#AABB Social Media Champ: 2025 AABB Annual Meeting Recap

Becoming a Champion

By Nalan Yurtsever, MD

My first AABB Annual Meeting was a virtual one—in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2023 AABB Annual Meeting in Nashville was the first in-person meeting I was able to attend. As a first-time trainee, it felt intimidating—crowds of people in my field I did not know, being within a few inches of world-renowned experts, leaving some talks with both amazement and some confusion (so what did they do to the mice, knocked out what?!), and doubting if I would ever be ready to become one of them. Luckily this feeling did not last long. The following year, there were more familiar faces at the Annual Meeting, and thanks to being selected as an AABB social media champion, I felt more at ease around people I did not know.

Being a social media champion was not just about a few posts here and there; it was a journey. A new perspective to understanding what AABB meant to each one of us and what it offered. Working with AABB staff was one thing; appreciating their hard work and getting a peek at what is ahead was another! A very pleasant part of the journey was making completely new friends from different backgrounds. It was not just me hanging out with another friend from residency anymore; it introduced me to new people with unparalleled experiences. Our social media group of 8-10 people had immunohematology experts, physicians practicing at private and academic institutions, and fellow AABB members from far-away countries. A sprinkle of every kind to reflect the true AABB community. Celebrating how far we had come felt like true success.

And finally, I secretly enjoyed showing off as a social media champion. It allowed me to be more outgoing, to ask for a selfie with any random person, to go beyond my bubble. I was part of this huge movement, serving the goal of expanding our community to collaborate and provide better care supported by high-certainty evidence. I congratulate myself for saying “yes” to becoming a champion; it was truly a rewarding experience!

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Savoring Every Moment

By Homayemem Weli, MD, MSc, PhD

San Diego immediately felt warm and welcoming! Each of the three AABB Annual Meetings I’ve attended has carried its own unique flavor, shaped by where I was in my career at the time. During my first two meetings, I was focused on presenting my work; but at AABB2025, I found myself wearing a slightly different hat—meeting with prospective employers while still soaking in the science and energy of the week.

I started AABB2025 determined to savor every moment. I took advantage of the convenient hotel-lobby registration on Friday, and by Saturday morning, I was at the convention center bright and early, ready for a roller-coaster ride of academic sessions. One of the first things that struck me was how massive the convention center was—I definitely hit my step count for the entire weekend! At some point I opted to “Sleep In for Research” (which meant getting more steps in the convention center) rather than “Run for Research,” and, honestly, no regrets.

I had carefully marked my must-attend sessions ahead of time, but there was so much happening that I often found myself choosing between multiple excellent talks in the same time slot. I especially enjoyed the oral abstract session on “Insight into Whole Blood and Hemorrhage Management” conversations that spilled over into ongoing debates with friends and colleagues about how different institutions are approaching it.

Some of the true highlights, though, were the people. I loved running into friends, fellow social media champs and colleagues, reconnecting with mentors and making new connections—lots of them! In between my scheduled meetings, I made sure to walk through the poster sessions to catch a glimpse of the exciting research brewing across our field. And yes, I also made time to stop by the Exhibit Hall for a free professional headshot.

I wrapped up my experience by attending the session titled “From Fellow to Faculty; Practical Insights for Trainees and Early-Career Physicians,” where another AABB champion was presenting – a perfect way to close out a meeting that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking.

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Building a Bridge

By Shaughn Nalezinski, DCLS, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSBB^CM

After landing in sunny San Diego for #AABB2025, I quickly realized this year would feel different—it was my very first conference traveling completely alone. No lab mates, no colleagues on the same flight, no built-in dinner plans. Just me, my badge and a suitcase. But the nerves didn’t last long. The moment I checked in and spotted familiar faces from AABB’s Social Media Committee and, through volunteer assessments, I remembered what makes AABB feel like home: the people. Friendly, welcoming and always ready to loop you into a conversation, they made sure I was never truly “alone”—online or in person.

San Diego set the perfect stage—beautiful waterfront views, walkable streets and that crisp West Coast breeze that convinces you to extend your stay. Between sessions, I wandered along the marina, snapping photos of the skyline and sharing moments from the meeting on social platforms. It’s incredible how many discussions, connections and laughs begin with a simple post. Social media isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s a bridge.

This year’s Annual Meeting programming was exceptional. Whether it was transfusion safety, cellular therapies, donor outreach or lab management, every session felt purposeful, timely and energizing. I found myself scribbling notes, reflecting on my own practice and mentally listing ideas to bring back home. The speakers were passionate, the research innovative and the conversations—both during Q&A periods and in the hallways—sparked new perspectives.

One of my proudest moments was stepping further outside my comfort zone. I struck up conversations with people I had never met and, before long, we were exchanging contact information, career stories and even joining each other for sessions. I encouraged a few new friends to get involved with AABB volunteer opportunities—including social media—and seeing their excitement reminded me why this community thrives: we lift each other.

By the time I boarded my flight home, my phone was full of photos, my brain full of ideas and my heart full of gratitude. Traveling alone didn’t mean experiencing the conference alone—AABB2025 gave me renewed confidence, deeper friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

Bring on #AABB2026—because I already can’t wait.

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Empowering Member Engagement

By Jasem Albasri, MSTM, SBB(ASCP)^CM

#AABB2025 began with a story that moved many of us to tears—the journey of the first child to receive CAR-T cell therapy, shared by her father, Tom Whitehead, co-founder of the Emily Whitehead Foundation.

My engagement with AABB—most recently as a social media champion—has continually encouraged me to set my ambitions high. I still remember attending my first AABB Annual Meeting in 2005 in Seattle. As I moved from one session to another, I kept thinking, “Wow!” These speakers were dedicating their time to share their knowledge, research experience, evidence-based practices and regulatory updates. My other thought was, “Is it possible that one day I could stand at that podium and speak at the AABB Annual Meeting?” As a first-time attendee at that time, it felt like only a dream.

Year after year, as I became more involved with AABB, I learned more, felt more inspired and grew even more determined to make that dream a reality. That moment finally came in 2024, when I had the honor of speaking in the well-known lecture series moderated by Sue T. Johnson, during its latest installment: “The Lord of Antibodies, Season One.”

Over time, I have come to appreciate that the AABB Annual Meeting is one of the largest global gatherings in the field of blood and biotherapies. It brings together professionals, students, scientists, researchers, regulators and many others, offering invaluable networking and learning opportunities.

Engagement with #AABBChamps adds another dimension, as we know social media is a modern engaging channel to connect our global community and make the world feel like a more unified village.

Finally, as you continue to engage with AABB, I encourage you to set your ambition bar high. AABB offers countless opportunities for growth and will continue to empower you along your professional journey.