New MILLIPLEX® MAP High Sensitivity Cytokine Panels

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
MilliporeSigma (formerly EMD Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich)

Presenter:

• Robert Keith, Research and Development Scientist

The ability to measure picogram levels of multiple cytokine proteins is critical for understanding the pathogenesis of many diseases. MilliporeSigma introduces three high sensitivity MILLIPLEX® MAP panels to help researchers detect low levels of multiple cytokines in small amounts of sample: the Human High Sensitivity T Cell Magnetic Bead Panel (in both 96-well format and new 384-well format) and a new Mouse High Sensitivity T Cell Magnetic Bead Panel in 96-well format. Both the human and mouse high sensitivity panels can detect picogram levels of cytokines in just 25 µL of sample for up to 21 or 18 critical cytokines, respectively. Representative data will be shown for the use of these panels in the study of inflammation, diabetes (human), and mouse models of aging and metabolic disease.

Characterization of Cellular and Systemic Responses to Targeted Cancer Therapeutics by Flow Cytometry: Insights and Lessons Learned

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Miltenyi Biotec

Presenter:

• Rachel M. Gerstein, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Co-leader, Capstone Scholarship & Discovery Course Scientific Advisor, Flow Cytometry Core

We use flow cytometry in our investigations of B cell lymphoma in three principle applications: 1) diagnostics, 2) evaluation of transplantation of human cells into immune-compromised mice, and 3) measurement of the in vitro efficacy of novel therapeutics. The presentation will focus on lessons learned, best practices, and representative data using the Miltenyi MACSQuant flow cytometer.

Why Take a Chance You are Missing Something? Class I and II Dextramers for the Detection of Antigen-Specific CD8 and CD4 T cells

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Immudex USA

Presenter:

• Stephen T. Haley, Ph.D., Chief Commercial Officer

The invention of MHC multimers revolutionized T cell immunology. Enabling the direct detection of T cells based on the structural specificity of their T cell receptor, it was quickly discovered that the gold standard at the time, the limiting dilution assay (LDA), underestimated T cell frequencies approximately tenfold. Now established as the gold standard of MHC multimer technologies, Dextramers detect antigen-specific T cells missed by previous generations of MHC multimers. Using peer-reviewed, published data, we will demonstrate the superiority of Class I and Class II Dextramers (now available) for the detection of the antigen-specific CD8 and CD4 T cell responses. Furthermore, we will introduce our new massive multiplexing Dextramer assay capable of detecting 1000 T cell specificities from a 10 mL blood sample.

Accelerating Innovation with Immunosequencing

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Adaptive Biotechnologies

Presenter:

• Dr. Katie Boland, DVM, Ph.D.

Immunosequencing opens a new window of discovery, revealing the immune repertoire in exquisite molecular detail. Dr. Katie Boland will share case studies illustrating discoveries inspired by this deeper view into the adaptive immune response. Join her and learn how immunoSEQ® technology combines bias-controlled multiplex PCR with high-throughout sequencing and expert bioinformatics to deliver the most robust, quantitative way to sequence millions of T cell and B cell receptors. This accurate, quantitative immune-profiling method has been used in over 200 publications. You don’t want to miss this workshop!

Harnessing the Microbiome in Mouse Research

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Taconic Biosciences

Presenters:

• Philip Dubé, Ph.D., Field Applications Scientist
• Alexander Maue, Ph.D., Associate Director Microbiome Products and Services

The microbiome is emerging as a critical factor in the development and function of the immune system. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the community structure of the microbiome, is associated with the development and progression of numerous diseases, and therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome are gaining traction. This revolution has been driven by basic research in mice, which has furthered our understanding of how the microbiome influences homeostasis and disease. This seminar will provide an overview of the strategies and solutions to study the microbiome and to control for its effects and will emphasize the latest resources available for researchers.

