It is hard to believe that another one of ASE’s Scientific Sessions has come and gone. This year’s Scientific Sessions were a resounding success, with over 2,300 attendees. Congratulations to Dr Geoffrey Rose, chair of the Scientific Sessions, and his organizing committee for an outstanding educational event.
As I wandered through the rooms in the conference center during the scientific sessions, I reflected upon why it remains important to have live courses in this digital era. We do not have the time or resources to attend every available conference, so having educational options through digital media helps us keep up on our own time without the need to travel. So, what is special about attending an event such as ASE’s Scientific Sessions in person? In addition to the great learning opportunities, there is the human connection. ASE offers numerous networking opportunities for all attendees to interact with one another and to form collaborative relationships. The Scientific Sessions also highlight the importance of mentorship. Check out some representative photos taken at the Scientific Sessions that highlight special mentor-mentee relationships ( Figures 1–5 ).