Say Hello in Boston!

By CEO James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about GSA’s upcoming Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston. People are eager to attend and share in the advancement of aging research. We’ve already got more than 3,000 pre-registrants, with many more expected. This year, GSA received a total of 4,395 abstract submissions (including individual symposium abstracts) — a 21 percent increase from the 3,612 received in 2016! Submissions were received from 45 countries, with the majority coming from the U.S., Canada, Japan, China, and the U.K.

Get a head start on planning with the PDF of our printed program book, and build an itinerary for yourself with the GSA meeting mobile app.

We will have a robust array of quality programming unique to this meeting. There’s the launch of our Momentum Discussion series on trending topics in aging; the Inside Innovative Technologies series, featuring cutting-edge research and the startups putting these technologies in action to improve our lives as we age; and the President’s Opening Plenary Session keynote address, which will feature author, historian, filmmaker, and gerontologist Thomas R. Cole, PhD, FGSA.

Returning is our popular Policy Series, which this year will welcome Assistant Secretary for Aging Lance Robertson, head of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. And don’t miss some of GSA’s most prominent members as they present thought-provoking Presidential Symposia or award lectures.

GSA offers an impressive array of other networking opportunities, including our Section Business Meetings and Award Presentations, and some really terrific ways to give back to our host community in Boston. There will be a toiletry drive in the meeting’s registration area at the Hynes convention center to benefit Rosie’s Place, helps the city’s poor and homeless women. And those participating in GSA’s annual Gerontologists Giving Back service event will be delivering flowers to residents of a local long-term care facility.

If you’d like to participate in discussions with your fellow members about preparing for the Boston experience, I invite you to join the 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting Community on GSA Connect. When the meeting is over, you’ll also be able to share your presentation materials there.

And don’t forget to say hello if you see me on site!