Live Cell Assay Approaches for Immunology and Immuno-oncology: Cell Health, Chemotaxis, Immune Cell Killing, and More

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Essen Bioscience

Presenter:

• Dan Appledorn, Ph.D., Director of Biology

Join this workshop to learn how to add real-time visualization and analysis of immune cell cultures to your in vitro assay toolkit for immunology research. The IncuCyte® Live-Cell Analysis System continuously analyzes cell activity within your incubator, providing insights into the complex and dynamic cellular processes of immunology. Unlike traditional approaches, which are mostly endpoint, invasive, and labor intensive, the IncuCyte reagents, protocols, and high-throughput-enabled assays are kinetic, simple, and cell sparing—ready to complement your current assay and cell biology workflows. This workshop will showcase real-time, live-cell assays for immune cell activation, proliferation, chemotaxis, transendothelial migration, immune cell killing, and phagocytosis.

Isolation of Unique and Complex Immune Cell Types Using Sequential EasySep™ Immunomagnetic Cell Separation

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
STEMCELL Technologies Inc.

Presenter:

• Catherine Ewen, Ph.D., Senior Scientist
• Hannah Lee, Ph.D., Product Manager

There are over 370 known CD markers for immunophenotyping, providing seemingly endless possibilities of marker combinations and ways to isolate cells. EasySep™ Release is a new column-free immunomagnetic cell-separation technology that allows scientists to perform sequential selections to isolate unique and complex cell types based on their surface marker expression profile. The flexibility and customizability of the new indirect EasySep™ Release Positive Selection Kits enable researchers to use antibodies directed to virtually any targets of their choice. Use these kits sequentially with STEMCELL Technologies’ extensive portfolio of positive- or negative-selection EasySep™ kits to create endless antigen-targeting combinations. This workshop will describe the different applications and cell types that use EasySep™ Release to highly purify immune cells with more complex phenotypes.

Automated Cell Culture for Dynamic Analysis of Immune Cell Function in Real Time

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
MilliporeSigma (formerly EMD Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich)

Presenter:

• Amedeo Cappione, Ph.D., Senior Technology Lead

Precise regulation of lymphocyte function is critical to mounting a specific immune response and is dependent on a complex array of cell–cell interactions and responses to an ever-changing microenvironment. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions is essential for development of therapeutics to enhance immune function. Techniques enabling live cell analysis with more in vivo-like conditions provide key insights into dynamic processes. The microfluidics-based CellASIC® ONIX2 system offers precise real-time control of media perfusion, reagent switching, temperature level, and gas content. Comprised of a microfluidic plate and controller, the system delivers programmable, hands-free control and, importantly, is fully compatible with microscope stages for dynamic live cell imaging. Learn how the ONIX2 enhances the study of cell–cell interactions and single-cell responses to changes in the environment, such as hypoxia, metabolic content, and stimuli/inhibitor gradients.

Enhanced Human Hemato-/Myelopoiesis in Humanized hGM-CSF/hIL3-NOG Mice Compared with Humanized NOG Mice

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Taconic Biosciences and HuMurine Technologies

Presenters:

• Azusa Tanaka, Ph.D., Product Manager of Precision Research Models, Taconic Biosciences
• Gerold Feuer, Ph.D., Founder/Chief Scientific Officer, HuMurine Technologies

The humanized immune system CIEA NOG mouse® (NOG) has become a powerful tool to evaluate a wide range of preclinical applications, including the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors—agents that stimulate human hematopoiesis and gene therapies against HIV-1 infection. Taconic, the sole provider of the NOG portfolio in the European Union and the United States, will present data supporting the consistency, reliability, and chimeric ratios for the production of over 1,500 humanized NOG (huNOG) and over 800 humanized hGM-CSF/hIL-3 NOG (huNOG-EXL). HuMurine Technologies will present its recently developed and validated humanized mouse platform: humanization of Taconic Bioscience’s hGM-CSF/hIL-3 NOG mouse (Hu-3GM™). The humanization platform is based on the Hu-M™ mouse, HuMurine’s commercially successful humanized immune system NOG mouse that supports consistent and robust levels of human hematopoiesis. Expect to learn about the comparatively analyzed kinetics and robustness of human lympho- and myelopoiesis of both the Hu-3GM™ and Hu-M™ mice and advantages and disadvantages of working with both models.

