General Information
Preliminary Program (PDF)
Latest Announcements
New This Year
General Information
Special Networking Events
International Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Latest Announcements
AABB has just secured reduced rates at a variety of hotels within the housing block. The new rate change now offers many hotel rooms under $200. Check back soon as we continue to secure more savings for this year’s meeting.
New This Year
2009 Opening Session Speaker: Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC News’ Good Morning America
Saturday, October 24, 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Supported by Olympus America, Inc.
Get motivated to excel when Opening Session Speaker Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” shares her “Eight Rules to Live By.” Immediately following the Opening Session, Robin Roberts will be signing copies of her book, From The Heart: Eight Rules To Live By. Please note that she will be signing books until 11:00 am and signings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Books are available for purchase before the session. Click here for more information.
Annual Meeting Savings Package
In this challenging economic environment, AABB is making this year’s Annual Meeting & TXPO more affordable by offering a variety of savings. Save money, attend this year’s meeting to not miss out on the education and networking needed in today’s work environment. Click here for a listing of airfare, hotel and other savings, as well as information on our Share a Room program.
TXPO Grand Opening (please note opening day and time, this year only)
Sunday, October 25, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Support provided by Roche
This year, the TXPO Exhibit Hall opens on Sunday, October 25. The TXPO Grand Opening begins promptly at 4:00 pm on Sunday! Educational Sessions will end at 3:30 pm on Sunday due to the Exhibit Hall opening at 4:00 pm.
CareerLink and Interview Room
In this current economy, many are looking for jobs for the first time in many years and aren’t sure where to begin? To help your resume or company’s job posting not get lost in the shuffle, target your search through the CareerLink Online Job Center. If you have a job vacancy available or are looking for a new job, CareerLink Online Job Center is your answer.
At this year’s Annual Meeting, AABB is providing an Interview Room where attendees and company representatives meet in a private setting to conduct interviews. Take advantage of this conference benefit and schedule the interviews in advance (there will be a sign up area on the door to reserve the room).
Take advantage of having over 4500 industry-specific professionals gathered in one place at one time every year to attend the AABB Annual Meeting & TXPO. For a nominal fee, your job description will be posted online and can be accessed by attendees from computer kiosks located in the AABB Action Center. A 30-day limited listing for the month of October is $125 for members, $150 for nonmembers. These rates reflect a 50% discount off the regular monthly posting fee. Mention source code 09C-PP to receive the discount. Additionally, resumes can be posted online without incurring a fee. For more information, visit www.aabb.org and click on the CareerLink logo, or contact Yvette Ziols at yziols@aabb.org or +1.301.215.6590 .
Research and Progress (RAP) Sessions
AABB is bringing back the popular Research and Progress (RAP) sessions on Saturday, October 24, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Participate in sessions focused on current topics important to the profession. The RAP Sessions have been designed to permit presentation and discussion of subjects of current interest. As such, they will deal with new developments, rather than review general topics, and will bring together experts in each area under discussion. Formal presentations will be limited; emphasis will be on discussion and a sharing of experience and thoughts among all attendees. There will be four RAP sessions held simultaneously on Saturday, October 24 and will be presenting a range of topics. All RAP Sessions are available for CME credit.
AABB Gala Is Cancelled
In these unprecedented economic times, AABB has decided to cancel the gala that is traditionally held at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting & TXPO. Attendees now have the opportunity to see awards presented during various events throughout the meeting and the Awards of Merit and Outstanding Achievement will be presented in the award winner's community.
The invitation-only President’s Reception will still be held Tuesday, October 27 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm to thank the outgoing president for his service as well as the individuals who make the Annual Meeting such a successful event.
Again this year, for the nominal price of $100 paid during registration, you can have access to all of the Sync-to-Slide presentations from the meeting for the days of which you are registered. As an added benefit, you will be eligible to receive CME/CE credit for viewing the presentations from sessions that you did not attend.
Subscribe to SmartBrief
If you are currently not a subscriber to SmartBrief, you can subscribe while registering for the Annual Meeting. Just check the SmartBrief box during the registration process to receive AABB SmartBrief, a summary of the top stories in the transfusion and cellular therapy community delivered to you inbox daily. It’s FREE! Keep an eye out for special SmartBrief Annual Meeting editions.
General Information
Receive Member Rates
If you are not an AABB member, join AABB and save $200 on your registration. To join, please contact the Membership Services Department at +1.301.215.6489 or membership@aabb.org. You also can join online at www.aabb.org, click on “Join AABB” and then “Individual” Upon receipt of your membership payment, you are entitled to all the benefits of membership and you may register at the member rate for the Annual Meeting. Please note, you must have an AABB Member ID number to register at the member rate.
