracts Go High-Tech

New for this year’s meeting is an ePosters/Online Abstract System, where all accepted abstracts, except those chosen for oral presentation, can be viewed online. This Web-based system can be accessed from any computer in the convention center, including those at kiosks in the exhibit hall and from personal computers. It is a great way to learn about some of the most current research in the field. Groups interested in discussing poster abstracts can reserve an Abstract Theater to present, enhance and enlarge the posters on 42-inch plasma screens.

Capture the Zen

After viewing the latest and greatest at more than 200 exhibitor booths and discussing the details of hundreds of professional abstracts, attendees are encouraged to slow down and enjoy the experience. Those who make their way to the Zen Den in the TXPO exhibit hall can enjoy a complimentary chair massage, a cup of tea and a chance to daydream about the clockwork beauty of a French military drumline.