First-Time Attendees
If you are new to the ARVO Annual Meeting, there are a number of resources available to help you navigate the week.
Helpful tips
Review this ARVO-AAO joint webinar to get invaluable insights and practical advice on maximizing your annual meeting journey:
Plus, here are some useful tips from ARVO member Tasneem Khatib, BM, BCh, on how to navigate the Annual Meeting as a first-time attendee:
Trainee/First-Time Attendees Info Table
Sunday, May 4 - Tuesday, May 6
8am - 3pm daily
Location TBA
Salt Palace Convention Center
Stop by to get questions answered, grab Meeting materials and get advice on how to make the most of the Meeting.
Seeking career advice or job openings? Take advantage of the following opportunities offered during the Annual Meeting (all times are MT):
WEAVR Drop-In Mentoring Program
Sunday, May 4 - Wednesday, May 7
Noon - 3pm daily
ARVO Central (Exhibit Hall Level)
Salt Palace Convention Center
Take advantage of drop-in mentoring offered by WEAVR during ARVO 2025. Mid- and senior-level female ARVO members will be available to meet with individuals who may be looking for professional guidance from a female perspective.
SCTF Information Table
Monday, May 5
2:30 - 4:30pm
Hall 1 (Exhibit Hall Level)
Salt Palace Convention Center
Effectively sharing your science is essential, especially now. If you're looking to improve your communication skills, ARVO's Science Communication Training Fellowship (SCTF) can help. This interactive, yearlong program will boost your science communication and advocacy skills, equipping you with the tools to engage with the public, legislators and other key stakeholders. Hear firsthand from SCTF alumni and discover how this program can empower you.
PI/Postdoc Job Meet-up
Monday, May 5
3 - 5pm
Hall 1 (Exhibit Hall Level)
Salt Palace Convention Center
Are you a postdoc currently searching for a job opportunity? Then be sure to stop by this informal networking event to meet-up and mingle with PIs from over 35 institutions to chat about job openings in their labs. Remember to bring your résumé and a great attitude. No ticket purchase required.
Breakfast with the Experts
Tuesday, May 6
7 - 8:30am
Salt Palace Convention Center
Registration — $15
Advance ticket purchase required
This event provides a wonderful opportunity to meet with subject experts for in-depth conversations in a small group setting. Experts will host a table, give guidance and answer your questions on a specific theme. Browse the table topics and sign up for the one in which you are most interested.
Résumé Review
Tuesday, May 62 - 4pm
MIT Lounge
Salt Palace Convention Center
Sign up for a one-on-one session with an experienced ARVO member to review your CV/résumé. Bring a printed copy of your résumé.
To reserve a session, stop by the First-Timers table (location TBA) from Sunday, May 4, to sign up. Any unclaimed spots or no-shows* will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
*As review sessions are only 20 minutes, late arrivals will be treated as no-shows if someone is waiting to claim an available timeslot.
Members-in-Training (MIT) Poster Award Competition
Wednesday, May 7
5:30 - 7 pm
Hall 1 (Exhibit Hall Level)
Salt Palace Convention Center
MIT First Authors of the top-five scored abstracts scheduled as poster presentations from each Scientific Section and Cross-sectional Group will be eligible for consideration as award recipients and invited to participate in the MIT Outstanding Poster Award Competition. The poster viewing time is open to all (no ticket purchase required). Light refreshments available.
Social and networking events
ARVO hosts various events throughout the week where you can network and enjoy downtime with your fellow colleagues. You can purchase tickets online when you register for the Annual Meeting or can add tickets to your current registration.
All times are MT
- May 3, 7:30 - 10pm ― ARVO Foundation Gala
- May 4, 7:30 - 10:30pm ― Sunday Social (non-refundable ticket)
- May 6, 11:30am - 1pm ― Women in Eye and Vision Research WEAVR) Luncheon
- May 6, 6:30 - 8pm ― Student/Trainee Travel Grant Social (No ticket purchase required)
- May 7, 8 - 11pm ― ARVO Karaoke Night (non-refundable ticket; must be 21+)
- May 8, 4 - 5pm ― 2026 Denver Kickoff (No ticket purchase required)