San Diego Convention Center
#cellbio2024
Organize a Session
Session Types
We have opportunities for every attendee to get involved and organize a session at Cell Bio 2024:
- Scientific Sessions - Session Proposal Deadline: February 27
- Special Interest Subgroups (abstract-based talks)
- Panels
- Workshops
- Sponsored Sessions - Session Proposal Deadline: May 30
- Networking Sessions - Topic Proposal Period: early June to October 15
Diversity and Inclusion
ASCB is committed to ensuring that a diversified and inclusive program is presented to our attendees. Session organizers will be required to ensure speakers selected represent diverse ethnic backgrounds, gender, research backgrounds, career-levels, geographic location.
Learn more about each session type below and submit your application for the current openings.
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Current Opportunities
Scientific Sessions - Special Interest Subgroups
Accepting Organizer and Session Proposals - Deadline PASSED: February 27
Subgroup sessions take a deep dive into fundamental and innovative areas related to cell science and adjacent fields, and should provide groundbreaking research findings with talks selected from abstract submissions. These sessions focus on a singular topic. Session proposals are accepted based on relevancy and timeliness of the session topic.
- Purpose: Organizing sessions that will present exciting research findings and discoveries to an audience in areas of interest to the cell science community and adjacent disciplines.
- Format: Scientific presentations selected from submitted abstracts, followed by Q&A. These sessions will be 60 or 90 minutes long (see below for more information).
- Audience Engagement: Limited Q&A after each talk; and roundtables in the hallways near the room for optional post-session discussions.
- Topics: Organizers will be asked to select at least one of the 20 scientific proposal topics below. If the session does not fit into any of these topics, there will be an “Other” option available.
- Outcome: Researchers disseminate their work to a broader audience, receive feedback, and promote knowledge exchange within the scientific community.
Subgroup organizers will have one of two formats to select from based on the length of the session:
- 60-minute sessions can select from:
- Four speakers for 15 minutes each (up to 12 minute talk with remainder Q&A)
- Two speakers for 15 minutes each (up to 12 minute talk with remainder Q&A) and three speakers for 10 minutes (5 minute talk with remainder Q&A). The two longer talks will bookend the session.
- 90-minute sessions can select from:
- Six speakers for 15 minutes each (up to 12 minute talk with remainder Q&A)
- Four speakers for 15 minutes each (up to 12 minute talk with remainder Q&A) and three speakers for 10 minutes (5 minute talk with remainder Q&A). The shorter talks will take place in the middle of the session with two longer talks before and after.
If you are proposing a broader topic that could span over two sessions, please submit a proposal for each session and indicate in the description that it is one in a series of two sessions. Please include the title for the other submission so we know they can be linked. We cannot guarantee that both sessions will be selected.
The number of Subgroup organizers varies, but it is strongly recommended no more than six (6) organizers. Subgroup organizers are responsible for:
- establishing a session title and description
- selecting talks for sessions from submitted abstracts
- ensuring speakers are prepared for the live session
- moderating the live session
Eligibility: All ASCB members (all career levels encouraged to apply)
Scientific Sessions - Panels
Accepting Session Proposals - Deadline PASSED: February 27
A scientific panel session aims to bring together a group of experts, from different institutions, with different disciplines or approaches, to discuss and provide insights into addressing or solving a specific topic or issue. The panelists share their perspectives, expertise, and opinions on the subject matter.
- Purpose: Discussing a specific topic with insights from experts.
- Format: 60-minute session with at least 20 minutes dedicated to Q&A. It is recommended that each panelist make a short presentation or statement followed by some moderated and pre-planned Q&A before opening the session up to questions from the audience. There should be three to four panelists, and one moderator for each session.
- Audience Engagement: At least 20 minutes of interactive Q&A at the end of the session.
- Topics: Broader issues, trends, challenges, or controversies. Organizers will be asked to select at least one of the 20 scientific proposal topics below. If the session does not fit into any of these topics, there will be an “Other” option available.
- Outcome: Provide different perspectives on the session topic and foster critical thinking and open dialogue. Encourage collaboration and idea-sharing among experts and the audience.
i.e. Evolution of the Cell; Making the Most of New Cell Visualization Tools: Why Not Let Anyone Take a Look?
