The American Society of Transplantation (AST) will present a scientific conference this winter that offers an in-depth, up-to-date look at immunosuppression and tolerance -- but with a brand new vibe. Called the Annual Scientific Exchange (ASE), slated for December 2-6, 2009, at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida, it will differ from the typical conference in its format, which is specifically designed to be relaxed yet focused.
The usual scientific conference is a whirlwind affair, with attendees running between concurrent sessions but still missing important information, cramming into packed rooms that discourage discussion, running out of time to ask questions, missing out on opportunities to network, and reaching a point of sensory overload way too early.
A truly "unconventional convention"
By contrast, the Annual Scientific Exchange, will provide a relaxed yet focused forum for new and established researchers, physicians, surgeons and other transplant professionals to present their basic, translational and clinical transplantation research; an opportunity to truly mingle and exchange ideas with leaders in the field; and an environment conducive to making new friends and finding new ways to collaborate -- all while still giving participants the time to have fun with their families. In other words, ASE 2009 is designed to be a truly "unconventional convention."
In order to achieve these goals, AST has organized the meeting around a single topic, immunosuppression and tolerance, and will explore the full spectrum of issues around that topic, from basic science, to preclinical studies, to human trials. Among the matters to be discussed at ASE include the best immunosuppresive strategy for producing an optimal outcome, the pros and cons of minimization immunosuppression trials, the needed updates to clinical tolerance protocols, what biomarker research can tell about predicting outcomes, and the latest in basic research and preclinical animal models.
Opportunities for real dialog and collaboration