
Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies - AABB Annual Meeting 2026
Event Date
October 17–19, 2026
Location
Atlanta, GA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe <strong>AABB Annual Meeting</strong> is the flagship event of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB). <a>The 2026 edition takes place October 17-19, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA</a>, gathering colleagues from around the world to connect, network, learn and advance the fields of blood and biotherapies.
The meeting brings together the latest research and practice-changing resources across transfusion medicine, blood banking and biotherapies. <a>Attendees include physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers</a>, making it a truly multidisciplinary gathering. Education sessions span the latest scientific discoveries, operational best practices, regulatory developments and innovations, with continuing education credit available.
<a>The event is positioned as the premier opportunity to keep up to date on the field's new research and developments and to learn from world-renowned experts.</a> Beyond the education program, attendees can explore an Exhibit Hall showcasing the latest technology, take part in networking events, and access recorded sessions after the meeting. For professionals in blood and biotherapies, it is a can't-miss annual touchpoint for career growth and community connection.
Show Highlights
- <strong>Keynote speaker:</strong> <a>The 2026 meeting features a keynote from Frederick Appelbaum, MD, executive vice president at Fred Hutch and a professor in Fred Hutch's clinical research division, and an influential leader in the field for decades.</a>
- <strong>Education program:</strong> <a>Sessions cover the latest scientific discoveries, operational best practices, regulatory developments and innovations across blood banking, transfusion medicine and biotherapies.</a>
- <strong>Exhibit Hall:</strong> <a>A dedicated space to discover the field's latest technological advances, with an opening night reception and lunches held on the show floor.</a>
- <strong>Biotherapies Pavilion:</strong> <a>Dedicated biotherapies sponsorship, connection packages and pavilion opportunities are offered at the meeting.</a>
- <strong>Signature sessions:</strong> <a>Program staples include the 'Ask the FDA and CMS/CLIA' session and a General Session.</a>
- <strong>Global perspectives:</strong> Speakers address topics spanning practical AI in health care and laboratory settings, transfusion medicine in lower- and middle-income countries, operational leadership in blood banking, and pediatric transfusion medicine.
Registration
<a>Registration for the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting is open and can be completed online through the official registration portal.</a> Full-meeting and single-day passes are available, with tiered pricing by deadline.
Full-meeting registration rates (in US$):
- <a>Member: $895 early bird (on/before 7/21/2026), $1,045 advance (7/22-9/1), $1,195 regular (on/after 9/2)</a>
- <a>Nonmember: $1,255 early bird, $1,405 advance, $1,550 regular</a>
- <a>Student: $440 early bird, $440 advance, $460 regular</a>
- <a>Assessor: $845 early bird, $995 advance, $1,145 regular</a>
Other options:
- <a>Exhibitor Personnel registration is $100 and is reserved for confirmed exhibitor booth personnel only.</a>
- <a>Exhibit Hall passes range from $200 to $700 depending on days selected and registration window; student Exhibit Hall passes are also available.</a>
<a>Full registration includes access to all education sessions and the Exhibit Hall (Saturday-Monday), the opening night reception, Exhibit Hall lunches on Sunday and Monday, networking opportunities, and access to recorded sessions to claim credit through December 31, 2026.</a> <a>Joining AABB during registration saves $330 on full-meeting registration.</a> <a>Discounted rates are available for qualifying registrants from low-income (60% savings) and lower-middle-income (40% savings) countries as defined by the World Bank.</a> <a>Cancellations received by September 22 receive a full refund minus a $150 processing fee; no refunds are provided after that date.</a>
History
The AABB Annual Meeting is the long-running flagship event of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. <a>AABB is an international, not-for-profit organization representing individuals and institutions involved in the fields of transfusion medicine and biotherapies, working to advance the field through the development and delivery of standards, accreditation and education programs.</a> The organization was formerly known simply as AABB and adopted its current name, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, as part of a rebrand reflecting its expanded focus on biotherapies alongside traditional blood banking. Recent host cities have included Nashville, and the meeting rotates among major U.S. convention cities, with the 2026 edition held in Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting?
The 2026 AABB Annual Meeting takes place October 17-19, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center (Building B, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW) in Atlanta, GA.
Who should attend the AABB Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for professionals in blood and biotherapies, including physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers from around the world.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is open online through the official portal. Full-meeting member rates start at $895 early bird (on/before July 21, 2026), with nonmember rates starting at $1,255 and student rates at $440; single-day and Exhibit Hall passes are also available.
Who is the 2026 keynote speaker?
The 2026 keynote is delivered by Frederick Appelbaum, MD, executive vice president at Fred Hutch and a professor in Fred Hutch's clinical research division.
What hotels are near the venue?
AABB has reserved blocks at several nearby hotels. The Omni Atlanta at Centennial Park (HQ hotel) and Signia by Hilton Atlanta are connected to the Georgia World Congress Center, while options like the Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Westin Peachtree Plaza and Atlanta Marriott Marquis are within about 0.3 to 0.8 miles.
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