Trainee Activities and Services
ASH provides a variety of high-quality educational, career development, and networking and learning opportunities to help trainees make the most of their meeting experience. The following activities and services have been identified as most relevant to the unique interests of undergraduates, medical and graduate students, residents, and fellows and are open only to annual meeting attendees with a blue trainee badge. Trainees receive special discounted registration rates, as well.
The Trainee Lounge will be open on the following days (all times listed reflect the Central time zone):
| Saturday, December 12 | 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 13 | 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| Monday, December 14 | 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, December 15 | 7:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
ASH-a-Palooza
Designed for undergraduates, medical and graduate students, residents, and fellows, ASH-a-Palooza provides networking and learning opportunities for trainees attending the ASH annual meeting. The 2026 event will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, at Generations Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Explore ASH-a-Palooza
Trainee Welcome Reception
This informal social event immediately follows ASH-a-Palooza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The reception provides the opportunity for undergraduates, medical and graduate students, residents, and fellows (DO, MD, and PhD) to gather and celebrate with their peers. The 2026 reception will be held at Generations Hall in New Orleans.
Career Development Lunch
The Career Development Lunch provides an opportunity for trainees to meet with leaders in hematology in small groups to discuss careers in the wide array of practice areas within hematology, including basic, clinical, and translational research, PhD careers, careers in industry settings, and careers in community and clinical practice. There are multiple tables dedicated to each career area and one faculty member at each table leading the discussion. A boxed lunch is provided. This is a first come, first served event that is only offered in person on Saturday, December 12.
Trainee Didactic Sessions
Offered during lunch on Sunday, December 13, and Monday, December 14, the Trainee Didactic Sessions are designed to offer trainees an overview of timely and relevant career-oriented issues. Learn how to write the best CV, what it means to be an entrepreneur, how to make the transition from trainee to faculty seamlessly, and best practices on giving a scientific presentation. These sessions will only be offered in person and are not available through the virtual meeting.
Trainee Lounge
Trainees are invited to visit the Trainee Lounge located in ASH Central (Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Hall D) to meet with colleagues and recharge with complimentary refreshments.
ASH Trainee Path
With everything the ASH annual meeting has to offer, it can be overwhelming for trainees to know where to begin. This sample itinerary can help you navigate available activities and events for the best possible experience. Before the annual meeting begins, download the ASH Annual Meeting App to curate a personal schedule. Bookmark sessions you want to attend and sign up for a Blood Buddy 1:1 mentoring session.
Morning: Start the day by reviewing the ASH Annual Meeting Mobile App and abstracts to map out high-priority education sessions, oral presentations, and posters that align with your clinical and research interests.
Afternoon: Attend ASH-a-Palooza from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Check out ASH Talks, microlearning sessions, and attend your Blood Buddy 1:1 mentoring session. This relaxed environment is perfect for connecting with peers and faculty. Make time for the Red Cell Rumble, an audience interactive game that contains basic hematology content suitable for all trainee levels and offers the opportunity for a prize for the top contenders.
Evening: Stay for the Trainee Welcome Reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to network with other fellows and faculty in an informal setting.
This is a good day to focus on both scientific content and career development. Remember to grab refreshments in the Trainee Lounge — open from Saturday through Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — to stay energized between sessions.
Morning and Afternoon: Begin with oral abstract sessions and symposia. Then for lunch, attend the Career Development Lunch. This is a key opportunity to get advice on transitioning from fellowship to faculty, applying for fellowships, or exploring careers in basic research. Make sure to arrive early because this is always a popular event. Following lunch, spend the afternoon exploring posters, attending Education Program sessions, and joining specialty sessions.
Evening: Head to the Poster Hall for the Welcome Reception to support fellow trainees presenting posters.
Morning: Wake up early to run the 5K ASH Run/Walk at 7:00 a.m.! Afterward, attend oral presentations and broaden your focus by exploring topics like malignant hematology and cellular therapy. Grab a quick bite in the Exhibit Hall, Trainee Lounge, or join the Treating Fairly Rounds Lunch. You can also attend the Trainee Didactic Session to build practical skills like grant writing and academic career planning.
Afternoon: Attend another oral abstract session and watch the Plenary Scientific Session. These top-scoring abstracts are always inspiring.
Morning and Afternoon: Attend another Trainee Didactic Session and focus on your own research, whether giving an oral presentation in the morning or presenting a poster later in the day. Then meet with research collaborators from other institutions to discuss ongoing projects.
Evening: Consider attending an evening networking event, which provides an excellent opportunity to connect with mentors and peers.
Morning: Attend the Late-Breaking Abstracts session and the Presidential Symposium before heading home. Continue accessing content through the ASH Annual Meeting App to catch anything you may have missed.
See you next year!
ASH Annual Meeting and ASH-a-Palooza FAQs
Do you have a question that is not covered above? Check these frequently asked questions for more information about Trainee events and amenities.
Interested in Other Trainee Opportunities?
Visit our Trainees Page to learn about additional ASH trainee resources and programs.
68th ASH Annual Meeting and exposition
The 68th ASH Annual Meeting will be held virtually and in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 12-15, 2026.
Registration for ASH members will open on July 22. Registration for non-members, groups, exhibitors, and media will open on August 12.