Visualization of Patterns of Co-expression of Immune Checkpoint Markers in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by RNAscope® Technology

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Advanced Cell Diagnostics

Presenter:

• Xiao-Jun Ma, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer

Although cancer immunotherapy is changing the paradigm of how cancer is treated, there is an urgent need to develop predictive biomarkers to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from various immunotherapeutic strategies. Whereas many biomarker analysis technologies are available, most do not provide spatial and cell type-specific information critical for assessing the immune response in the evolving microenvironment of each tumor. Furthermore, multiplexing capabilities are highly desirable to obtain comprehensive, single-cell-level co-expression information and to maximize the use of limited biopsied sample material. Advanced Cell Diagnostics will demonstrate how the RNAscope technology for RNA in situ hybridization can be used to visualize various immune checkpoint markers directly, to reveal complex patterns of co-expression at single-cell resolution in morphological context.

Real-time, Live Cell Analysis of T Cell Activation: Understanding the Drivers of Activation, Development, and Function

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Agilent Technologies

Presenter:

• David Ferrick, Ph.D., Senior Director, Seahorse, Cell Analysis Business Unit

It is well established that 'metabolic phenotype and metabolic switching' are pivotal to the activation and function of immune cells. This metabolic switch occurs rapidly following an activation signal, and serves as both predictor and driver of downstream immunologic function. Agilent Seahorse XF Technology is the only cell analysis platform that enables researchers to interrogate this metabolic switch in real time, opening a window into the earliest events of activation. In this workshop, you will learn how XF technology can be used to detect real-time activation responsees, enabling researchers to: detect and monitor activation of T cells within six minutes of stimulation; identify the metabolic requirements, fuels, and substrates required for immune cell activation, development, and function; and design experiments to perturb or modulate early activation events. Join us for this informative session to get practical advice on designing and performing T cell activation assays on Seahorse XF Analyzers; how to interrogate and quantify glycolytic and mitochondrial function; and generating and interpreting metabolic phenotypes of primary immune cells.

Development of Inexpensive Multiplex Immunoassays: Assessment of Food Allergens in Plasma

1:45 AM – 2:30 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
SCIENION US, Inc.

Presenter:

• Robert S. Matson, Ph.D., Consulting Senior Scientist

Attack by foreign substances, such as allergens, triggers a cascade of events, in which IgE is a first responder. An allergic reaction to certain foods, e.g., shellfish or peanuts, can elicit a response within minutes of ingestion. There are also more subtle responses, such as IgG, which remains in the bloodstream for an extended period, and is monitored to assess this delayed response. Th2 cytokines are involved in the humoral response, leading to the production ofIgE antibodies. Other cytokines, such as IL-25, are also involved in the induction of Th2 responses. In this study, a microplate-based microarray of “allergenic” proteins from food sources was constructed together with antibodies to measure inflammatory cytokines. Plasma from patients with known food allergy was assessed for specific IgG subclasses, specific IgE, and Th2 cytokine levels. Quantitative multiplex immunoassays were performed, and resulted in bright and colorful spots. The plates were analyzed using a novel colorimetric microplate imaging reader (sciREADER CL2, Scienion).

Fighting Cancer from Multiple Angles: Exploring RANK-RANKL, PD-L1, and Cell Depletion in the Control of Melanoma in Mouse Models

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
BioLegend

Presenter:

• Miguel Tam, Ph.D., Senior Product Manager

Tumor growth is a complex condition where multiple systems interlace in an often fatal outcome. RANKL (Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family of cytokines. RANKL binds to its receptor RANK (receptor activator of NF-kappaB) and plays an important role in several homeostatic processes. It has also recently been found that RANKL is involved in migration of epithelial and melanoma cancer cells, thereby promoting cancer dissemination. Likewise, blockade of important immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-L1 and depletion of key cell types, are emerging as safe and efficient cancer immunotherapies. Here, Dr. Tam presents data characterizing the intracellular signaling pathway associated with the RANK–RANKL axis, as well as the effect in dendritic cells, antigen-specific T cells, cytokines, and chemokine profiles after in vivo treatment with blocking PD-L1 and T cell-depleting antibodies in a melanoma cancer model.

