Our Work
Clin Micro Open (CMO) brings together laboratory and industry leaders to discuss current and potential issues affecting the future of diagnostic clinical microbiology. This event is a primary benefit of Corporate Council membership, providing networking and scientific exchange opportunities to enable these 2 groups to cultivate partnerships and positively impact patient care. CMO is held annually, typically in January/February.
What is Clin Micro Open?
Clin Micro Open (CMO) is a unique meeting where relationships are formed and technological advances are catalyzed. The meeting facilitates the open exchange of ideas among the medical microbiologists and 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Corporate Council representatives who attend the meeting.
Why Should You Attend CMO?
We believe that improvements in patient care begin with open dialogue between key stakeholders and decision makers. CMO allows attendees to truly engage with one another and leverage diverse views and expertise to address critical challenges and collaborative opportunities in the field of diagnostic microbiology.
CMO 2026
91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ hosted its seventh CMO in Del Mar, Calif. The conference began on the evening of Feb. 4 and concluded late morning on Feb. 6. Approximately 50 attendees (a mixture of corporate council members and medical microbiologists) convened to hear insightful presentations and engage in meaningful discussions. Industry attendees were members of 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ’s Corporate Council and identified by their company. Laboratory leaders were invited or selected based on their submitted application and willingness to actively participate.
Topics
The theme for CMO 2026 was diagnostic stewardship:
- New or innovative methods used for diagnostic stewardship implementation at institutions.
- Scaling and disseminating what works in diagnostic stewardship.
- Success stories and lessons learned from navigating the financial factors related to diagnostic stewardship.
- How the implementation of diagnostic stewardship positively or negatively impacts public health labs or public health activities.
Participants presented keynote talks, followed by roundtable discussions, with the intent of formulating recommendations for future activities or collaborations. Incorporation of fun activities and games provided additional opportunities for attendees to share their knowledge and ideas.
Who Can Attend?
Medical Microbiology Laboratory Directors
The application window for CMO 2027 will open in Sept. 2026. 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ members who are full-time laboratory directors in the United States or Canada are eligible to apply.
Federal Agency and Public Health Decision Makers
Representatives from federal agencies are invited by the CMO Steering Committee to attend.
91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ's Corporate Council Members
Our Corporate Council program offers companies a unique year-long relationship with 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ and its members. Kingdom and Phylum members are automatically invited to attend CMO.
Testimonials
- “The experience and caliber of people who attended the meeting was a dream come true, but most importantly, there was so much fun while learning.”
- “Making some new connections with people I didn't know was the most valuable part of the meeting! The clinical outcomes topic and laboratory challenges seemed extremely relevant to us each individually as well as a diagnostic community. I also loved Shark Tank!”
- “The clinical outcomes research was amazing; Really great to get the combined perspective of labs and industry in one place.”
- "This is my favorite meeting!"
