EAST news | 2017 Issue 4 4 31st Annual Scientific Assembly – The Wait is Almost Over The wait is almost over for the 31st Annual Scientific Assembly. More than eight hundred will convene this January at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to connect, learn and discuss issues facing the industry and beyond. #EAST2018 assures to once again deliver its tradition of top networking and exceptional scientific content. Social Q&A New this year, an interactive social media component will be present – a way for real- time questions to get answered in the session they are asked. Offer your question during the session directly from your mobile device while sitting in your seat during the conference. Other attendees can UP vote your question to try to make it one that is fielded in real-time. EAST strives to connect both within the meeting walls and outside of them. This is yet another way to create that connection – conference style. Participation is easy: (1)  From your mobile device, access EAST Social Q/A at east.cnf.io or from the EAST Meeting App (2)  Pick a session, pick a paper and submit a question (3)  If you like a question that has already been asked, “Up Vote” it by clicking on the arrow. Message from the Annual Scientific Assembly Committee Chair, Matthew J. Martin, MD, FACS I am really excited to be taking over the reins from Andrew Bernard and continuing to grow and develop what I think is the premier meeting for the trauma and acute care surgery community. This year we will continue the focus on the core missions of EAST, with a broad array of programs to help develop and mentor the junior members, support the needs of our mid-level members, and leverage the expertise and experience of our senior members. Additional changes to the meeting this year include the elimination of standard posters and the addition of more quick-shot presentations, an expert “how I do it” video plenary session, the addition of cases from the combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan to the “Engage the Masters” sessions, and the incorporation of more social media and real-time web-based options for participating in the meeting. I look forward to seeing you all at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida!