Networking Events

With a variety of focused networking events, the 2024 AABB Annual Meeting is the place to make face-to-face contact with thousands of your peers.

Connect with blood and biotherapies colleagues from around the world, establish long-term connections and learn from experts in the field. Expand your circle of influence and establish relationships that will last throughout your career.

Note: times, locations and events are subject to change.

Make a Connection at the AABB Collaboration Hub

The 2024 AABB Annual Meeting is the perfect place to connect and collaborate – and we’ve got an ideal on-site location for you to meet.

Attendees will be able to reserve a time and table during the Meeting to network and connect in the Collaboration Hub when the Exhibit Hall is open. Spaces are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Friday, October 18

Corporate Partner Roundtable

Friday, Oct. 18 | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Hilton-Americas Houston Hotel

Exclusively for registered representatives of AABB Corporate Partner organizations. Engage with the AABB Board of Directors and executive leadership in a strategic discussion on critical big picture issues impacting your business and the field. RSVP details will be shared with Corporate Partners in the lead up to the Annual Meeting.

New Assessor Training LIVE Segment

Friday, Oct. 18 | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Hilton-Americas Houston Hotel

New AABB Accreditation assessors are encouraged to join this live training session, held in conjunction with the AABB Annual Meeting in Houston. Accreditation staff members will present information and discuss topics in a relaxed and informal setting. Learn more about assessor qualifications, how to get started, and the value of becoming an AABB assessor.

Assessor Networking Reception

Friday, Oct. 18 | 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Hilton-Americas Houston Hotel

The AABB Accreditation Team is hosting this reception to honor AABB’s knowledgeable and dedicated Assessors. The AABB Accreditation Team will thank Assessors for their continued work and commitment to advancing quality and safety. This event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to network and learn from other Assessors. This is an invitation-only event and can be added through the meeting registration process. Available to current assessors only.
Please contact accreditation@aabb.org with any questions. For information on becoming an AABB Assessor, please  visit our website.

Biotherapies Reception

Friday, Oct. 18 | 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Hilton-Americas Houston Hotel

Join others involved in the biotherapies community for a networking welcome reception before the AABB Annual Meeting begins. Connect with colleagues old and new while discussing the latest topics in the biotherapies field. Space is limited; attendees must register for this event through the annual meeting registration process. Only available to attendees involved in biotherapies. Sold out.

AABB Foundation Reception – A Party with a Purpose!

Friday, Oct. 18 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Hilton-Americas Houston Hotel

A donation in 2024 is your ticket to attend the Party with a Purpose. The Party with a Purpose is a special celebration hosted by the AABB Foundation for financial contributors and program recipients that offers an exciting atmosphere of fun and camaraderie with food, drinks, and music. Connect with friends and create new relationships with colleagues at this reception all while supporting AABB Foundation’s mission of fueling innovative research. Your 2024 donation is your ticket; attendees can register for this event through the annual  meeting registration process. For more information, e-mail foundation@aabb.org.

Event Sponsors:

American Red Cross
HemoCue Logo

Saturday, October 19

New Member and First Time Attendee Lunch

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

This event is for new AABB members and those attending the AABB Annual Meeting for the first time. During this event, lunch is provided and attendees hear from AABB leaders and learn about AABB’s myriad offerings and the many ways in which AABB membership is beneficial. Space is limited; only available for new members and first-time Annual Meeting attendees on a first come first served basis. Eligible attendees can register via meeting registration. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. Sold out.

AABB Foundation Research Symposium

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

For more than four decades, the AABB Foundation has infused the transfusion medicine and biotherapies fields with innovative scientific research and pioneering leaders. This premier showcase brings that science into an interactive symposium program where the AABB Foundation grant and award recipients are featured among those presenting on their research work. Lunch will be provided. Attendees can register via annual meeting registration. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, e-mail foundation@aabb.org.

General Session

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
George R. Brown Convention Center, Grand Assembly

The 2024 AABB Annual Meeting’s General Session will feature an engaging presentation from the 2024 keynote speaker, remarks from the AABB president and CEO, the presentation of this year’s President’s Awards – and much more. The General Session will lead into the Exhibit Hall Opening Reception.

Exhibit Hall & Opening Night Reception

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A3/B3

Get to know more about the exhibitors and their innovative products and services, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of great food and music. This event is open to all attendees registered to attend on this day.

Premium Sponsor:

Grifols

* To ensure compliance with the requirements of MedTech (Europe) and Mecomed (Middle East and Africa), the Opening Reception and lunch in the Exhibit Hall are opt-in events for attendees whose registration is sponsored by member companies of these organizations.

Sunday, October 20

AABB Foundation Run for Research

Sunday, Oct. 20 | 6:45 am – 8:30 am

Lace up your sneakers for the annual AABB Foundation Run for Research. Whether you run at a record-breaking pace or prefer a casual walk, what’s important is your participation. Proceeds benefit the AABB Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that funds innovative scientific research and support the careers of future leaders in transfusion medicine and biotherapies.