Accreditation Program Assessor Training
If you are interested in becoming an AABB assessor, please contact Kim Charity at kcharity@aabb.org. AABB Accreditation Program General Assessor Training will be held on Friday, Oct. 23 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (New Orleans Convention Center). To register for the General Assessor Training, please complete section 11 of the registration form. Please note an approved assessor application must be on file before you register for this session. All approved AABB Assessors that attend the Friday, Oct. 23 General Assessor Training as well as the AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO 2009 will receive a $25 per day discount on their annual meeting registration.
AABB TXPO Non-Industry Spouse/Child/Relative Daily Pass
New this year, attendees that purchase the full four days of the meeting can obtain their complimentary non-industry guest (spouse/child/relative) daily pass onsite at the TXPO Guest Pass booth in the registration area. The registered meeting attendee will need to accompany the non-industry guest to registration and submit their name for a daily pass. The non-industry guest will receive a complimentary guest pass for that day and will need to return and receive a new pass for each subsequent day they would like to attend the TXPO show. Please contact the AABB Meetings and Programs Department if you have any questions regarding this new process at meeting@aabb.org.
AABB Institutional Membership
Institutional member organizations receive one meeting registration at the AABB Member Rate, which is allocated to the person designated as the Main Contact. Only one person from each institution is designated as the main contact. To register at the AABB Member Rate, the main contact needs to log into the registration site with their Username and Password and their name will be recognized in the system to receive the Member rate. If the main contact cannot attend the meeting, they can designate one of their non-member staff to receive the AABB Member rate. For more information, please contact AABB Membership Department at membership@aabb.org.
Americans With Disabilities Act
AABB uses only those facilities that are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require special assistance while attending the Annual Meeting & TXPO, please call +1.800.424.5249 in advance of the meeting so that we may accommodate your needs. Scooter and wheelchair rentals are available by contacting ScootAround Inc. at +1.888.441.7575, info@scootaround.com, or via its Web site, www.scootaround.com/rentals/a/aabb.
Special Networking Events
The following special networking events are listed in chronological order.
13th Annual NBF Golf Tournament and Challenge Cup
Friday, October 23
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Stonebridge Golf Course
Fee: $300/player
Stonebridge Golf Course is located just minutes from downtown New Orleans. This 27-hole layout showcases the canals, & bayous, reptiles and waterfowl that characterize this unique New Orleans golf experience. Stonebridge exhibits a links-style course design, featuring over 100 sand traps that protect pristine fairways and large, undulating greens. Players can adjust their skill level to the golf course by choosing from any of our six sets of tees. While water hazards can come into play on most holes, there are very few forced carries, which further highlights the playability of Stonebridge for golfers of all skill levels.
Please contact NBF to register for this event. Support opportunities and guaranteed foursomes are also available. For more information, contact Jeanne Luschin with NBF at +1.301.215.6551 or jluschin@aabb.org.
Annual Meeting Orientation
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Orleans Convention Center
If you are attending the AABB Annual Meeting & TXPO for the first time, this orientation will help you maximize your meeting experience by providing information on how best to take advantage of the many educational sessions, networking opportunities, industry-supported events, online posters and exhibit hall product demonstrations offered throughout the week.
Scientific and Administrative Abstract Poster Reception
Saturday, October 24
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
AABB invites you to meet the poster presenters and network in an educational environment. Wine and other assorted beverages and snacks will be served.
New Member/First Timers’ Breakfast
Sunday, October 25
7:00 am – 8:15 am
If you are new to AABB or this is your first AABB Annual Meeting, join us for breakfast to learn about the many benefits of AABB membership and make new acquaintances and friends.
TXPO Grand Opening (please note opening day and time, this year only)
Sunday, October 25
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Support provided by Roche
This year, the exhibit hall opens on Sunday, October 25. The TXPO Grand Opening begins promptly at 4:00 pm on Sunday! Educational Sessions will end at 3:30 pm on Sunday due to the Exhibit Hall opening at 4:00 pm.
It’s bigger and better than ever! Attend this year’s TXPO Grand Opening and celebrate Mardi Gras style!! Join the Mardi Gras King, Queen and Jesters along a float parade route as we open this year’s exhibit hall and experience New Orleans and all of it’s jazz.