A Force from Within: Unexpected Roles of Complement in Th1 Biology

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Hycult Biotech Inc.

Presenters:

• Claudia Kemper, Ph.D., Senior Investigator, Section Chief at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health
• Erik Toonen, Ph.D., Scientist, Hycult Biotech

For a long time, studying the adaptive immune system has been central in the design of therapeutics. New insights indicate that complement activation also regulates fundamental processes of the cell, such as metabolic activity and homeostasis. It also serves as a nexus for the interaction with other effector systems. Specifically, intracellular complement/NLRP3 inflammasome crosstalk has emerged as critical for normal IFN-γ secretion by T cells. Advancing insights have not only shown that innate immune regulators are present but are also key in directing immunological responses. This is of great significance to our understanding of the biology of immune cells, immune system evolution, and explains why targeting just one arm of the immune system is insufficient for disease treatment. This workshop will give an overview of the emerging key roles of autocrine complement activity in the regulation of Th1 responses and then invites discussion about their implications for design of next-generation therapeutics and monitoring.

Super Bright Antibody Conjugates: Expanding Choice for the Violet Laser in Multicolor Immunophenotyping

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Presenter:

• Jolene A. Bradford, Associate Director, Flow Cytometry Systems

The Invitrogen™ eBioscience™ Super Bright polymer dyes represent a suite of bright fluorophores excited by the violet laser (405 nm). Optimized for use in flow cytometry, Super Bright antibody conjugates allow for expanded use of violet laser excitation and, due to their inherent brightness, detection of cell populations with low abundance targets is possible. Data using the Super Bright conjugates will be presented in multicolor applications. The Invitrogen™ Attune™ NxT Flow Cytometer four laser system with Violet-6 (V6) configuration brings greater capability, allowing detection of six violet-excited fluorophores. Ideally suited for using the Super Bright conjugates, the unique acoustic focusing technology of Attune NxT Flow Cytometer enables rapid and accurate detection with sensitivity at high flow rates without compromise of data quality. The Attune NxT cytometer is designed to accommodate a wide variety of experimental conditions, and combined with the Super Bright conjugates, provides expanded choice for panel design. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Controlled Oxygen for Generating Physiologically Relevant Immune Cell Data: Old Logic, New Technology

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
BioSpherix, Ltd.

Presenters:

• Ray Gould, Laboratory Sales
• Alicia Henn, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Scientific Officer

Oxygen is a critical cell culture parameter, and its role in regulating important cell processes has been widely established. Tissue where immune cells concentrate (such as lymphoid tissue or bone marrow) features oxygen percentages far below ambient, room-air levels. Until recently, oxygen’s fundamental role in regulating immune cell activity has been widely disregarded. Traditional methods for controlling cell culture oxygen (O₂ incubators) have proven nearly impossible for gaining relevant in vitro data. New cell incubation technology has removed these obstacles and has opened pathways for improving physiological relevance in the dish. These new approaches are contributing to emerging data establishing oxygen’s crucial role in regulating immune cell function. This talk briefly covers the evidence establishing oxygen’s fundamental role in regulating cell function. It reviews a number of recent publications that establish the essential role oxygen plays in regulating immune cell activity. Furthermore, it explores the historical challenges associated with use of oxygen and shares new technologies for proper use of oxygen in the generation of physiologically relevant cell data.

Imaging Flow Cytometry: An Embarrassment of Riches

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
MilliporeSigma (formerly EMD Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich)

Presenters:

• Haley Pugsley, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Amnis—part of MilliporeSigma
• Margery Pelletier, Ph.D. Candidate, Biomedical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

The year 2017 ushered in a special edition of Methods with a collection of manuscripts all reporting imaging flow cytometry applications using the Amnis® imaging flow cytometers, FlowSight® and ImageStream®. Applications ranging from the analysis of immune synapses and leukemic cells to extracellular vesicles and individual chromosomes were reported. Contributions from many corners of the world include Roswell Park Cancer Institute, NIH, Weizmann Institute of Science, University of Western Australia, Health Canada, Cambridge University, and Moscow State University. Come to the MilliporeSigma workshop to hear Haley Pugsley’s contribution on studying autophagic flux, Margery Pelletier’s ex vivo culture techniques for hematopoietic stem cells, a characterization of netosis and phagocytosis, as well as several other applications from the other authors.

