How to network effectively at the ASBMB Annual Meeting

The ASBMB Annual Meeting is rapidly approaching! This year’s meeting is in April in Chicago, and the program is packed with symposia, seminars and events for all. Scientific meetings are fantastic opportunities to catch up with colleagues in your field and beyond. They can also help you make new connections, expand your network and even job hunt.
 
The idea of putting yourself out there can be intimidating. So, this week, we’re diving into specifics about networking at the ASBMB Annual Meeting. While networking will be different for everybody, we hope some of the highlights below are useful. Happy networking!

Know what you want

First, what is networking? Although it can mean many things and take many forms, networking encompasses building relationships, exchanging information and finding opportunities with people who share a common interest. At ASBMB 2025, everyone in attendance prioritizes science — whether it be in research, education, outreach or beyond — so there is already common ground for you to meet new people and make connections.
 
Conferences are busy, with multiple events running in parallel. If networking is one of your goals, it’s a good idea to check out the conference program before attending. Look specifically for networking events, like meetups, interest group sessions or receptions, as well as other events that could lead to networking opportunities, like workshops or the career and education fair.
 
It’s also a good idea to set goals for the connections you will make. This may vary by event. When introducing yourself to someone after a seminar, you may want to forge a new research collaboration. When attending a networking event like the career and education fair, you may want to learn more about different career paths. Having an idea of what you hope to learn and who may have this information will help ensure your networking is focused and productive.
 
Also, thinking of your elevator pitch in advance can help your interactions go smoothly. Your elevator pitch could be different based on your networking goals. If you want to make more scientific connections, try to have a concise, engaging summary of your work ready to introduce yourself confidently. If you’re looking to make connections to further your career, alter your pitch to introduce yourself and your interests.

Take advantage of poster sessions

Unlike seminars and oral presentations, poster sessions offer and encourage continuous interaction. Chatting with someone at their poster is a low stress way to make connections. You can check out the poster sessions and browse abstracts in the ASBMB Annual Meeting program. This year, in addition to the traditional poster sessions, there are also specific showcases for undergraduates and winners of the Graduate Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Travel Award as well as an ice cream social.
 
Reviewing the list of the featured and symposia speakers beforehand is a good way to identify individuals you’d like to connect with based on shared scientific interests, collaborations or career path. If you are a graduate student nearing graduation and know you want to pursue a postdoc, connecting with students and researchers from labs you are interested in at the poster session or after a talk can be a good way to get a feel for the lab’s research and culture.
 
It can also be helpful to carry business cards and offer them after meaningful discussions. You can even customize them with QR codes that link to your personal website or publication list nowadays. It can also be helpful to jot down a quick note on the back to remind your contact of your conversation. So remember to always carry a pen with you!

Find what works for you

When thinking of the above, don’t forget that there is no one-size-fits-all networking approach. The idea of initiating new conversations with people you don’t know or interacting with large groups may seem exhausting.
 
If you can relate, it can help to take breaks. Don’t feel like you need to cram every second of your day with networking opportunities. Instead, try to prioritize what may be most beneficial to you. This will help you channel your energy into productive experiences during those selected times. Finding smaller groups, such as workshops, interest group sessions or meetups, at ASBMB 2025 may also help.
 
Attending events specifically targeted to your career stage or interests may also yield a smaller, more relatable audience. For example, check out the undergraduate student careers workshop with speed networking or the women’s networking dinner.
 
Conversely, if you’re ready to get out there and mingle in a large group, the ASBMB Annual Meeting will have plenty of freeform networking opportunities. Social events such as the welcome and closing reception will allow you to engage with other attendees well beyond your typical sphere.
 
No matter what approach you take, don’t forget to follow up with your new contacts after the conference. Send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages to new contacts, referencing your conversation and expressing interest in staying in touch. This can help solidify these connections and make it easier to reach out in the future. You can also use social media to engage with other attendees — use conference hashtags #ASBMB25 on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky or LinkedIn to connect with attendees before, during and after the event.
 
No matter what your networking goals, the ASBMB Annual Meeting will have something for you. Check out the entire ASBMB annual meeting program to start planning!