Unlocking the Power of Networking at AABB: Top Tips and Tricks

The AABB Annual Meeting is more than just an educational event—it’s a home for a vibrant community, where various transfusion medicine, blood banking and biotherapies medical and research professionals from throughout the world come together to exchange ideas, build connections, and grow in the field of transfusion medicine and biotherapies.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, effective networking can turn a good experience into a transformative one. I have made many meaningful connections at AABB Annual Meetings. 

Here are some top tips and tricks I find helpful in making the most of your time at the AABB Annual Meeting:

Be Strategic With Sessions: Arrive Early, Stay Engaged 

Before you even step foot in the convention center, take time to identify the sessions that align with your interests or current work. Review the schedule, mark your must-attend talks, and make note of the speakers or topics you’d love to explore further. Then, go a step further: arrive a few minutes early or stay for five extra minutes after sessions of interest.

The few minutes before a session begins—and the coffee breaks that follow—are golden opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. A simple “What brings you to this session?” can spark a meaningful connection. It’s these in-between moments that often lead to long-term collaborations and friendships.

Turn Your Presentation Into a Conversation Hub

If you’re presenting a poster or giving an oral talk—congratulations! This is your built-in networking moment. Attendees who stop by your poster or sit in on your session are already interested in your topic. Use that to your advantage.

Rather than just walking them through your work, invite discussion. Ask about their research, share challenges and exchange insights. Take note of people who express interest—follow up later via email or LinkedIn. And don’t forget to visit other presenters in your area of interest. Mutual curiosity is a powerful connector.

Say Yes to Social Events (and Sit With New Faces)

From the welcome reception for first-time attendees to social events like the AABB Foundation Run for Research, the AABB Annual Meeting is full of informal events that make networking feel natural and fun. These are perfect moments to strike up conversations without the pressure of business cards or badges. 

Make sure to follow up and touch base with old contacts and friends, but also remember to grab lunch with someone new. Accept that dinner invite. Join the morning 5K or linger at the Poster Hall. These casual interactions often open doors in ways that formal meetings can’t.

Smile, Snap, and Say Hello

Never underestimate the power of a warm smile and a friendly hello. Sometimes networking is as simple as introducing yourself to the person standing next to you in line for coffee or complimenting someone’s presentation. Take photos with new colleagues, tag them (with permission) in your social posts and share your AABB experience online—it’s a great way to stay visible and connected after the event.

Final Thoughts

Networking at the AABB Annual Meeting isn’t about handing out as many business cards as possible—it’s about building authentic connections rooted in shared interests and goals. Be intentional, stay curious and, most importantly, enjoy the experience. You never know which quick chat or coffee break could spark your next collaboration or career opportunity.

If it all feels overwhelming, and you are sometimes an introvert like me, you may want to do what I call “recharging your socialization batteries” by resting properly prior to the meeting. Also keep in mind that even by doing just one of the above recommendations, you can make meaningful connections at the AABB Annual Meeting. 

What networking tips would you like to share?

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About the Author

Homayemem Weli, MD, MSc, PhD, is a transfusion medicine fellow at the University of Virginia and a former clinical pathology resident at Washington University in St. Louis. Weli received a “Top Poster” award at the 2024 AABB Annual Meeting for her study that explored transfusion medicine education through social media.