Enabling the Biomarker Discovery-to-Validation Workflow with Invitrogen Immunoassays

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Presenter:

• David Bourdon, Ph.D., Senior R&D Manager and Immunoassay Strategy Lead

Detecting protein biomarkers is critical to the study of human disease. Thus, scientists require powerful immunoassay platforms for measuring these clinically relevant analytes. This scientist-to-scientist based presentation will highlight the newest Invitrogen immunoassay products available to accelerate the biomarker discovery-to-validation workflow. Come learn about the various solutions from the largest screening panels for multiplexing protein detection to high sensitivity and reproducible assays for validation studies. Regardless of where you may be in your research path, Invitrogen immunoassays offer reliable solutions to meet your needs.

Learn How to Validate ELISA and Multiplex Assays and How to Evaluate Kit Validation Data

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Abcam

Presenters:

• Teri Girtsman, Senior Scientist, Product Development
• Mandy Lund, Senior Scientist

Discover which validation data you need to demonstrate that an immunoassay kit, or your own assay, is specific, sensitive, and reproducible. To confirm that your sandwich ELISA or multiplex immunoassay performs well, it is important to review the validation data before you purchase the kit or run the assay. However, many immunoassay kits lack the necessary full biological validation, which can affect the performance of your assay. In this workshop, Abcam’s senior R&D scientists will cover the different types of assay validation data and why these are important to your research. This will help you make an informed decision to select the best immunoassay kit for your research. It will also ensure that you can critically evaluate your own assay and include the necessary levels of validation.

Fighting Cancer from Multiple Angles: Exploring RANK-RANKL, PD-L1, and Cell Depletion in the Control of Melanoma in Mouse Models

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
BioLegend

Presenter:

• Miguel Tam, Ph.D., Senior Product Manager

Tumor growth is a complex condition where multiple systems interlace in an often fatal outcome. RANKL (Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family of cytokines. RANKL binds to its receptor RANK (receptor activator of NF-kappaB) and plays an important role in several homeostatic processes. It has also recently been found that RANKL is involved in migration of epithelial and melanoma cancer cells, thereby promoting cancer dissemination. Likewise, blockade of important immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-L1 and depletion of key cell types, are emerging as safe and efficient cancer immunotherapies. Here, Dr. Tam presents data characterizing the intracellular signaling pathway associated with the RANK–RANKL axis, as well as the effect in dendritic cells, antigen-specific T cells, cytokines, and chemokine profiles after in vivo treatment with blocking PD-L1 and T cell-depleting antibodies in a melanoma cancer model.

Exosomes Present in Human Ovarian Tumor Microenvironments Rapidly Arrest T Cells

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
ACEA Biosciences, Inc.

Presenter:

• Dr. Paul K. Wallace, Professor of Oncology, Director of Flow and Image Cytometry Facility

Membrane-bound extracellular vesicles isolated from ovarian cancer patients have biophysical and compositional characteristics similar to vesicles called exosomes. These tumor-associated exosomes inhibit an early activation endpoint of a significant portion of virus (EBV and CMV)-specific CD8+ T cells that are stimulated with viral peptides presented in the context of Class I MHC. Early- and late-activation endpoints of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells stimulated with immobilized antibodies to CD3 and CD28 are also significantly inhibited by the exosomes. The inhibition of the T cells is induced directly and rapidly and occurs coincidentally with the exosomes binding to and internalization by the T cells. The early arrest in the activation occurs without a loss of viability in the T cells. The immune-suppressive exosomes in the tumor microenvironment and the ability to block their T cell inhibitory activity represent a potential therapeutic target to enhance the anti-tumor immunity of quiescent tumor-associated T cells and to prevent the functional arrest of endogenous or adoptively transferred T cells upon their entry into the tumor.

