The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Symposium is the premier annual gathering for forensic science leadership. It brings together supervisors, assistant directors, and directors who shape strategy, set standards, manage resources, and make the critical decisions that define the future of their laboratories. 

 

​Attendees represent all 50 U.S. state and more than 20 countries worldwide, creating a truly global forum for collaboration, benchmarking, and shared problem-solving among peers facing similar operational, scientific, and leadership challenges

 

 

​

The Symposium uniquely convenes forensic leaders alongside the industry partners who support them. Exhibitors and sponsors showcase the latest tools, technologies, and services advancing forensic science - from SaaS platforms and analytical instrumentation to architecture and design firms building the next generation of crime laboratories.

 

This environment fosters high-value, face-to-face conversations that lead to informed purchasing decisions, strategic partnerships, and long-term collaborations. For exhibitors, it is the most efficient and impactful way to engage with the nation's top forensic decision-makers. For attendees, it's a change to evaluate solutions, ask hard questions, and learn from peers who are implementing them in real time. 
​

 

 

The ASCLD Symposium is more than a conference - it's a purposefully designed week built to educate, inspire, and connect. 

 

Over five days, attendees experience:

• Expert-led simars, workshops, and keynote sessions focused on forensic science, leadership, and organizational strategy

• Extensive networking opportunities in the exhibit hall, during receptions, at the offsite event, and through curated pre-conference excursions that highlight the host city

• Wellness and connection experiences including morning workouts, speciality coffee carts, therapy dog breaks, and thoughtfully designed spaces to recharge and collaborate

 

This balance of rigorous education, meaningful networking, and intentional attendee experience ensures participants leave with actionable insights and lasting professional relationships. 

 

 

 

The annual ASCLD Symposium is the only event of its kind created exclusively for crime laboratory decision-makers. Attendees come not only to learn, but to connect, collaborate, and collectively shape the future of forensic science. 

 

What you gain isn't just inspiration - it's practical, applicable knowledge. Through thought-provoking keynotes and interactive sessions, attendees walk away with tools, strategies, and perspectives they can immediately apply within their labs and organizations.

 

Networking isn't a side activity at ASCLD - it's the heartbeat of the event. Every interaction, whether spontaneous or structured, is intentionally designed to spark connections that last well beyond the conference. 

 

 

 

When schedules are packed and budgets are tight, attending ASCLD is a strategic investment. The value lies not only in what you learn, but in who you meet, the problems you solve together, and the momentum you bring back to your organization. 

 

Join us as we challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and lead forensic scientists into the future. Together, we will turn obstacles into opportunities - and ensure the field continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.

 

Your voice and vision belong here. Let's lead the way forward.​​​​​​