Bigger is better when it comes to scientific conferences

Researchers are not made of money. So, choosing which of several conferences to attend each year can be daunting.
 
A small conference, usually either local or narrowly focused, may seem like the best choice. However, large conferences offer more benefits.
 
Researchers at all career stages, including trainees and experienced principal investigators, can develop their scientific prowess and networking skills at a conference with high attendance and a wide breadth of subjects.
 
For biochemists, the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting is the best choice.
 
Here are some reasons why you should attend the ASBMB Annual Meeting over a small conference this year.

Exposure to cutting-edge research

The 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting hosts dozens of top lecturers from all fields within biochemistry and molecular biology. With a wide range of sessions, symposia and poster presentations, attendees can gain insights into the latest breakthroughs beyond their immediate field, fostering interdisciplinary ideas.
 
The program contains a detailed list of speakers, their subjects and presentation times as well as session information organized by subject.
 
Talks are far from the only activities on offer. Poster sessions give you a sneak peek at new research from scientists all over the U.S. and abroad. Undergraduates can take part in the famed Undergraduate Poster Competition and receive feedback from top mind in BMB.
Interest group sessions and meetups give attendees the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from top scientists in their field.

Career advancement and visibility

Presenting research at a large conference reaches a bigger audience, increasing the chances of receiving feedback, attracting potential employers or securing future collaborations.
 
The size of ASBMB 2025 means a higher likelihood of being chosen to present as well as more scientists attending your presentation.
 
Talks, poster presentations and informal meetups are also networking opportunities. Discussing current research progress with scientists of different specializations can reveal new experimental approaches that you may not have considered.
 
There are also several workshops and mentoring opportunities available at ASBMB 2025 to help you take the next step in your career journey. Workshops cover topics including education, diversity, equity, access and inclusion and more. Attendees can schedule a one-on-one mentoring appointment for professional development assistance or advice from an established scientist.
 
The career and education fair allows attendees to network with representatives from different scientific careers and universities. The fair also offers information about working in academic, government and industry sectors.

Industry and funding connections

Major conferences like ASBMB 2025 include exhibitors from biotech, pharma and funding agencies, allowing scientists to explore new technologies, funding opportunities and career prospects.
 
For attendees who run a lab or business, the exhibit hall will be full of companies ready to demonstrate their instruments and provide information about cutting-edge products and services.
 
Biotechnology business owners, universities, principal investigators of labs and other organizations seeking job applicants can book a recruiter table during the career and education fair. Interested groups can tailor the description, sector and recruitment focus as well as positions available in the application.
 
Applications for recruiter tables close February 15.

Expense assistance

Conferences and travel can get expensive fast, especially if you are bringing your entire lab along.
 
The opportunity to apply for travel awards to ASBMB 2025 has passed. That makes now the perfect time to prepare for ASBMB’s Annual Meeting in 2026 in Washington, D.C.
 
ASBMB offers travel awards for multiple groups of scientists, including early career faculty, Student Chapters and graduate students from marginalized communities.
 
Rates on hotel rooms at the selected hotel for the year are reduced when booked through the ASBMB group housing link. The hotels chosen are also conveniently near to the conference hall to reduce the stress and expense of traveling in a new city.

Register now!

Registration offers access to all the activities, meetups and speakers during the meeting. Early registration ends February 18, so don’t wait! ASBMB members receive an additional discount on registration fees, so become a member today!
 
Outside of the conference hall, attendees can explore the host city of Chicago. Museums, dining and nightlife recommendations can be found on the ASBMB Annual Meeting page of the Chicago tourism website.