The American Society of Hematology (ASH) represents hematology professionals working to conquer blood diseases across the world. Focused on showcasing the latest science and innovations, ASH’s annual meeting provides a robust experience that engages and empowers its 25,000+ audience to advance cures and improve patient outcomes.
ASH challenged Freeman, its 20+ year partner, to enhance the experience by modernizing information delivery and fostering connections across four separate venues hosting 3,000+ concurrent presentations.
Uniting purpose with technology
Our ideation centered on the intention to amplify audience impact and showcase relevant and forward-thinking activations. ASH knew digital enhancements would bolster its mission, but they wanted to invest in technology that accelerated learning through collaboration. We brought in second screen technology knowing its capabilities would achieve a greater purpose: improving patient care.
Combining event tech with design thinking created concepts to elevate the education experience through innovative, interactive sessions as well as foster community engagement in the central association area and theater.
Creating community
The multifaceted team created a vast tech and AV plan connecting thousands of meetings around the city. Specific platforms included a private Wi-Fi across venues for security, speaker-ready tools, presentation management, and second screen technology.
The reimagined ASH Central emulated a town-square-like area offering deeper engagement through networking lounges and the live-streaming theater. In addition, the team designed a Writing Wall in a highly visible public area — this hands-on activity encouraged attendees to contribute personal stories about their commitment to ASH on a bigger-than-life-sized storyboard.
Elevating the experience with data
ASH received enthusiastic responses from attendees following the launch of ASH Central and the new approach to education using second screen technology. In fact, ASH plans to expand its next conference footprint and extend the use of second screen technology during a number of events throughout the year to elevate the experience for attendees and ASH as an organization — the real-time feedback and intricate data collected provide valuable insight needed to continually improve events.