Southern Hospitality Meets Best Practice
The joint ASCLS/AACC meeting in Atlanta is well underway and in full swing as evidenced by all the activity observed today. A walk through the massive exhibit hall at the Georgia World Congress Center is like navigating a small town. There are over 700 exhibitors and 2,000 booths representing over 25 countries.
The mood was upbeat and exhibitors seemed to have resumed in-booth presentations by experts, and raffling off substantial prizes; a pattern which had been curtailed in recent years, largely as a cost saving measure.
Spirits seemed high among attendees who poured into booths and enthusiastically networked with colleagues both old and new. Today's scientific sessions ran the gamut from the latest thinking on highly sensitive troponin to advances in leukemia to tackling the debate of the wisdom of adopting a direct to consumer (DTC) approach to genomic testing
On the ASCLS side, registration continued at a brisk clip as many attendees checked in. Many out of town members had just arrived in town.Today was mostly dedicated to governance and committee meetings. ASCLS kicks off in earnest tomorrow with a spirited keynote address and opening ceremony at 8:30AM. There will be a full day of scientific sessions and presentations on a wide variety of subjects. Culminating the long event-packed day will be the legendary President's Reception (with food, drink, entertainment and a silent auction) open to all attendees.
The week might be halfway through, but the fun, fellowship (and science) show no sign of winding down.