I still remember attending my first medical conference after launching DiepCFoundation in the summer of 2016. Since then, I’ve participated in more meetings than I can count, each one reinforcing how essential thoughtful preparation is for meaningful patient advocacy, whether the focus is breast cancer or breast reconstruction. My first event of 2026 will be the annual meeting of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), a gathering that always inspires reflection on why microsurgical conferences matter and how to make the most of them. In this blog, I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me prepare, stay grounded, and find success in these dynamic environments.
Strategies Preparing for Microsurgical Conferences
Registration for ASRM begins months before the actual conference. There is an early registration price and once that passes the cost increases. As a nonprofit, I remain mindful of our budget since I have to justify expenditure to my Board of Directors. Hotel rooms also fill up quickly for this conference, so I am mindful of timely sign up. I am so grateful to the sponsors of the Foundation who support our mission to educate and inform those affected by breast cancer of all their options for breast reconstruction. Without them, my attendance at such conferences would not be possible.
Microsurgery conferences have some of the most complex reconstructive surgical sessions of any conference I attend. This is the niche that is DiepCFoundation. Attendance keeps me updated on the latest techniques; surgical tools used for improved patient outcomes and allows me to meet the surgeons performing these procedures. It is an opportunity for me to add to the resources provided at the Foundation by inviting surgeons to be interviewed for the DiepCJourney® podcast and our dedicated educational YouTube channel.
Connecting with a Purpose
I receive multiple emails from ASRM after I register to assist attendees to make the most of the conference. They encourage attendees to download the app for the conference. This allows me to select my schedule and allow time in-between sessions to talk to industry leaders and surgeons on a more personal level.
It is important to me to reach out to the community we serve at the private Facebook group DiepCJourney: Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy, before I leave. I will let them know what conference I am attending as well as what sessions that are on my schedule. I created a post for the page asking them to share their questions based on what I intend to learn at ASRM. This allows me to focus on what is important to the community we serve at the Foundation and really answers the “why” and purpose for my attendance.
Personal Planning and What to Do Before Takeoff
My husband is a wonderful support for me. He is retired and knows I love this work. I type my flight plans and itinerary for him before leaving making sure he also has emergency phone numbers of friends I know who will be at the conference. As a bonus for his support, I always make sure all laundry is caught up, house is clean, and he knows exactly what my schedule will be when I am there.
Packing… whew! I’ll admit it’s my least favorite part of getting ready for any conference. I have learned to keep it simple, packing shoes and clothes that are comfortable and make you feel confident. When I step into a room of well-respected microsurgeons, fellows, residents, and industry leaders, it can feel like entering a sea of expertise. But what continually strikes me is how approachable they are as people. They come to these conferences to learn, connect, and reconnect with each other. That shared purpose makes the environment far more welcoming than intimidating.
Stay Tuned. I’ll be sharing recaps of what I learned at the conference in upcoming blogs, podcast episodes, and YouTube videos.