ASBMR Needs You! A Message from ASBMR President Suzanne Jan De Beur, M.D.

Dear Colleagues –

Now, more than ever, our community needs us, and we need you! I am writing to urge you to register for the ASBMR 2021 Annual Meeting prior to the September 10 discounted early-bird deadline.

Members answered the call this year by submitting high quality abstracts at numbers comparable to prior years. If you are still uncertain about whether you will participate in person or virtually—remember, if you register prior to September 10 you are able to switch your registration type at any time and the registration fee is the same for the in person and virtual event.

As the pandemic continues to affect our lives, I would like to highlight what the Society is doing to ensure that this year’s Annual Meeting addresses the important needs and expectations of all of our members.

As an inclusive and global society, it is our mission to ensure that each member has the opportunity to not only attend this year’s meeting but also present your impactful research, either in person or virtually. 

To this end, the ASBMR has invested significant resources to realize this mission. For those planning to participate in person in San Diego, we have implemented a comprehensive set of health and safety protocols, including:

• Full vaccination requirement and indoor mask policy for all attendees
• Reconfiguration of session rooms to provide for increased personal space
• Holding many of our networking activities outdoors to take advantage of the temperate San Diego climate and reduce the time that attendees spend indoors

We also recognize that the pandemic has strained many of our members financially. That is why we lowered registration fees and negotiated a significantly reduced hotel rate for attendees at the ASBMR Headquarters Hotel. The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has generously agreed to a special rate of $185 per night for attendees!

The Society has also committed more than $100,000 in travel grants for ALL early stage investigators presenting their research in person in San Diego (at least $500 a person).  We also expanded our travel support program for mid-career investigator members, providing at least $500 for those that join us for their oral presentation in San Diego.

Alternatively, for those unable to join us in person, the Society has invested in technology that will allow you to participate in the scientific exchange in real time regardless of your geographic location. Whether it is the live broadcasting of sessions, the beaming in of speakers for live Q&A, the virtual poster hall or a mobile app that will sync to your itinerary builder, the virtual experience will be as impactful as ever.

The Annual Meeting will be a must-attend event regardless of how you choose to participate. I again strongly encourage you to register prior to the September 10 discounted early-bird deadline to maximize your cost savings.

Our Society has thrived during these challenging times, guided by the sole purpose of being there when our members need us the most. And for that, I am immensely proud.

I look forward to seeing you all next month in person in San Diego or interacting with you through the technology that will bring our One Global ASBMR Family together for another memorable ASBMR Annual Meeting.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Jan de Beur, M.D.

ASBMR President