Three Days That Move the Field Forward: 2026 AABB Annual Meeting in Atlanta

The 2026 AABB Annual Meeting—taking place Oct. 17–19 in Atlanta—will showcase the latest research and practice-changing resources in the field of blood and biotherapies. The meeting will feature three days of scientific sessions spanning all aspects of blood banking, transfusion medicine, cord blood and biotherapies; presentations on the field’s latest scientific research; an expansive Exhibit Hall highlighting innovative products and services for the field; myriad networking events; and the presentation of the 2026 AABB Awards.

Attendees can look forward to the top science and education in the field, as well as a variety of focused networking events with colleagues from the global community.   

Steven Armstrong, DHA, MLS(AMT), SBB(ASCP), FACHE, senior director of Reference and Transfusion Services at Vitalant and chair of the Annual Meeting Education Committee (AMEC), spoke with AABB News about this year’s premier event for the blood and biotherapies field, as well as new enhancements and exciting networking opportunities.

What are you most excited about for the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting in Atlanta?

This year’s AABB Annual Meeting is exciting for me on two significant fronts. First, the meeting will be held in Atlanta, a fantastic host city that will bring a new vibe and opportunities for attendees. Second, we saw a 30% increase in proposal submissions this year compared with last year. Although this significant increase in submissions made this year’s selection process extremely difficult, it is a strong indicator of our attendees' involvement and dedication to knowledge sharing. Due to the incredible number of proposals, this year’s Annual Meeting is guaranteed to include sessions for all attendees.

What new additions or enhancements can attendees expect this year?

Network and Navigate: The pilot program launched last year received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees who participated. This year, we are expanding the program to all attendees through an easy-to-use networking platform that will connect participants with a small cohort before the meeting begins. The goal is to help attendees arrive with built-in connections and a sense of community. First-time attendees will be paired with experienced attendees who can share insights, introduce them to colleagues and help them navigate the meeting experience.

Integrated Continuing Education (CE): CE claiming and session feedback will now be integrated directly into the meeting app, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. Attendees will be able to claim credits and provide real-time feedback within the platform.

Expanded On-Demand Learning and Credit Access: One feature that continues to distinguish the AABB Annual Meeting is the ability for attendees to continue learning after the live event concludes. In addition to earning credits during live sessions, attendees can access session recordings on demand through the app and website and continue claiming CE credit. This benefit, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has remained highly valued by attendees. This year, access will be expanded beyond the previous 30-day window, allowing attendees to access recordings and claim credit through the end of the year.

What are some sessions, speakers or research topics you are especially looking forward to this year?

AI and biotherapies continue to be areas of growth in our field. These are also areas where attendees are requesting more sessions. Although we strive to ensure a well-balanced meeting to cover all areas under the large AABB umbrella, I am excited to learn more about the phenomenal growth in both areas. Specifically, how AI is moving from a theoretical tool to one being used to improve blood center recruiting and collections, transfusion service operations and every other area within our field to enhance product availability, patient care, patient safety and to maximize efficiencies.

I think the biggest emerging trend is how to use AI. Over the past number of years, many presentations have focused on what AI might be able to do. We are going to have sessions this year that demonstrate how AI is being used and the benefits it brings to our everyday work practices. Moving AI from theory to practice is a significant innovation.

The AABB Annual Meeting attracts professionals from across transfusion medicine and biotherapies. What makes this meeting valuable for attendees?

Because the AABB Annual Meeting is a large gathering of diverse professionals, our sessions are designed to ensure there is something for everyone. The diversity in sessions makes AABB unique in the educational opportunities available to attendees. Even those with very specific areas of interest can learn from attending sessions outside their concentration. The Annual Meeting enables cross-functional team learning by simply walking into a session outside your daily function. I believe Annual Meeting attendees learn more from diversifying their sessions across the field than they do remaining in their occupational lane.

What advice would you give first-time attendees to help them make the most of their meeting experience?

Take advantage of the new member and first-time attendees lunch and other activities—all of which are designed to provide attendees with information and networking to have a great time and get the most out of the educational opportunities. It is important to understand that only a portion of the education comes from the sessions; the rest comes from conversations with other attendees and visits to the Exhibit Hall. The Annual Meeting is not a purely passive learning experience that consists solely of listening to one of our fantastic speakers—it is an active and vibrant learning environment curated by, and amongst, the attendees themselves.  

What types of practical takeaways do you hope attendees will bring back to their institutions after the meeting?

If each attendee can return to their organizations with at least one idea they wish to implement or pursue, I believe the meeting will have achieved its goal of advancing the field through education and networking. Through the exchange of ideas and experiences, the Annual Meeting becomes a perpetual loop of innovation, implementation, outcomes and renewed knowledge sharing.

How does this year’s program support trainees, early-career professionals and future leaders in the field?

I am so proud of the AMEC members for selecting sessions that cater to all career levels in attendance. The newest idea or “shiny new toy” often seems to get the most attention. However, AMEC members never lose sight that the AABB Annual Meeting welcomes attendees from across the career spectrum. For example, there are fundamental blood banking serology sessions and essential leadership and management talks to match the advanced cord and biotherapy lectures and the complex molecular discussion. 

Why do you personally continue attending the AABB Annual Meeting each year?

I have only missed one AABB Annual Meeting since 2004. The reason I attend every year is not only to gain field-based knowledge, but also to foster relationships within the field that have made my career so rewarding. These relationships have built my career network, which I utilize regularly to seek guidance, propose ideas and ask questions. Over time, my colleagues and peers have become my mentors and friends. Simply, I come for the education; however, I return each year for the people.

If you could encourage someone to attend the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting with one message, what would you say?

I would encourage everyone to come to the meeting not only to learn and grow, but also to be inspired to make a difference within their organization, the communities they serve and our field.

What are you looking forward to in Atlanta?

As chair of the AMEC, I am looking forward to seeing the culmination of all the effort put forth by the AABB staff, AMEC team, abstract review committee and so many others. The work that goes into putting this meeting together each year is unknown by most, but I am inspired by the incredible team effort needed to make the AABB Annual Meeting a reality to be enjoyed by so many.