AABB Annual Meeting: A Journey of Growth, Knowledge, and Connection

Some moments in life stick with you forever, and for me, the AABB Annual Meeting is one of those magical experiences that I cherish deeply. It’s not just a conference; it’s an annual gathering where brilliance, inspiration and connection merge to create something truly special. Every annual meeting feels like coming home to a room full of superheroes, and my time at AABB has left me with lessons, friendships and memories that continue to light up my career in transfusion medicine. So, why is attending the AABB Annual Meeting the best thing ever? Let me take you back to where it all started… 

Picture this: It’s 2023. I’m walking into my first AABB Annual Meeting in Nashville, absolutely clueless about the life-changing adventure ahead. I wasn’t there to fall in love with my field or rub elbows with the greatest minds in transfusion medicine. Nope, I was primarily there to present my poster. That’s it. Simple, straightforward, no big deal. Or, so I thought.

Fast forward a few years and, wow! Calling it life-changing doesn’t even begin to describe it. It was the buzz of passionate conversations, the excitement of groundbreaking research being shared and the warmth of meeting some of the most brilliant and kind-hearted people in the field that transformed me.

Suddenly, I wasn’t just someone who worked in blood banking; I saw myself as part of a bigger mission, a community of experts dedicated to saving lives and pushing boundaries. It didn’t take long for me to realize this isn’t just a job; it’s my passion. To this day, those initial interactions continue to inspire and support my role as a technical specialist.

 

Getting Involved

One of the golden gems I discovered during my first AABB Annual Meeting was its subsection meetings, an invaluable feature available as part of AABB membership. Through these virtual meetings, I not only gained insight into the practices of other organizations but also found opportunities to share what our organization does to reciprocate the knowledge exchange. These meetings, accessible online, offer an unparalleled way to expand your understanding of the field… all you need to do is register and listen in.

Since that first meeting, I’ve become a strong advocate for presenting posters at AABB, a tradition I proudly continued this year. The poster sessions allow attendees to showcase their hard work and projects, enabling meaningful discussions that underscore how process improvements might evolve collaboratively. Sharing my experiences and learning from others have been pivotal moments that continue to shape my passion for transfusion medicine.

What makes the AABB Annual Meeting even more extraordinary is their ability to encourage deeper involvement in the field. Because of the connections I made during my first meeting, I now proudly serve on two AABB committees: the Annual Meeting Education Committee, where I assist in selecting sessions, and the Transfusion Medicine Subsection Coordinating Committee. These positions allow me to contribute to the organization while staying abreast of emerging trends and innovations.

This year’s meeting was particularly special, as I attended it with my medical director, Dr. Elizabeth Moschiano, and our transfusion safety coordinator, Jessica Reed. Prior to the meeting, we mapped out a plan to ensure each of us would attend sessions that complemented our goals, and we established a strategy to maximize our learning and sharing. Call us nerds if you will!

 

For me, the AABB Annual Meeting feels like a transfusion medicine Disneyland: a magical place I eagerly try to anticipate every year. It’s an event that surpasses expectations in every way, merging knowledge acquisition with professional growth and networking opportunities. 

Beyond the sessions, the Exhibit Hall is another highlight that brings tangible excitement each year. Exploring the latest innovations in the field, from cutting-edge blood bank analyzers to groundbreaking technologies, is an activity rich with discoveries. Engaging with vendors, watching demonstrations and learning about emerging technologies deepened my understanding of their applications, leaving me inspired to bring these advancements to our organization.

 

A Magical Place

For me, the AABB Annual Meeting feels like a transfusion medicine Disneyland: a magical place I eagerly try to anticipate every year. It’s an event that surpasses expectations in every way, merging knowledge acquisition with professional growth and networking opportunities. By attending, you not only equip yourself to excel in your current role but also create the building blocks for a thriving career.

If you’ve never attended the AABB Annual Meeting, let me offer you one piece of advice: GO. Whether you want to soak up cutting-edge research, meet your idols, make friends or discover a whole new dimension to your passion, this is the place to be. 

Every session shines a spotlight on innovation, collaboration and the future of transfusion medicine. Every hallway conversation could lead to your next big connection; someone who will change the way you think, work, or grow in your career. And every good AABB story starts the same way: you go expecting one thing, and you leave with so much more than you could’ve imagined. For me, AABB took my love for blood banking to the next level and gave me the courage to engage and contribute more actively than ever before. It isn’t just a meeting; it’s a community, a treasure trove of wisdom and a chance to celebrate the life-changing work that brings us all together.  Annual meetings are annual pilgrimage that fills my heart and mind with gratitude, a tradition I hope to continue for years to come.

So, here’s raising a toast to the connections we make, the knowledge we gain and the special moments we share at the AABB Annual Meeting. I can't wait to attend the next one—hope to see you there!