Our Work
The Clin Micro Open (CMO) is an annual meeting that brings together laboratory and industry leaders to discuss current and potential issues affecting the future of diagnostic clinical microbiology. We aim to improve patient care by exchanging ideas, engaging in informal networking and cultivating partnerships.
What is Clin Micro Open?
Clin Micro Open (CMO) is a unique meeting where relationships are formed and technological advances are catalyzed. The meeting facilitates the open exchange of ideas among the medical microbiology and biotechnology communities and is composed of 50% laboratory directors and 50% ASM Corporate Council members (biotech companies and industry partners who have entered into a year-long relationship with ASM).
Why Should You Attend CMO?
We believe that improvements in patient care begin with open dialogue between key stakeholders and decision makers, and with approximately 60-80 professionals in attendence, CMO allows attendees to truly engage with one another and leverage diverse views and expertise to address critical challenges and collaborative opportunities in the field of diagnostic microbiology.
Apply for CMO 2025
Applications are now open for Clin Micro Open 2025! ASM will host its sixth CMO in Savannah, Ga. The conference will begin in the evening on Jan. 29, 2025, and conclude late morning on Jan. 31. Approximately 60 attendees (a mixture of corporate council members, clinical directors and government) will convene to hear insightful presentations and engage in meaningful discussions. Industry attendees will be members of ASM’s Corporate Council and identified by their company. Federal employees will be invited participants. Laboratory leaders will be invited or selected based on their submitted application and willingness to actively participate.
Topics
The theme for CMO 2025 is infection prevention and features the following topics:
- Successes or failures in implementing programs for emerging health threats relevant to infection prevention.
- Challenges, barriers and successes using sequencing methods to address infections at your institutions.
- Strategies you are using to navigate the changing nature of LDT regulations for unmet clinical needs.
Participants will present the keynote talks, followed by roundtable discussions, with the intent of formulating recommendations for future activities or collaborations. Incorporation of fun activities and games will encourage attendees to share their knowledge and ideas and give them a chance to win a few prizes.
Who Can Attend?
Medical Microbiology Laboratory Directors
Applications for CMO 2024 have closed. If you are interested in participating next year, we welcome you to join us! ASM members who are full-time laboratory directors are eligible to apply. Applications will open again in fall 2024.
Federal Agency and Public Health Decision Makers
Representatives from federal agencies will be invited by the CMO Steering Committee to attend.
ASM's Corporate Council Members
Our Corporate Council program offers companies a unique year-long relationship with ASM and its members. Kingdom and Phylum members are automatically invited to attend CMO.
CMO 2024
Clin Micro Open 2024 was a success! The annual meeting took place from Jan. 31–Feb. 2 at the Mission Pacific Hotel located in Oceanside, Calif. Approximately 60 attendees (a mixture of corporate council members, clinical directors and government) convened to hear insightful presentations and engage in meaningful discussions.
Topics:
The theme of this year’s meeting was the Lab of the Future, featuring the following topics:
- Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Clinical Labs.
- Centralization vs. Decentralization.
- When There is No Consensus on the Standard of Care.
Fun activities, such as the Shark Tank and Family Feud encouraged attendees to share their knowledge and ideas, as well as giving them a chance to win some prizes. A paper on CMO 2024 will be published in ASM journals later in 2024.
Information for CMO 2025 will be posted in fall 2024.
Testimonials
- “The experience and caliber of people who attended the meeting was a dream come true, but most importantly, there was so much fun while learning.”
- “Making some new connections with people I didn't know was the most valuable part of the meeting! The clinical outcomes topic and laboratory challenges seemed extremely relevant to us each individually as well as a diagnostic community. I also loved Shark Tank!”
- “The clinical outcomes research was amazing; Really great to get the combined perspective of labs and industry in one place.”
