If you’re headed to Montréal for the ASCP 2026 Annual Meeting, this is one session you won’t want to miss. Form a team and get stuck in, working together to solve common laboratory management challenges using toolbox resources.But be prepared to think fast. Remember – it’s a race!
Managers and aspiring leaders, alike, will learn valuable skills while they compete in this laboratory-based Amazing Race-style competition.
Here, two of the organizers, Christina Nickel, and Aaron Odegard, share the learning opportunities from this session
The following transcript has been edited for clarity.
Christina Nickel: Are you ready for the Amazing Lab Race Montréal 2027? Every laboratory leader faces obstacles, limited resources, competing priorities, staffing challenges, and the ongoing need to demonstrate the value of laboratory medicine. The question is, do you have the tools to navigate those challenges and successfully advocate for your laboratory?
My name is Christina Nickel and I'm the laboratory director at Brian Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Aaron Odegard: Hi, and I'm Aaron Odegard. I'm a quality lab coordinator at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida. Join us for the Amazing Lab Race, unlocking strategies to win over the C-suite using the ASCP Negotiation and Advocacy Toolbox.
In this fast-paced interactive session, you'll discover practical strategies and resources designed to help laboratory professionals build influence, communicate effectively with executive leaders, and advocate confidently for the needs of their teams, patients, and organization.
Using the ASCP Negotiation and Advocacy Toolbox, participants will actively engage in team building activities inspired by challenges that lab leaders face every day. You'll learn how to frame your message, strengthen your business case, negotiate for resources, and gain support from key stakeholders.
Christina Nickel: Best of all, the ASCP toolbox is a free resource, available to help you continue developing these critical leadership skills long after the session ends. So, whether you're a new leader looking to build confidence, or an experienced leader seeking fresh approaches, you'll leave with practical tools, proven techniques, and actionable strategies that you can immediately apply in your organization.
So gather your team, prepare for the challenge, and join us in the Montréal Amazing Race.
Aaron Odegard: Yeah, the finish line isn't just completing the race, it's becoming a stronger advocate for your laboratory and the profession.
Christina Nickel: See you in Montréal.
Aaron Odegard: See you guys there.
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