The Atlanta Experience

Making the Most of Your Meeting

Whether this Annual Meeting is your first or your 31st, you will want to make the most of the experience. The event is chock-a-block full of activities to advance your knowledge and your career. Seasoned veterans will encourage you to avail yourself of the many opportunities for growth that these meeting days provide. Many use their plane ride to review the online program to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Educational Sessions

Of course, a central focus of the meeting is the educational program. Selected by your professional colleagues who are members of the Annual Meeting Education Committee, sessions vary in length, format and subject matter. Attendance at many sessions can be eligible for continuing education credits. In addition to formal Q + A periods at the close of the presentations, attendees are welcome to connect with individual speakers at the session’s end. And remember that after the meeting, the sessions for each day you have registered for are available on demand.

Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall opens on Saturday afternoon of the meeting, with entertainment and refreshments. Visits to specific exhibitor's booths and the presentations in the Science and Innovation Theater can help attendees stay up to date on the latest technological advances. If you are interested in cellular and biotherapies, the Biotherapy Pavilion is a must-see. Near the exhibits are the abstract posters, where cutting edge research is presented. Opportunities are provided to meet the presenters and take curated tours.

Networking

Whether the occasion is planned or serendipitous, meeting up with colleagues from around the world in a hotel lobby or convention center hallway is a most rewarding experience that should not be overlooked. Attendees can also look forward to scheduled networking events during the meeting, such as the new-member/first-timer lunch and other topic-based luncheons, roundtables and Research and Progress (RAP) sessions.

Your AABB

Of course, the Annual Meeting is a great place to connect with your professional society and its staff. The AABB Bookstore features the resources you need to succeed, and AABB Central provides useful information on AABB programs and services. AABB Central also includes information to guide you to wherever you are going and answer your key questions. Staff members write summary reports for posting on the AABB Newsfeed each day, to help if you have a schedule conflict.

The key to having a great Annual Meeting experience is a three-way alliance:

1. As your association, AABB is proud to offer a wide variety of education, advancement and professional development.
2. As an attendee, you can soak up as much of the learning experiences as you can.
3. When attendees return home, you can share much of your new knowledge with colleagues who did not attend. It’s a win-win-win opportunity!

Know Before You Go!  

Are you looking forward to attending the AABB Annual Meeting this year? Many of your colleagues are. Here are some practical tips for enhancing your experience.

Prepare!

• Take your business cards.
• Load the meeting schedule into your smartphone.
• Set up a system (digital or paper) for taking notes—not only of the educational sessions, but also the key “hallway conversations.”

Be comfortable.

• Wear comfortable shoes. And not new ones.
• Layer your clothing—temperatures fluctuate within a convention center, not to mention when you step outside.

Be safe.

• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Put your badge in a pocket when you leave the convention center.
• Don’t walk alone after dark.
• Stay in an area where there are lots of people.

Stay fresh.

• Set yourself a curfew. You know how much sleep you need to function properly the next day.
• Recognize that focused thought during lectures, as well as walking long distances all day can wear you out.

Atlanta Sights

1. Georgia Aquarium (10-15 minute walk)
   One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks, manta rays, belugas, and interactive exhibits. It's a highlight for all ages and part of the Pemberton Place complex.
2. World of Coca-Cola (10-15 minute walk)
   Adjacent to the Aquarium, this interactive museum covers Coca-Cola's history with exhibits, a 4D theater, and a tasting room with over 100 global flavors. Iconic and fun.
3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (5-10 minute walk)
   Home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Take a tour for behind-the-scenes views of this modern architectural gem, or catch a game/event if scheduled.
4. Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame (about 10-minute walk)
   Interactive museum with exhibits, a 45-yard indoor field for games, and football memorabilia. Great for sports fans.
5. National Center for Civil and Human Rights (10-15 minute walk)
   Powerful museum in Pemberton Place focusing on the Civil Rights Movement and global human rights. Thought-provoking and highly rated.
6. CNN Studio Tour (short walk, in CNN Center)
   Guided tours of the news headquarters, including studios and control rooms. A behind-the-scenes look at media.
7. SkyView Atlanta (10-15 minute walk)
   A giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views. Fun, quick ride especially at night. 
8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (about 1.7 miles; short ride or Streetcar)
   Includes MLK's birthplace, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and memorial. Essential for history and civil rights context.
9. State Farm Arena (about 10-minute walk)
   Venue for concerts, Hawks games, and events. Check the schedule for shows during your stay.

Local Members Share Their Favorites

When asked what curious AABB attendees might want to experience in Atlanta outside the convention center, local members shared their thoughts.

Atlanta History Center!!! Definitely gives you the varied stories of Atlanta.  In addition, it has a great garden to stroll and historic homes such as the 1920s Swan House mansion (some parts of the Hunger Games were filmed here) and the Tullie Smith House (1840s). The museum opened a new exhibit in July about the Civil War in Atlanta.

—Susan Rolih

Oakland Cemetery — Atlanta's oldest cemetery founded in 1850.  A historic cemetery in a park-like setting where Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Kenny Rogers are buried.  Many of the founders of Atlanta are buried here.  

—Susan Rolih

Atlanta Botanical Garden at Piedmont Park — I’d make this #1 on my list.

—Dawn Rumsey

Carter Presidential Library — The Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a federally operated archival and historical facility that preserves and stores President Carter's presidential papers, records, and artifacts. It also features a public museum where visitors can learn about the 39th president's life and career, and even view an exact replica of the Oval Office. The library and museum share the site in Freedom Park with the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded by former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. In partnership with Emory University, its primary mission is to advance global human rights, resolve conflicts, monitor international elections, and eliminate neglected tropical diseases.

—Rogers Helton

Aquarium  — The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers some really unique experiences such as a sleepover program; wi-fi, tables, and café for inspired remote working; animal encounter programs (interact or swim under supervision of care team members); and backstage passes to see the inner workings of the aquarium.

—Rogers Helton

World of Coca-Cola — From vintage ads to a 1939 delivery truck, visitors can immerse themselves in the brand’s rich history through hundreds of artifacts, interactive displays, and AI-powered photo ops. At the very end of the tour are fountains of all the different recipes of Coke sold around the world. The flavor is altered according to local flavor preference. Enjoy a taste test!

—John Roback

Centennial Olympic Park — A 5-10 minute walk from the convention center, this 22-acre green space and legacy of the 1996 Olympics features the Fountain of Rings (water shows), events, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a quick break or photos.

—John Roback

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame — Die-hard sports fans should enjoy this interactive museum. Exhibits share the spotlight with a 45-yard indoor field (yes, for games), and football memorabilia.

—John Roback

Quick Tips

• Walkability: The core cluster (Centennial Olympic Park, Aquarium, Coca-Cola, Stadiums, Hall of Fame) forms a compact downtown area—very convenient from GWCC.
• Transport: Use MARTA (Dome/GWCC station), the Atlanta Streetcar (connects to MLK sites), or rideshares for slightly farther spots.
• Other nearby options: Children's Museum of Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery (short trip), or Piedmont Park/Atlanta Botanical Garden (farther but doable via transit).
• Book popular spots like the Aquarium or Coca-Cola in advance, especially weekends or peak seasons. Check for combo tickets.

Atlanta History

Atlanta’s 190-year history as a “Southern jewel” has been marked by ups and downs. However, every setback has been followed by rebirth and expansion. The city has aptly named some of its sports teams “Phoenix” and a magnificent horticultural tribute stands tall in the Botanical Garden. Here are a few key dates in Atlanta’s history.

1837   Founded at the southern terminus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad.

1845   Officially designated as “Atlanta.”

1864   Gen. Sherman burned 70% of the city before marching his troops to the coast.

1886   John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola.

1929   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born and made his home here.

1939   Gone with the Wind premiere was held here.

1996   Olympic Games were held here.

2008   A tornado struck downtown, causing damage.

Much younger than the city itself, the Atlanta History Center is celebrating its 100-year organizational birthday with special exhibits. The “Atlanta in 100 Objects” exhibit shares a variety of artifacts that paint the whole picture of the Atlanta History Center. It is not only an exhibition to explore during a visit, but also a beautiful photo book available as a keepsake.

“Our War Too: Women in Service” honors the contributions of the nearly 350,000 women who served in the armed forces during World War II, contributing in diverse ways to the war effort. “Reel vs Real: World War II Georgia on the Big Screen” is an exhibit that centers on three films and examines whether they depicted history accurately or not and why the gaps matter.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Celebrating its 50th year, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an ever-changing, inspiring, and beautiful destination in downtown. Renowned plant collections, beautiful displays, and spectacular exhibitions make the Atlanta Botanical Garden an urban oasis perfect for a break in hectic schedules.

Among its 30 acres of lush growth are the following:

• 25-foot “Earth Goddess” living sculpture
• An orchid center
• Indoor/outdoor glass sculptures
• Award-winning children’s garden
• A canopy walkway 40 feet above serene woods
• Special events

The Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm. Tickets (about $32) are date-specific and are discounted if purchased (credit/debit) online in advance (atlantabg.org). Find more information about the Garden on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Laugh While You Learn

The old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” might apply in the case of four particular educational sessions at the AABB Annual Meeting in Atlanta.  See what you think!

Lord of the Antibodies—Return of the Tubes (AM26-SA-21L) Saturday, 10:45-12:00

Learn about antibody investigations and methods around the world in this light-hearted quest.

Solve It Scenarios in Cellular Therapy (AM26-SU-28L) Sunday, 4:30-5:45

It may not be a side-splitter, but in this session (an Annual Meeting favorite since 2018) attendees will enjoy considering the challenging scenarios and determining what to ask and do if one ever happens to you.

Cell Therapy Millionaire: A Game Show Experience Across the Vein-to-Vein Continuum (AM26-SU-05L) Sunday, 9:45-11:00

A take-off on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” this interactive gamified session follows a “learn and play” format that will be enjoyed by attendees of all experience levels.

Test Your Blood Bank Knowledge: The Ultimate Blood Bank Game, 2026 (AM26-SU-35L) Sunday, 4:30-5:45

Audience members form separate teams to answer multiple-choice questions that echo the SBB and BB exam categories. Fun and energizing even if your team does not win this epic challenge!

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About the Author

Laurie Munk is AABB’s senior director of publications. She has attended more than 40 AABB Annual Meetings during her career.