11th Annual NBF 5K Run for Research/1 Mile Walk
Sunday, October 25
Support provided by Roche and Life South Community Blood Center
6:45 am – 8:00 am
Fee: $50/person
(Advance registration required)
The NBF Run for Research allows runners and walkers to enjoy fresh morning air while participating in spirited exercise before attending a full day of Annual Meeting sessions. All proceeds go to help support NBF’s Scientific Research Grants program. Breakfast and t-shirts included in the registration fee. For those contributors more inclined to “sleep in for research,” there will be an opportunity to Donate for Dreams! To register to participate in or donate to this event, please complete the Additional Fee Events section of the registration form. For more information, contact Jeanne Luschin with NBF at +1.301.215.6551 jluschin@aabb.org.
Baltimore Preview Lunch
Tuesday, October 27
Noon – 2:00 pm
Known for its beautiful harbor; distinct neighborhoods; unique museums and the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore’s 300 years of city history is sure to deliver as an exciting destination for next year’s host city for the AABB Annual Meeting & TXPO. Enjoy this lite lunch in the TXPO Exhibit Hall and learn more about Baltimore!
AABB Business Meeting
Tuesday, October 27
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Invest in your future by investing in your association. All AABB members are encouraged to attend the annual business meeting. The results of the election will be announced at this meeting. Also, stop by and discover what issues are on AABB’s agenda for the upcoming year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who attends the Annual Meeting?
With over 7,000 domestic and international attendees, the AABB Annual Meeting & TXPO attracts CEOs and medical directors, laboratory supervisors and administrators, transfusion specialists, cellular therapy and blood banking professionals, medical technologists, donor recruiters, physicians and nurses.
When does Registration Open?
Registration for the Annual Meeting opens in June, prior to the meeting.
How do I register?
Registration can be completed via online, phone, fax or mail.
How do I secure my housing arrangements?
You must register for the Annual Meeting before you can reserve a hotel room. Housing reservations open in June, prior to the meeting.
This is my first Annual Meeting, is there a specific program I should attend?
AABB offers two programs specially designed to aid in making your first Annual Meeting experience the best that it can be:
Annual Meeting Orientation
New Member/First Timers’ Breakfast
Please check back after registration opens for announcements of dates and times of these programs.
How do I select the sessions I would like to attend?
You may note any sessions that you would like to attend on the registration form.
Does selecting a session when I register guarantee me a seat for that session?
No. Selecting a session does not “register” you for that session. All educational session seating is first-come, first-reserved. AABB suggests arriving early to the session to secure a seat. You will not receive a ticket confirming your attendance at every session; only educational sessions with meal events require a ticket for entry. Noting which sessions you wish to attend helps AABB to plan for appropriately-sized rooms.
Are there events offered that are not included in my registration fee?
Yes! There are a host of special events and activities available. Some require additional fees, tickets and pre-registration, while others are offered complimentary as part of your AABB Annual Meeting experience. Please check in June for announcements of these events and activities.
Are there any networking events at the Annual Meeting?
Networking is a key element in your professional development and education. AABB continues to create new events that allow you to interact with your colleagues and share your ideas.
How do I obtain the session handouts for the sessions I wish to attend?
A few weeks before the meeting, registered attendees will receive an e-mail with a link to the Live Learning Center where all handouts submitted by speakers will be available to download and print at that time.
Handout printing stations will no longer be available on-site. Be sure to print out your favorite sessions before or after the show.
After the meeting, handouts will be available in the Live Learning Center. Printing the handouts after the meeting ensures you access to the speakers’ most current and updated presentation handouts. Also available in the Live Learning Center after the meeting are audio “Sync-to-Slide” presentations, which will allow you to view sessions (excluding abstract sessions) you missed on-site for additional CME/CE credits. The “Sync-to-Slide” presentation for the sessions you attend are complimentary. You will need to purchase each additional audio “Sync-to-Slide” presentation you wish to access.
How will I receive CME/CE credit for the sessions I attend?
You will scan your badge at each session to log your attendance. Approximately one week after the meeting, you will be able to log on to the Live Learning Center to print out your validated CME/CE record.
What is the Itinerary Planner?
In mid-September, attendees receive an email to the Itinerary Planner tool in the Live Learning Center. This is a helpful tool to plan your time while at the Annual Meeting. Using this tool, you can create a calendar of sessions and events you would like to attend.
What is Virtual TXPO?
Virtual TXPO is an online tool which allows attendees to view a list of companies that will be exhibiting at TXPO and plan their tour of the exhibit hall.
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