Advancements in Immunotherapeutic Research with Magnetic Cell Separation

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
Miltenyi Biotec

Presenter:

• Julie Clark, Ph. D., Marketing Manager

Advancements in cell selection and gene editing have reshaped the reality of immunotherapy. New advances in tissue regeneration and effective treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases depend on the advancement of highly specialized cellular products. Medical progress is therefore dependent on complete and versatile solutions for GMP-compliant cell manufacturing, including cell separation, differentiation, expansion, formulation, and cryopreservation. In order to realize the goal of cellular therapy, our R&D team collaborates closely with the world’s leading immunologists to develop unique solutions. This session will highlight the work of two extraordinary scientists whose research exemplify scientific excellence, biomedical innovation, and potential therapeutic impact.

Advanced Antibody Validation through Specificity Verification

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 2
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Presenter:

• Matt Baker, Director of Strategy and Partnering, Antibodies and Immunoassaysy

Thermo Fisher Scientific recently published a new set of antibody specificity testing guidelines. Matt Baker will present these guidelines and how they will be applied to help further advance validation practices, to ensure that antibodies are definitively binding their protein target of interest. This includes techniques such as mass spectrometry based confirmation of proteins immunoprecipitated by antibodies, cell models such as CRISPR knock-outs, and orthogonal approaches such as cellular treatments and independent antibody binding signatures.

Peptide Microarrays: A Versatile Platform for Immunological Research

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP ROOM 1
PEPperPRINT

Presenter:

• Jill Roughan, Ph.D., US Technical Representative

Peptide microarrays offer a wide range of applications, including linear and conformational epitope mapping, peptide substitution scans, autoantibody discovery, and fingerprint analysis of humoral immune responses upon infection or vaccination. PEPperPRINT´s unique peptide microarrays are synthesized in situ by digital laser printing directly onto glass slides. The benefits of this novel technique are the flexibility in terms of custom peptide content and high spot densities, allowing high-resolution mappings with minimal sample needed. PEPperPRINT has a strong focus on infectious disease and cancer research, biomarker discovery in autoimmunity, and characterization of therapeutic antibodies, including a human epitome-wide antibody cross-reactivity profiling. To learn more about PEPperPRINT's technology for precise, fast, and cost-effective antibody characterization, including case studies demonstrating the various applications, PEPperPRINT invites you to join its upcoming scientific presentation, followed by a Q&A session.

Hotel Room Promotional Drop - $8,000

Entice attendees by delivering any of a variety of branded items (small box of chocolate, local Washington, DC treat, etc.) or a marketing piece (postcard, invitation to booth, your company's marketing item, etc.) to each attendee in the AAI hotel block. This opportunity allows your company to get the attention of conference attendees while providing elite exposure of your products and services. Limit, one drop - sponsor to choose Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Sponsor to arrange delivery of materials to all AAI hotels. Size restrictions may apply and items must be submitted to AAI for approval no later than 60 days prior to the meeting. Qualifies for Premier Supporting Sponsor.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Opening Night Welcome Reception - $75,000 /exclusive sponsorship

Immediately following the President's Address, this, the best-attended social event of the week, provides attendees a festive opportunity to be reunited with friends (2,000 attendees). An exclusive sponsorship of this event means your organization and team are the only exhibitors in attendance. Co-sponsorships available. An exclusive sponsorship qualifies for Premier Platinum Sponsor.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Grants and Awards - $300 - 2,500

• AAI Laboratory Travel Awards - $2,500/grant
  These grants provide travel support to mid-career investigators for attending the AAI annual meeting. The grants are awarded to scientists who have limited funds for travel but are the first or last authors on one or more abstracts submitted to the annual meeting. Each grant will provide two travel awards of up to $1,250 each: one to the PI or laboratory director and another to a member of his or her lab.
• AAI Undergraduate Faculty Travel Grants - $2,250/grant
  These grants assist undergraduate faculty attending the AAI annual meeting. The grants also support travel costs for an undergraduate student of the recipient's selection
• AAI Early Career Faculty Travel Grants - $1,250/grant
  These grants assist promising young investigators with travel to the AAI annual meeting. Testimonials from past recipients confirm that this modest amount makes a huge difference in their career development.
• AAI Trainee Abstract Awards - $500 - $750*/Award
  These awards provide critical travel support for AAI Trainee Members whose first-author abstracts are selected for oral presentation in an AAI Block Symposium. Over 300 abstract awards are given to our most talented developing investigators. Amounts vary by number of consecutive years of AAI membership.
• AAI Poster Awards - $300/Award
  These awards provide up to $300 travel reimbursement to AAI Trainee Members whose first-author abstracts selected for poster presentations only are deemed to be exceptional. Selection is based on the originality and significance of the research presented. Approximately 100 poster awards will be given to talented early career investigators.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Career Sessions - $2,000 - 4,000

