ASMS Comes to Anaheim for 2024 Edition

Registration is now open for the 72nd edition of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS)’s Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, or ASMS 2024. The meeting will be held June 2–6, 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, with short courses to be presented on June 1–2 (1).

ASMS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a membership of more than 8500 scientists, was founded in 1969. The conference draws in excess of 6500 on a yearly basis, with more than 3000 papers presented in either lecture or poster format, according to the ASMS website (1).

Important Dates

The deadline to withdraw or request author changes to abstracts has already passed, but there are other dates and deadlines to observe and read more about on the event's website. A preliminary outline of the conference program is available, but the technical program has not yet been assembled. April 30 is the last day for advance registration for both the main conference and the short courses. After that date, all fees increase by $50.

ASMS says all short course registration will close by May 24, or potentially earlier based on capacity. The registration form can be downloaded as a PDF from the conference website. Companion, or guest badges can be purchased for $10. Ticket sales to the closing event, to be held on the outdoor Grand Plaza in front of the convention center on the evening of June 6, close on June 3.

Awards and Networking Opportunities

One social highlight of the week figures to be the opening reception, in the Exhibit-Poster Hall (hall D) of the convention center. That event follows the opening plenary lecture, kicking off at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, and requires no advance ticket purchase. Hors d’oeuvres (enough for dinner, according to organizers), free beer and soft drinks, and a cash bar for wine will be offered. ASMS also encourages this time to meet with exhibitors, as scientific posters will not be put up until Monday morning (1).

During the opening reception, one of two special submissions being solicited by the conference will be recognized. At this time, the winner or winners of the Undergrad Poster Competition will be chosen. To participate, entrants must have signified that they are an undergraduate student as of mid-April on their abstract submission. Organizers plan to contact every applicant who denotes this; anyone who does not hear back by mid-month is asked to email info@asms.org. Up to four winners will be selected, with each honoree receiving $300 and a certificate. Winners are also expected to present their poster or posters again during their assigned day of the conference.

This year the conference will also feature a 3D Printing Special Exhibit, with organizers saying accepted submissions will reflect “relevance and usefulness to the ASMS community” and “originality, striving for a diversity of designs, applications and materials” (1). Three-dimensional printing has enabled fast prototyping of ion mobility and mass spectrometry components in recent years and allows for the manufacture of customized laboratory equipment and teaching materials. A collage of the 3D printing display from the 2023 conference in Houston, Texas was provided on the conference website.

Fun in the California Sun

Of course, when one thinks of Anaheim, Disneyland is usually top of mind, and for any recreational time ASMS 2024 attendees might find themselves trying to occupy, discount tickets to the theme park will be sold through June 1. These special ticket prices, which are subject to change, apply only to conference attendees and their personal traveling parties, with a maximum purchase of six (6) tickets. More information can be found at this link: https://www.mydisneygroup.com/TM7F24A.

Looking ahead past Anaheim, ASMS has already set the locations for its next three conferences: in 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland, 2026 in San Diego, California, and 2027 back in Houston.

For 2024, as always, LCGC International will be providing both preview and live, on-site coverage in multiple formats, as well as recaps and retrospective video interviews after the conclusion of the event. Follow along at this link, and be sure to stop by the LCGC booth to meet our team. See you in Anaheim!

References

(1) Annual Conference Homepage. American Society for Mass Spectrometry. https://www.asms.org/conferences/annual-conference (accessed 2024-04-04).

(2) American Society for Mass Spectrometry. LCGC International. MJH Life Sciences, 2024. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/conferences/american-society-for-mass-spectrometry-asms (accessed 2024-04-04).