Panel session organizers are responsible for:
- establishing a session title, description, and agenda
- inviting speakers and communicating all details ensuring speakers are prepared for the live session
- moderating the live session
Eligibility: All ASCB members (all career levels are encouraged to apply)
Scientific Sessions - Workshops
Accepting Session Proposals - Deadline PASSED: February 27
A workshop focuses on skill-building and interactive learning.
- Purpose: In-depth, or hands-on training and collaboration on a specific topic or skill.
- Format: 90-minute to two-hour interactive sessions with practical exercises, or demonstrations.
- Audience Engagement: Active participation, hands-on activities, and Q&A.
- Topics: Specific skills, methodologies, or interdisciplinary subjects. Organizers will be asked to select at least one of the 20 scientific proposal topics below. If the session does not fit into any of these topics, there will be an “Other” option available.
- Outcome: Participants gain practical knowledge and expertise.
Examples of Workshops: Screening Approaches in Human Cells and CRISPR Methods; Best Practices in Statistics for Cell Biology; Single Cell Technologies
Workshop session organizers are responsible for:
- establishing a session title, description, and agenda
- inviting speakers and communicating all details ensuring speakers are prepared for the live session
- moderating the live session
Eligibility: All ASCB members (all career levels are encouraged to apply)
Sponsored Sessions
Accepting Session Proposals - Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis through May 30
Sponsored sessions are organized and hosted by individuals or organizations. These sessions may be scientific in nature or focus on topics related to the scientific enterprise such as education, career development, international relations, science policy, communications, and diversity in the workforce. Session proposals are accepted based on relevancy and timeliness of the session topic. Sessions lengths varies from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. These sessions are completely organized from session idea to format, speaker selection, and schedule. If you would like to organize a session longer than 90-minutes, please contact us directly at aharris@ascb.org, as there is very limited availability for this. Fees for sponsored sessions range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Session organizers are responsible for:
- establishing a session title, description, and learning objectives
- inviting speakers to participate
- determining the structure of the session (i.e. number and order of talks, panel discussion, networking component, etc.)
- funding the session (Basic costs, paid to the ASCB, include A/V and room rental. Additional costs include catering, speaker/organizer travel and registration expenses, etc.) See below for further information on session fees.
The ASCB is responsible for:
- providing a room with A/V equipment (as ordered)
- marketing of the session on the Cell Bio 2024 website, online program, and mobile app
Eligibility:
- Open to any individual(s) or organization (may include all ASCB members, EMBO community members, and non-ASCB/EMBO non-profit organizations)
- Must secure funding to host the session
Fees:
- Basic Setup Costs: $5,000-$10,000 - Includes room rental and audio/visual equipment. Price varies by needs and a price will be provided once we receive the requirements.
- Additional Costs (optional):
- Catering - Pricing Varies - Order directly through the official convention catering company, Levy.
- Speaker/Organizer Travel Expenses - Pricing Varies - Hotel rates will be available in June.
- Speaker/Organizer Registration Expenses - Pricing Varies
If you are an exhibitor looking to promote a product, we encourage you to instead consider an Exhibitor Tech Talk.
Exhibitor Tech Talks
These talks, located on the exhibit hall, provide an effective means for scientific or educational interaction with attendees. Each Tech Talk is 45-minutes long with your choice of seating for 50 or 150. Tech Talks include A/V support, internet connection for the presenter, and the option to purchase food and beverage. Abstracts will be included in the Mobile App, meeting webpage, and in the online meeting program.
*Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: varies, starts around $2,000
To inquire about an exhibitor tech talk, please contact:
Cell Bio 2024
c/o SPARGO, Inc.
Phone: (703) 631-6200 / (800) 564-4220
Email: ascbexhibits@spargoinc.com
Upcoming Applications
Networking Sessions
Application Period: early June through October 15
Networking sessions are activities organized by any meeting attendee, group, or organization. These activities may be scientific in nature or focused on topics of interest in science, education, career and mentoring, and the climate and culture of science. These activities give attendees to connect and potentially collaborate with like-minded colleagues.
Networking organizers are responsible for:
- establishing a title and description
- facilitating the discussions or activities on the day of and engaging with attendees
- promoting your networking session and encouraging other attendees to participate
Eligibility: All Cell Bio 2024 registrants