Fun in Seattle

We all know that the best part of any American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting is immersion in cutting-edge science — and Discover BMB in March in Seattle will be no exception.

I’ve found, however, that informal interactions — chatting with other scientists over coffee or meals or just hanging out in the exhibit hall — are often just as enjoyable and productive as the formal conference program. And organizers have designed Discover BMB, our first independent annual meeting in recent years, with plenty of opportunities for such socializing from beginning to end, both within and beyond the Seattle Convention Center walls.

Along with the traditional exhibitors, career development activities and meet-the-experts sessions in the exhibit hall, we’ll introduce some new activities, including a photographer to take professional headshots, chair yoga to relax and refresh, and games and scavenger hunts — just for fun.

We’ll close out each day with poster sessions and interest group meetups (with refreshments!) — a great way to connect with colleagues just before you leave the hall for dinner and evening socializing.

Be sure you make plans to explore Seattle. I recently chatted with John Scott, an ASBMB fellow and a professor at the University of Washington, and he reminded me of all the city’s fun destinations. Grab a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks store just half a mile from the convention center. Or try artisanal roasts at one of the many coffee houses. Whatever your preference, coffee is practically synonymous with Seattle.

The venerable nine-acre Pike Place Market near the waterfront is a fun destination for lunch or dinner. The iconic Seattle Space Needle and adjoining Chihuly Garden and Glass are just one mile (a single monorail stop) from the convention center. Or hop on a ferry to see the Seattle skyline from the water. Bainbridge Island is just a 35-minute ride across Puget Sound.

Finally, for some fishy fun, Discover BMB will close with a reception at the Seattle Aquarium — a great chance to mingle with all your old and new friends while exploring spectacular exhibits of birds, fish, mammals, and cephalopods and other invertebrates indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. When you’re making travel plans, be sure to allow time to cap off the meeting with this Tuesday evening event.

Of course, Discover BMB will continue our tradition of great science with an exciting program coordinated by co-chairs Karen Allen and Craig Cameron and the planning committee. There’s still time for you to showcase your research. Late-breaking abstract submissions open Dec. 4 and continue through Jan. 4.