Many of the ASE Foundation Task Force members and colleagues celebrated at the Taste of Portland fundraising event, which raised over $8,000 for scholarships and grants!

Historic Boston, America’s “Walking City,” will host ASE’s 26 ^th Annual Scientific Sessions June 12–16 ^th . Boston is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities on earth; however, its beauty pales in comparison to its rich history. Founded in 1630, Boston is home to the oldest public park in America, the Boston Common. Boston’s Freedom Trail is home to 16 historic sites, found easily by the painted red line that marks the trail. The city also boasts the oldest baseball park in the MLB, where the Boston Red Sox, formerly the Boston Americans, played their first game in 1901. Not lacking in diversity, the Chinatown and North End districts provide visitors with a mixture of Asian cuisine, espresso shops, and brewery pubs.

Dr Rebecca (Becky) Hahn, ASE 2015 Program Chair, along with her committee, has put together an amazing agenda this year entitled: “Innovation in Technology and Medicine: the Value of Echocardiography.” Akin to Boston’s diversity, this conference includes everything from traditional lectures to hands-on sessions and debates. Undoubtedly, as an attendee, you will find educational and inspirational activities at your fingertips.

Like many of you, I have attended every ASE Annual Scientific Sessions since the inaugural meeting, which was held in 1990 in Arlington, Virginia. From that humble beginning, with only 762 attendees, the ASE Scientific Sessions has evolved into a stomping ground for echocardiography professionals seeking knowledge and networking.

Friday, June 12 ^th . Friday is the sessions’ kickoff! Two case-based Maintenance of Certification (MOC) sessions will be offered, covering topics from aortic regurgitation to image optimization. A new session will be hosted today—the “I Heart Echo” symposium; it includes didactic learning and hands-on instruction for the focused cardiac exam. Additionally, an interactive vascular lab and a case-based session will be held simultaneously during the previously described sessions.

Saturday, June 13 ^th . Saturday marks the first full day of the sessions; six unique educational tracks are offered. Saturday morning, and every morning thereafter, will begin with case-based sessions, covering topics such as strain, 3D and diastology. Sonographers new to the meeting: listen up! We know it’s early, but you may find the “Welcome to the ASE in Boston” session beneficial when learning how to navigate the meeting, set learning goals, and discuss ASE guidelines.

The President’s Reception begins at 4:30PM and marks the opening of the Exhibit Hall, where you will visit with over 60 companies and see novel echo technology—all while enjoying cocktails and appetizers. At 7:00PM, join the ASE Foundation for the 6 ^th Annual Research Awards Gala. This event is the Foundation’s premier annual fundraiser; last year it raised over $74,000 of echo research funding! Tickets are not available onsite, so purchase yours now ( www.asefoundation.org/events/gala/ ) before they sell out! Hosted with a theme of “Revolutionizing Research,” the Gala will make for a memorable evening, where accomplishments of awardees are celebrated. This year, Peg Knoll, RDCS, FASE is the ASE Sonographer Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, so please take a moment to congratulate and get your photo taken with her!

Sunday, June 14 ^th . Sunday is packed with highlights, including the 26 ^th Annual Edler Lecture and a special session, “Inspiring Health Care in Developing Countries.” Dr Roberto Canessa, a pediatric cardiologist recognized as a hero from the 1972 Andes plane crash, will recount his extraordinary experience. Up next: “How the Experts Do It,” a session where sonographer/cardiologist teams from leading medical centers cover topics such as strain, TAVR Assessment, and contrast. The Chalk Talks are back by popular demand and will occur in the Exhibit Halls during select breaks on Sunday and Monday. This is where you can receive answers to clinical conundrums from ASE’s luminary faculty in an intimate setting.

On Sunday evening, relax and network with colleagues at the Welcome Reception, which is in turn followed by the ASE Foundation’s Heeling Hearts Scavenger Hunt. ASEF, in partnership with Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. and Siemens Healthcare, is hosting this heart-healthy team-building event, where teams of 8–10 people will scour the city on foot, finding and documenting various landmarks. Sign up for this event when you register for Scientific Sessions ( www.asefoundation.org/heelinghearts/ ). Space is limited to the first 200 people who register, so don’t miss out! Proceeds from this event are counted as donations to ASEF and are US tax deductible.

Monday, June 15 ^th . By Monday, you’ll be an expert on the layout of the convention center and in your attempts to earn your expertise, you have made new friends and become reacquainted with old ones. Today it’s time for the Arthur E. Weyman Young Investigator’s Competition and 16 ^th Annual Feigenbaum Lecture. After these two morning events, the “Three of a Kind” echo game punctuates the evening! This interactive echo game uses input from you—the audience—to select the correct answers for your team. What better way to boast the new wealth of knowledge you have gained while at the sessions?

Tuesday, June 16 ^th . The fourth day of the meeting is usually a time of winding down. However, before you zip up that suitcase, don’t! Tuesday’s talks are packed with substance, with five different tracks from 7:00AM–2:30PM. The last two sessions are particularly noteworthy (3:00–4:30PM). They cover lessons learned from past ASE presidents or sonographer elders. So, stick around and make sure that you don’t repeat their mistakes!

I hope I have highlighted the Sessions in a way that encourages you to attend! Each year, I receive feedback from people detailing what a great time they had and how much they had learned. Stay updated by visiting www.asescientificsessions.org , where you can register for the conference, book hotels, explore Boston sights and much more. You can also download the 2015 Meeting App by searching for “ASE Live Educational Courses” at your app store. This is YOUR meeting so I’ll see you all there!