• Careers in Science Networking Roundtables - $4,000
  Where experienced professionals lead discussions on specific career issues and options in their chosen fields-academia, industry, government or non-profit.
• AAI Minority Affairs Session and Reception - $ 4,000
  At this roundtable geared to early/mid-career scientists, senior immunologists lead discussions on handling today's career challenges and facilitate a structured networking exercise centered on communicating one's scientific interests/objectives most efficiently.
• Careers in Biotech Reception - $4,000
  This Saturday evening panel features scientists employed in a variety of positions in industry discussing their career paths and the skills required for success in each. AAI invites a sponsor to support the reception following the panel discussion. Qualifies for Contributing Sponsor.
• How to Convert Your CV into a Resume - $2,000 Lecture followed by one-on-one counseling.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Lectures Symposia - $5,000 - 10,000

• President's Address - $10,000
  The AAI president officially opens the AAI annual meeting with a presentation of his or her research. As AAI presidents are among the most outstanding immunologists world-wide, this session is attended by the largest audience of the meeting. (Audience 2,000). Qualifies for Premier Sustaining Sponsor
• President's Symposium - $10,000
  The AAI president is the chair of a symposium of his or her choosing featuring prominent immunologists invited to present cutting-edge research. This session typically attracts a standing-room-only audience. (Audience 2,000). Qualifies for Premier Sustaining Sponsor
• Distinguished Lectures (3) - $5,000 each
  Each day the scientific program ends with a plenary lecture by a scientist designated by the AAI Program Committee as one of the most talented and renowned immunologists today. (Audience 2,000 each). Qualifies for Premier Contributing Sponsor
• Major Symposia (8) - $5,000 each
  Eight Major Symposia are featured throughout the meeting: two concurrently each morning. These sessions present the most innovative science in the field today. Five to six noted scientists are featured in each session. (Audience 1,000 – 1,200 each). Qualifies for Premier Contributing Sponsor.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Escalator Graphics - $3,400 - 3,700

Two sets of escalators take attendees from the Grand Lobby to the scientific sessions, and one set of escalators take attendees from Concourse A to the Exhibit Hall. Opportunities for sponsorships include clings on the gutters and sides of escalators, but oportunties differ for each set of escalators. Please contact AAI Exhibits for additional information, availablity, and pricing for these opportunties. Qualifies for Premier Sponsorship if over $3,000.

View Options and Pricing See Exhibitor Prospectus

Banners - $2,200 - 8,000

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center offers sponsors great options for banner placement in high traffic areas visible to attendees as they visit the Exhibit Hall. Sizes and locations vary. Contact AAI Exhibits to see which banner options fit your company's needs. Qualifies for Premier Sponsorship if over $3,000.

View Options and Pricing See Exhibitor Prospectus

Digital Signage - Prices Vary

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center offers Digital Signage for use by exhibitors' media campaigns for the meeting. Available options include wall-mounted displays, video walls, and overhead digital signage. For more information on availability and pricing, please contact AAI Exhibits.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Sponsor Standing Signs - $1,200 each

These high-visibility, double-sided meter board signs (39"x89") will be located in the Grand Lobby as attendees walk to and from the Exhibit Hall. The Grand Lobby, located on the street level is the center of meeting activities. Attendees will use the Grand Lobby to go back and forth to the Exhibit Hall and the scientific sessions; price includes production.

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 SOLD!  Lighted Kiosks - $3,500 each

These four-sided, spinning lighted kiosks will be placed near the entrance to the Exhibit Hall. Sponsors have the option for different graphics on each of the 4 panels. Each panel is 39"x89" plexi. Qualifies for Premier Contributing Sponsor.