Registration is required and includes the selection of one of the Run for Research options:

  • In-Person: The race will occur outdoors at the designated course near the George R. Brown Convention Center on Sunday, October 20, at 7:00am. Grab & Go breakfast will be provided.
  • Virtual: Complete your own 5K or 1-mile race anytime and anywhere between October 19 and October 22.
  • Sleep-In: Hit the pillow instead of the pavement!

Attendees can register via annual meeting registration or separately.

Event Sponsors:

Abbott
Fresenius Kabi
Johnson & Johnson

AABB IRL Luncheon

Sunday, Oct. 20 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
George R. Brown Convention Center

The AABB IRL Luncheon is available exclusively for members of AABB-accredited Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) facilities. This lunch will provide an opportunity to network with others from similar facilities and with members of the AABB IRL Accreditation Committee. AABB Accreditation team will email an invitation to IRL facility contacts closer to the Meeting. Attendees must be RSVP to attend.

Biotherapies Sizzling Topics Luncheon

Sunday, Oct. 20 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
George R. Brown Convention Center

This popular event for biotherapies professionals brings together leaders in the field for presentations and discussions on hot topics in the field. Space is limited; attendees must register for this event through the Annual Meeting registration process. Sold out.

Event Sponsor:

BioLife Solutions

Houston-Area Attendees Networking Event

Sunday, Oct. 20 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Collaboration Hub – Exhibit Hall
George R. Brown Convention Center

AABB is offering a unique opportunity for local registered attendees. 2024 AABB Annual Meeting attendees from the Houston area are invited to join the Houston-Area Attendees Networking Event in the Collaboration Hub of the Exhibit Hall. Catch up and network with other transfusion medicine and biotherapies professionals who live and work in your area. This is an ideal opportunity to meet new people, expand your network and learn more about opportunities in Houston.

Attendees may join this event in the Collaboration Hub in the Exhibit Hall.

Hospital-Based Blood Collectors Roundtable

Sunday, Oct. 20  | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
George R. Brown Convention Center, Room 340 B

The Hospital-Based Blood Collectors Roundtable is an exclusive Roundtable Discussion tailored just for Hospital-Based Blood Collectors. We’ve lined up a dynamic session packed with hot topics that matter to YOU! Expert-led discussions will help you share ideas, solve challenges and network with others. Here’s what’s in store:

  1. How to Make the Best of Your BECS – No Tears, Just Results
  2. Recovered Plasma – Leave No Component Behind
  3. Social Media Magic – Attracting and Engaging Donors
  4. Whole Blood for Transfusion – To Leuko-Reduce or Not Leuko-Reduce, that is the Question!
  5. Brainstorm Table – Share What’s on Your Mind

Come ready to learn, share, and brainstorm. It’s your chance to collaborate, innovate, and take home valuable insights. This event is open to all registered attendees.

AABB Volunteer Celebration: Recognize Our Volunteers & Learn How to Get Involved

Sunday, Oct. 20  | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Hilton-Americas Houston Hotel

Are you a volunteer interested in connecting with other active contributors to AABB? Or are you a current or prospective member interested in starting your volunteer journey? Join us for a fantastic night of appetizers, drinks, celebration, and learning about the many ways you can become more involved in your Association! Sold out.

Monday, October 21

AABB Foundation Research & Development Summit

Monday, Oct. 20 | 8:30 am – 11:00 am
George R. Brown Convention Center

The Foundation R&D Summit will delve into various aspects of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring its current state, future possibilities, and the implications it holds across the blood & biotherapies field. Our aim is to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners at the executive level. We will focus on artificial intelligence as an umbrella topic with a few panel discussion and presentation sub-topics such as disaster preparedness, donor recruitment, cell & gene therapies, and blood research, followed by Q&A and dialogue with attendees at the Summit. Breakfast will be provided. Attendees can register via meeting registration. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, e-mail foundation@aabb.org.

Event Sponsor:

HemoCue Logo

Physician Leadership Roundtable

Monday, Oct. 21 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

The Physician Leadership Roundtable is an opportunity for chief medical officers and medical directors of blood centers and chiefs, medical directors, and other physician leaders based in hospitals to connect, collaborate, and discuss current issues facing the field. The discussion will be led by AABB’s chief medical officer, Dr. Claudia Cohn. Eligible attendees can register via meeting registration. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. Sold out.

CABP Celebration Hour

Monday, Oct. 21 | 1:00 0m – 2:00 pm

Current and future CABPs, join us for an engaging discussion about the AABB Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP) program. Hear from recent CABPs on how they prepared, discover the latest resources available for exam preparation, connect with fellow professionals, and take part in a Q&A session to get all your questions answered. Attendees may join this event in the Biotherapies Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall.