Cell Notes: Reflections on the 2024 AABB Annual Meeting

I can’t say this enough: one of the most remarkable aspects of being part of AABB is the sense of community that uplifts colleagues who give their time and intellect to make the world safer for patients and donors. This was on full display at the 2024 AABB Annual Meeting, which, in a word, was “wow.”

With the backdrop of Houston, the AABB Annual Meeting embodied that sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Given the extensive positivity, how could I not write something about it? There was so much happening, between scientific sessions, networking and face-to-face conversations, that the feeling will linger throughout the year. Sessions were filled with ground-breaking research and insightful discussions that left us inspired and motivated. More than a gathering of scientific minds, there was a profound sense of connection. I met many incredible individuals, each with their own captivating story.

I encourage you to explore the program and see what you may have missed if you attended, and discover the hot topics presented if you are thinking of joining us next year!

A Few Top Highlights

‘School was in’ bright and early on day one with a certified advanced biotherapies professional (CABP) credential bootcamp, designed for individuals interested in learning more about the CABP exam and how to prepare for it. It was inspiring to see the dedication of professionals committed to advancing their expertise and contributing to the field. Adding to this was the ceremony to recognize  those who newly received their CABP credential, which took place a few days later during the meeting. Just like savoring a piece of fine chocolate, earning the CABP credential is a sweet reward for all the hard work and dedication. During a dessert session (see what I did there?), CABPs shared their experiences and some sweets (there was chocolate), celebrating their hard work, dedication and the value of the CABP credential. The sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable, and it was wonderful to see the community come together to honor their colleagues.

Each session at the meeting, much like each bite of chocolate, was rich with knowledge and left us craving more. Still a few more highlights to add to the ‘bites’----- but feel free to share your ‘standout’ sessions.

• The keynote speech by Debra Jasper, PhD, was a highlight that resonated with the audience—entertaining, educational and memorable. Jasper emphasized the importance of brevity in communication and creating impactful presentations by using fewer words on slides and presenting key points clearly and effectively. Throughout the rest of the meeting, the impact of her lessons was noticeable, with attendees already adopting or promising to adopt these strategies to enhance their future presentations.
• The Cellular Starting Material Forum, through its panel of experts, provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in cell sourcing and quality control.
• AABB’s subsection meetings provided current and future members with the opportunity to meet each other face to face to dive deep into specialized topics. Subsections foster collaboration and generate ideas to develop projects that benefit the biotherapies community. If you are interested in joining these discussions which are held monthly online, please visit the AABB website to explore the various subsections available on a range of topics.
• Educational sessions on gene therapy highlighted cutting-edge research and its potential to revolutionize patient care.
• The “Sizzling Topics” session truly sizzled, as speakers explored the impact of medical tourism and unproven therapies. The session highlighted the risks and ethical concerns associated with these practices, emphasizing the importance of patient safety and informed decision-making. Experts discussed potential steps to raise awareness and educate both health care professionals and the public about the dangers of unverified treatments, underscoring the need to promote evidence-based therapies to protect patients and ensure the integrity of the medical field.
• The “Solve It” roundtable discussions were a standout, allowing attendees to collaboratively tackle real-world challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions through scenarios.
• The Biotherapies Pavilion was a hub of activity, showcasing the latest advancements and relevant topics in biotherapies through a variety of exhibitors and engaging Q&A sessions. We appreciate the exhibitors, many of whom offered hands-on demonstrations, interactive exhibits and insightful conversations. These interactions provided a deeper, more personal understanding of the technologies and products that will impact our work.
• The networking opportunities were invaluable. I had the chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Each conversation was a chance to learn something new and to see the passion that drives our field forward.

We came together in Houston Oct. 19-22, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Starting strong and maintaining the energy until the very last sessions, the AABB Annual Meeting was not just an event, but a journey of learning, connection and growth. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of it all. The insights and connections from this year’s meeting will undoubtedly influence our work in the coming months. Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration and the unwavering support that makes our field so special.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this year’s meeting. Your dedication and passion are what make the AABB Annual Meeting a truly heartwarming experience. Take some well-deserved rest, then visit the AABB website to learn more about the happenings and share your feedback. There is always room to celebrate our successes, find ways to make future meetings even better and start thinking about next year!