Countdown to CSTM 2026: Visit Canadian Blood Services’ exhibitor booth

The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) annual conference, held in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, is taking place June 4-7 in Hamilton, ON. Each year, the CSTM conference provides opportunity for health-care professionals in transfusion medicine to share knowledge, learn about recent advancements in transfusion medicine, and connect with colleagues from across the country.

Leading up to the event, we invited members of Canadian Blood Services’ research and education network to share previews of their contributions to this year’s agenda. In this post, Dr. Sophie Chargé describes the exciting exhibitor booth activities planned to engage attendees. Dr. Chargé is the associate director for Canadian Blood Services’ knowledge mobilization & strategic alliances team within the Innovation division.

1a. What can conference attendees expect at Canadian Blood Services’ exhibitor booth during CSTM 2026?

• Dr. Chargé: The booth is a great spot for CSTM attendees to connect with our team members to learn more about Canadian Blood Services’ research and education network. This year, the Hospital Liaison Specialists will also be available at the booth to share about the ways they support clinical practice across the country. 
  
  We’ll be counting down to World Blood Donor Day with a quick, interactive Q&A that tests your knowledge of blood donation, blood collection, donor behaviours, and more. There will be a few fun surprises along the way, and attendees can also pick up classic Canadian Blood Services swag.

1b. What are some of the key learnings you hope booth visitors will take away?

• Dr. Chargé: I hope visitors leave our booth with a clearer understanding of how Canadian Blood Services supports safe, evidence‑based transfusion practice. I also hope they gain insight into the breadth of our research and education network, the diverse programs we support across the country, and where to find the practical resources we make available for the transfusion science and medicine community. 
  
  Most of all, I hope the conversations spark new connections and curiosity about how we can continue working together to strengthen Canada’s blood system.

2. Where can visitors find the booth this year?

• Dr. Chargé: We'll be located at booth #23 in the exhibitor’s hall during the conference.

  

3a. What are you personally most looking forward to about attending CSTM 2026?

• Dr. Chargé: What I’m most looking forward to about CSTM 2026 is reconnecting with colleagues and friends from across the transfusion science and medicine community, as well as meeting new faces. I’m always excited to hear what’s happening across the country and to learn about the incredible transfusion work and innovations taking place in Canada—it’s inspiring and energizing.

3b. What advice or comments would you share with attendees ahead of the conference, particularly for first time attendees?

• Dr. Chargé: For first‑time attendees, my biggest advice is to come curious and open—ask questions, check out a session outside your usual area, sit at a table where you don’t know anyone, and strike up a few conversations.
  
  This community is incredibly welcoming and generous with their knowledge. And I’ve also heard Hamilton has some great food, so be sure to get out, explore, and enjoy both the conference and the city.

  

Join the conversation at CSTM 

The theme for CSTM 2026 is “Cascading Connections”. Visit the CSTM website for more information about the conference and follow along with #cstm_scmt as it gets underway!

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation 

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.  

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.