Shaping the Future of Sonography: Inside the ASA2025 Conference Program

ASA2025 is set to be a dynamic and engaging conference, bringing together sonographers from across Australasia and beyond. With the theme ‘Educate, Elevate, Celebrate’, the program has been designed to inspire learning, highlight innovations, and recognise the contributions of sonographers to healthcare. The ASA Professional Development team shares how they curated a diverse program that balances technical advancements, professional development, and emerging trends in ultrasound. They also discuss new additions to the conference, including the SoundStage, Table Talks and the three-day Professional Topics program, and how ASA2025 continues to evolve to meet the needs of the profession.

The theme for ASA2025 is ‘Educate, Elevate, Celebrate’. How did this theme influence the selection of keynote speakers and topics for this year’s conference?

We chose keynote speakers who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate educators who can elevate the practice of sonography. Topics were selected to ensure that attendees were inspired and informed. We want to celebrate the knowledge shared, the latest technology on display, and advancements in our profession, but most importantly, we want to celebrate our amazing and dedicated sonographers.

Putting together a program for sonographers is no small feat. What were the key considerations when selecting topics and sessions for this year’s attendees?

When selecting topics and sessions for ASA2025, the key considerations included ensuring relevance, diversity and practical value. Along with the Program Committee, we aimed to choose topics that address current trends and areas of innovation to ensure that delegates leave with actionable knowledge and skills.

We also recognise that sonographers are professionals who require education in all aspects of practice. We are excited to highlight a continuous three-day professional stream, sponsored by IDX/Capital Radiology, that focuses on important aspects like communication skills, clinical supervision, and medico-legal aspects and provides an opportunity for key updates on regulation and standards of practice.

It was also important to provide a variety of session formats, including plenary lectures, workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions to accommodate different learning styles. Ultimately, the goal was to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that provides value to everyone, regardless of their background or level of expertise.

With rapid advancements in ultrasound technology and techniques, how did you ensure the program stays ahead of the curve and addresses future challenges in sonography?

To ensure the program stays ahead of the curve and addresses future challenges, we are closely monitoring the latest advancements in ultrasound and listening to our members’ needs. We prioritise incorporating emerging trends to ensure the program reflects the evolving field of sonography. Additionally, we sought feedback from professionals actively working in the field to identify potential gaps and evolving needs. By using a forward-thinking mindset and integrating innovative content, the program has been designed to leave delegates with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to ongoing advancements and tackle future challenges in their practice.

How do you see the role of conferences like ASA2025 in bridging the gap between research and everyday clinical practice for sonographers?

Conferences like ASA2025 play a crucial role in translating research into practice. They provide a platform for researchers to share their findings and for sonographers to learn about the latest evidence-based practices. This exchange of knowledge helps bridge the gap and ensures that sonographers are equipped with the most current and effective techniques. With over 90 abstracts submitted this year, we have prioritised highlighting original research within the program.

Communication and emotional resilience are key themes in this year’s program. Why do you think these soft skills are becoming increasingly important for sonographers?

In today’s healthcare environment, technical skills alone are not enough. Effective communication and emotional resilience are essential for providing high quality patient care and for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These skills help sonographers navigate complex interactions and manage the emotional demands of their work. We recognise that delegates are looking for education that informs all aspects of their working day. As the profession grows and the demand for service increases, our professionalism becomes increasingly important.

The Sound Stage is a new addition to ASA2025. Can you give delegates a preview of what to expect?

The Sound Stage will feature TED talk-style sessions with expert speakers and live scanning demonstrations. They will be held in the plenary hall, meaning no one will miss out on attending. We will use technology to ensure all delegates have a bird’s eye view of our expert, including the live scanning. It’s designed to be an engaging and immersive experience.

How do you ensure the conference program continues to evolve and stay relevant each year?

To keep the program relevant, we continuously seek feedback from attendees and stay informed about the latest developments in the field. We listen to feedback from previous conferences and are always striving to innovate and adapt the program. This year will have many new aspects on offer and increased capacity in all workshop spaces.

What feedback or insights from past conferences most influenced the direction of ASA2025’s program?

Feedback from past conferences highlighted the need for more interactive and practical sessions. Attendees also expressed a desire for more content on all aspects of professional development and soft skills. These insights shaped our decision to include workshops with greater capacity and improved technology, hands-on sessions, and a focus on communication, clinical supervision, and emotional resilience.

With speakers from diverse fields and international backgrounds, how do you think this diversity enriches the conference experience for attendees?

The diversity of speakers from various fields and international backgrounds significantly enriches the conference experience by offering broader perspectives and a wealth of knowledge. Having diverse viewpoints often challenges conventional thinking and encourages sonographers to consider new approaches. The variety and diversity of speakers also create networking opportunities and collaboration at a national and international level, connecting professionals who share the same interests and passions. As the largest conference for sonographers in the world, ASA embraces the diverse knowledge and opinions from all who attend.

For those new to the profession or attending their first conference, what sessions or experiences at ASA2025 would you recommend as a must-attend?

For newcomers, I recommend taking the time to go through the program and plan your schedule. Stretch yourself to go and watch lectures on areas you would like to incorporate into your practice. There are presentations and workshops that cover all levels of expertise and across all areas of speciality. Our presenters are always willing to share their knowledge, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The Sound Stage sessions are also a must-see for their engaging format and expert insights. The ASA Arena sessions give you a chance to contribute to meaningful discussions on important topics. But most of all, embracing networking events is invaluable for building connections and learning from peers. If you have ever wondered how many sonographers can fill a dance floor, the Gala Dinner is the place to be.

ASA2025 Melbourne Conference Program Committee

The success of ASA2025 would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of the Program Committee, a team of highly experienced sonographers who have volunteered their time to shape an outstanding conference program. Their collective knowledge and commitment ensure that the program is diverse, relevant, and reflective of the latest advancements in ultrasound.

We sincerely thank each committee member for their time, effort, and passion in bringing ASA2025 to life.

ASA2025 Melbourne Program Committee Members

Cardiac: Chee Liew, Damien Noll

General: Jane Keating, Paula King, Marilyn Zelesco

Vascular: Ian Schroen, AFASA, Peter Coombs, FASA, Gregory Curry, AFASA

MSK: Andrew Grant, Angela Farley, AFASA

Professional Topics: Angela Farley, AFASA, Frauke Lever, FASA

Paediatric: Margaret Condon

Women’s Health: Sree Kenche, Frauke Lever, FASA, Margaret Condon, Peter Coombs, FASA

EAC Representative: Jane Keating

Volunteer Coordinator: Saba Harrington