2025 Annual Meeting Recap: 10 Standout Moments

From innovative science and robust educational programming to dynamic networking and lively social events, the 2025 AABB Annual Meeting offered something for every facet of the blood and biotherapies community. Here are 10 memorable moments from this year’s event:

1. Keynote Address:

Tom Whitehead, co-founder of the Emily Whitehead Foundation, delivered a powerful and deeply moving address about his daughter Emily’s courageous cancer battle and her journey to becoming the first pediatric patient in the world to receive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. His presentation highlighted the vital role of the blood and biotherapies community and the transformational potential of cell and gene therapies.

2. Cord Blood Connect:

AABB’s new collaboration with the Cord Blood Association provided attendees with specialized education and research in cord blood banking, along with opportunities to connect with experts during the Annual Meeting. Cord Blood Connect’s sessions explored the evolving landscape of cord blood banking, novel growth opportunities for the cord blood field and key challenges in autologous therapies and the future of cord blood.

3. AABB President’s Awards:

AABB President Meghan Delaney presented this year’s President’s Awards during the General Session, honoring 12 recipients for their exceptional public service and contributions in the health care arena. In announcing her selections, Delaney expressed her appreciation for “members of our community who have done extraordinary important and impactful work this year.” She thanked the recipients for their “service to patients, donors and science.”

4. In-Person Curated Poster Tours:

This year’s Annual Meeting featured three curated poster tours highlighting Top Poster Award recipients and key areas of innovation. Each guided and interactive tour included a brief author-led overview of selected abstracts, followed by an engaging Q&A with the moderator, presenters and attendees. The tours spotlighted research across three themes: Advancements in Cellular & Biotherapies, Novel Insights for Transfusion Practice, and New Concepts in Blood Donation and Allocation.

5. Biotherapies Pavilion:

The Biotherapies Pavilion hosted three lively open–mic discussions with industry leaders on topics ranging from innovations across cell therapy workflow to unlocking the potential of organoids. Other exciting events in the Pavilion include the celebration of AABB’s Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professionals (CABP) Credentialing Program and newly credentialed CABPs and the “Final CT Jeopardy!” session, where attendees competed in a fast-paced bonus round, tested their knowledge and competed for prizes.

6. Party with a Purpose:

The AABB Foundation’s Party with a Purpose set the tone for the 2025 Annual Meeting, bringing together financial contributors, award recipients and colleagues for an exciting evening of connection, camaraderie and celebration. The event kicked off the Annual Meeting and highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work to fuel innovative research.

7. Inside the Exhibit Hall:

During the Opening Night Reception, attendees explored exhibitor displays while enjoying food, music and opportunities to connect. The Exhibit Hall featured more than 100 companies and organizations, offering attendees an opportunity to view the latest technologies and services shaping the field. Throughout the meeting, select exhibitors also hosted corporate education sessions and presentations in the Science and Innovation Theater, providing updates on emerging trends and advancements.

8. Assessor Town Hall:

During the inaugural Assessor Town Hall session, representatives from AABB’s Education Advisory Accreditation Committee answered questions from assessors and member facilities about accreditation readiness. The collaborative and interactive format equipped assessors with resources, such as AABB’s new reference document and the Assessment Tool, and offered practical takeaways for conducting onsite assessments and self-assessments at the assessor's home facility.

9. Round Table Discussion:

AABB hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion designed specifically for hospital-based blood collectors. The interactive session provided space to brainstorm ideas, discuss challenges and collaborate on strategies to strengthen programs. Discussion topics included supporting blood drives by faith-based groups, prehospital transfusion programs and using social media to attract and engage donors.

10. AABB Volunteer Celebration:

The well-attended social and networking event recognized the meaningful contributions of AABB volunteers. Several attendees shared their experiences as AABB volunteers and highlighted opportunities to become involved in the AABB community.