As it has become increasingly clear that we would be unable to hold our Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) live as planned in Louisville this summer, the ASCLS Board of Directors in consultation with the Annual Meeting Steering Committee and leaders from Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT) has decided to hold the JAM virtually this year.

Despite the effects of COVID-19, laboratory professionals still need continuing education opportunities and a chance for professional support. Most of our state and regional meetings, and all the national laboratory meetings have been canceled or delayed. So, we will come together virtually with our community for support and camaraderie during this challenging time.

The new virtual format will allow registrants to participate in up to 60 hours of P.A.C.E.®-approved continuing education on a flexible schedule that they choose, either live or recorded streaming up to 30 days after the meeting.

Many AGT and ASCLS members are being impacted by the dramatic financial changes felt throughout the healthcare system which have led to furloughs, pay-cuts, and financial uncertainty. To address this, the cost to attend JAM has been dramatically reduced. Until June 1, the cost for Professional members to register is $295 while Developing Professionals, Ascending Professionals, and Emeritus members can register for $145.

The meeting will take place over the originally dates of June 28 to July 2. Educational sessions will run from 10:00 am Eastern to 7:00 pm Eastern (7:00 am Pacific to 4:00 pm Pacific), with 4 sessions running concurrently most of the time. All sessions will be recorded and made available to all registrants within 24 hours. We do not expect members to sit through nine hours’ worth of sessions each day. Instead, we’ve built in longer breaks and, since all sessions are recorded and will be available for 30 days after the meeting, many attendees will choose to selectively attend live sessions. This allows registrants to attend the meeting while simultaneously remaining engaged in their home and work lives.

The AGT Business meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 28 at 6:00 pm Eastern. Pre-conference workshops will run between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on this Sunday also.

Registrants will access all content, including posters, industry partners, and virtual social events (along with some fun surprises) via the same event app all our attendees in 2019 enjoyed using. This year, access to the app will be restricted to registrants. The app is available on Android or iOS mobile devices or through a computer browser.