The BC Society of Laboratory Science [BCSLS] and our Congress Committee are inviting prospective speakers to submit abstracts to present at our upcoming BCSLS Congress at the River Rock Casino Resort.
Please read instructions carefully before submitting an abstract.
About the Event
The BCSLS Annual Congress is our premiere event of the year. This year’s conference is themed “Knowledge flows and inspiration rocks along the river of connections!” and will be hosted at the River Rock Casino Resort near the Vancouver Airport, BC from Sept 25-27, 2025
● BCSLS is a professional association of medical laboratory professionals working in both public and private laboratories throughout BC.
● The conference brings together laboratory professionals, educators, and industry representatives from across the province and nationally. Attendees typically include laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants ranging from leaders to front-line staff.
● Delegates are participating in-person and virtually. The number of attendees at each session can range from 10 to 200, depending on the topic and number of sessions running simultaneously.
● Congress topics include notable experiences, interesting cases, new technology or upcoming changes in the field of Chemistry, Hematology, Anatomical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, Molecular Diagnostics, Microbiology, Pre & Post Analytic, Cytogenetics, Lab Quality and Safety, Laboratory Leadership, etc.
Congress Objectives
To facilitate learning and development outcomes, BCSLS is seeking presentations that align with the following objectives:
● Build knowledge and inspiration where participants can learn about new changes and emerging trends within laboratory science
● Allow participants to exchange knowledge on leading practices, tools and ideas that can be implemented back into their own work, professional and personal setting
Presentation Requirements
● Presenters are expected to be presenting in-person at the River Rock Casino Resort
● Presentation needs to be relevant to the medical laboratory field and/or promote professional or personal development. Subject categories include: Chemistry, Hematology, Anatomical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, Molecular Diagnostics, Microbiology, Pre & Post Analytic, Cytogenetics, Lab Quality and Safety, Laboratory Leadership, etc.
● Presentation format options:
Individual Presentation: 50 minutes + 10 mins Q/A
This is usually a lecture format where a speaker presents on a topic and answers any questions related to the topic. The duration of an individual presentation is 50 mins with 10 mins for questions.
Workshops (110 minutes + 10 mins Q/A morning or afternoon presentation)
Workshops involve audience participation and geared towards skill-based training. The duration of a workshop session is 110 mins and must include audience engagement.
Option 3: Hot topic forums
Option 4: Other
Submission Instructions
The abstract should be prepared in paragraph format
The maximum word count is 300 words. The word count excludes the title.
You can copy and paste the text from your document into the abstract submission form.
Once your abstract is prepared, please click on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025CongSpkrAbstracts to start completing the online submission form.
You will require the following information to complete the abstract submission form:
Primary contact person (As the primary contact, only this person will receive correspondence and is expected to share it with their co-presenters. The submitter should be the primary contact);
Name, title, organization, contact information
100 word professional biography for each presenter outlining their work experience
Presentation format (Please select only one format)
Abstract with a maximum of 300 words
Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Selection Criteria
All abstracts will be reviewed and assessed according to the following guidelines:
Relevance to the Medical Laboratory Field and Professional Development
Subject categories include: Chemistry, Hematology, Anatomical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, Molecular Diagnostics, Microbiology, Pre & Post Analytic, Cytogenetics, Lab Quality and Safety, Laboratory Leadership, etc.
Discussion of new changes, innovation and emerging trends within laboratory science
Allow participants to gain knowledge on leading practices, tools and ideas that can be applied to their work in the lab no matter where they work
Ways to cultivate growth and development, improve well-being and decrease stress for Medical Lab Professionals
Key messages, learning objectives and outcomes are clearly articulated
Originality and innovation
Speaker Reimbursements
We invite all speakers to attend BCSLS Congress on the day that they are presenting. If you would like to attend the Congress on days that you are not presenting, please register for those days. BCSLS does not provide any honorarium but will reimburse speakers for travel and accommodation as outlined below.
Speakers can expense the following as long as they are supported with receipts.
1 night’s accommodation. Book early using the group rate blocking at the River Rock Resort. Up to $229.
Travel expenses up to a maximum of $150. Submitted with receipts and/or documents of travel.
Other:
Where two or more speakers are presenting a single lecture:
Accommodation and travel expenses are paid for the equivalent of one speaker.
2 can utilize the free attendance all day on your presentation day.
1 can register to attend Congress using the speaker discount rate of $55/day on non-presenting days.
Where one speaker is presenting two topics in one day, BCSLS covers expenses for 1 day.
Where one speaker is presenting on two different days, BCSLS will cover two night’s accommodation if required.
Important Dates:
Deadlines
o November 1: Call for Abstracts sent out
o December 31: Abstract submission deadline.
o Jan 1 – Jan 15: Selection process by the Scientific committee
o By January 31 - Speakers will be notified
o February 15 – Speakers must confirm participation
o April 1st – Presentation title (different from topic)
o Sept 10 – PowerPoint presentation due
We thank you in advance for your support of the BCSLS Congress.
If you have any further questions, please email angie@bcsls.net