See Exhibitor Prospectus

Post Event Mail List - $700 each

Reinforce your message with a post-event mailing. AAI will send you the list electronically with physical addresses only (no email) soon after the meeting ends. One-time use only.

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Pre Event Mail List - $1,000 each

Let attendees know where you are, why they need to see your exhibit, and meet with you. The list will be provided electronically prior to the meeting with physical addresses only (no email) and one-time use only.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Passport Program - $500 each

AAI offers this program to drive traffic to your booth. Provided to each attendee at registration, the Passport will feature your booth on the Exhibit Hall floor plan map. Attendees enter their completed Passports into the drawings for one of three $250 American Express Gift Cards. The drawings will be held during the Poster Presentation Hour on Monday. This program is limited to exhibitors with 200 square feet or less booth space.

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 SOLD! Exhibitor Workshops - $1,200 each

This popular opportunity is available in one of two rooms on the Exhibit Hall floor. With theater-style seating for up to 100 attendees, each room provides the perfect setting for in-depth presentations and discussions. Workshops do not conflict with daily poster presentation time. Presentation topic, date,. time, and description will be included in the meeting program if received by the date requested by AAI. Note: the one-hour room rental includes time for your setup, 45-minute presentation, and tear-down time.

See Exhibitor Prospectus

Coffee Breaks - $5,000 each

Host coffee for the attendees in the Expo Hall on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday morning. Sponsor is invited to supply branded cups for the event. Sponsor's signage will be on the coffee break tables. Qualifies for Premier Contributing Sponsor.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Mobile App Rotating Banner - $1,000

Rotating banner sponsors receive a clickable banner ad displayed at the top of the home page. Ads will be displayed and rotating on the desktop version. Up to six rotating banner ads are available.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

 SOLD! Mobile App Elite - $8,000

The app was used by 62% of IMMUNOLOGY 2016 participants. Elite sponsor will have their logo on the splash screen, a clickable rotating banner ad, and booth highlighted on the floor plan in the app. Qualifies for Premier Supporting Sponsor.

See Exhibitor Prospectus

 SOLD! Hotel Key Cards - $11,000

Reach attendees numerous times daily with an exclusive sponsorship of hotel key cards. Your company message will be printed on the room key provided to attendees staying in the AAI hotel block. Logo and graphics must be submitted to AAI for pre-approval, and we will arrange for production and delivery. Qualifies for Premier Sustaining Sponsor.

See Exhibitor Prospectus

 SOLD!  Lanyards - $5,000

Attendees will display your company name around their necks! Sponsor arranges for production and delivery of at least 3,500 AAI-approved lanyards. Qualifies for Premier Contributing Sponsor.

See Exhibitor Prospectus

Power/Charging Station - $10,000

Today's attendees travel with at least one mobile device, whether it is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and they all seek power sources for recharging them. Create excitement around your company's products/services by offering attendees the chance to recharge their "lifelines" and a comfortable seat! Sponsorship includes charging station branded with sponsor logo. Qualifies for Premier Sustaining Sponsor

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

Exhibit Hall Aisle Banners - $500 each

Add your company name/logo and booth number on your aisle sign. Aisle banners will feature 4'x3' sponsor branding and booth number on every sign.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus

 SOLD!  Meeting Bags - $5,000 shared and $10,000 exclusive

See attendees carrying your logo to work, on shopping trips, and more! AAI will arrange for production and delivery of at least 3,500 bags. Qualifies for Premier Sustaining Sponsor if exclusive.

See Exhibitor Prospectus

Meeting Bag Inserts - $3,000 each

Place your promotional material or item right into all attendees' hands for long-term residual exposure. Sponsor arranges the purchase, production, and delivery of at least 3,500 items. Limitations on size apply and items must be submitted to AAI for approval 30 days prior to the meeting. Examples of acceptable inserts are: promotional brochures, postcards, other printed material (no catalogs or publications); or items such as pens; usb flash drives; luggage tags. Qualifies for Premier Contributing Sponsor.

Purchase    See Exhibitor Prospectus