Innovate and Engage: Highlights from the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting in Phoenix

The 2025 American Burn Association (ABA) Annual Meeting in Phoenix was a remarkable gathering of over 2,200 burn care professionals worldwide. With a 5% increase in attendance compared to last year, the event showcased the latest advancements in burn care, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and celebrated the burn care community’s dedication. Here’s a look back at the highlights from the week. View this short recap video . View event photos .

Monday, April 7: Pre-Conference Kickoff

The week began with intensive pre-conference sessions, including the Advanced Burn Life Support® Live Course, the first part of the Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) Exam Prep Course, and “Burn Rehabilitation: Putting Competencies into Practice.” The ABA Board of Trustees and various committees also gathered to plan upcoming initiatives and advance key priorities for the year ahead.​ The evening ended with the first of the week’s Sponsored Symposiums, led by industry experts, that offered in-depth education, innovative burn care solutions, and valuable networking.

Tuesday, April 8: Engaging the Burn Team

Pre-conference activities continued with courses including Burn Reconstruction, Burn Registrar Training, and the “Fundamentals of Burn Care” for professionals with less than five years of experience. Special Interest Group meetings were held this day, and the A Mile in My Shoes exhibit kicked off an immersive experience with first-person audio stories created in collaboration with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and the Empathy Museum. The New Member & First-Time Attendee Welcome, hosted by the Membership Advisory Committee (MAC), provided networking opportunities, and the exhibit hall officially opened. The day also featured the Fellow of the American Burn Association (FABA) Induction Ceremony, a status that allows physicians to demonstrate specialization in burn care through advanced training, contribution, and commitment to the field.

Wednesday, April 9: Official Opening of Annual Meeting Education

The day started with Sunrise Symposia, offering interactive, multidisciplinary discussions on key topics in burn care. It was followed by the Opening Ceremony, Awards, & Presidential Address, which featured a color guard presentation, pipe and drum corps, and the national anthems. Award honorees were recognized, and President-Elect Jeffrey Carter introduced President Sharmila Dissanaike, who delivered a compelling address on embracing living in uncertain times. Educational forums, poster rounds, and the MAC Forum further enriched the day. The Innovation Theater in the Exhibit Hall added another layer of learning, with 20-minute sessions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking initiatives shaping the future of burn care. The day concluded with the Fellows in Training Reception, emphasizing connection, mentorship, and professional growth.

Thursday, April 10: Leadership and Learning

The day opened with Sunrise Symposia and then the Presidential Plenary Session, where attendees heard from outgoing CEO Paul Pomerantz, met new CEO Ed Dellert, and then listened to keynote speaker Julie Lancaster share strategies to strengthen engagement and collaboration to build resilient and interdisciplinary burn teams. A moving in-person meet-up between the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center, the Phoenix Fire Department, and the Straub Benioff Medical Center Burn Care Unit, took place, where their teams met for the first time and reflected on their response to the Maui fireworks explosion, which brought six critically injured patients 3,000 miles to Phoenix for lifesaving care. Attendees also explored educational forums and poster rounds. They participated in Passport to Prizes, where they scanned QR codes at exhibit booths to win prizes announced at the ABA Booth.

Friday, April 11: Celebrating Excellence and the Closing Celebration

The final day highlighted the Top Abstracts, with presentations and discussions on their findings. The “Best in Category” posters were showcased, and awards were presented by the Chairs of the Program, Research, and Membership Advisory Committees. The ABA Business Meeting provided updates and statistics, and the event concluded with a memorable closing party at The Duce, featuring an exceptional opera performance by ABA member Dominic Mantuano, fireman, EMS professional, and Executive Director of the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation.

Thank you to all of ABA’s sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for making the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting a resounding success to continue the journey of innovation and engagement in burn care.