By Kiko Zi Yi Huang

Graphic design by Anaiah Reyes

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s (ARVO) 2024 Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, with my supervisor, Dr. Ya-ping Jin. This was particularly special for me, as it marked both my first international conference and my first time travelling to Seattle.

The highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the conference itself. ARVO 2024 took place at the expansive Seattle Convention Center, which is composed of two grand, multi-story buildings. The venue was brimming with people and buzzing with activity, proudly hosting a diverse mix of physicians, researchers, students, and other field professionals. There was never a dull moment during this conference, with a variety of activities available, ranging from attending insightful lectures, exploring the exhibition hall, to participating in the lighthearted ARVO scavenger hunt sidequest.

Outside the main building, Arch, of the
Seattle Convention Center. This picture
does not do the scale of the building
justice, but it was truly massive!

Perhaps my favourite part of the conference was the poster hall. Having my research on display gave me a unique opportunity to connect with a wide range of individuals from a range of different backgrounds and universities. I was extremely nervous, but this quickly eased as I realised that everyone was incredibly friendly! Engaging in conversations about their experiences and sharing my own research was deeply rewarding and fun. Meeting people from all around the world and learning about the diverse range of research being conducted was truly eye-opening (pun intended)!

Beyond the conference, I spent my time wandering around the city with no set destination in mind. The famous Pike Place Market, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the convention centre, quickly became one of my favourite spots. Whether I was grabbing a quick coffee, enjoying a bite to eat, or picking up souvenirs for friends, the market’s bright atmosphere was a delightful pit-stop, no matter the time of day. Its carefree vibe offered a perfect counterbalance to the intensity of the conference, providing moments to recharge and savour the city’s charm.

The weather in Seattle was perfect during
my four-day visit in May, with clear skies
throughout. This photo captures a view
from Pike Place Market, featuring the
iconic Ferris wheel.

I also have to give a special mention to the absolutely delightful Din Tai Fung restaurant, which we sadly don’t have in Toronto. This restaurant serves the most incredible steamed soup dumplings, and I’d return to Seattle solely for the chance to indulge in a hundred more of these little bites of heaven.

Soup dumplings (xiao long bao) from Din
Tai Fung.

I’m eager to see where future ARVO meetings will lead me next, but for now, I’m just incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity. I would highly recommend anyone who hasn’t yet visited Seattle to do so—it’s a vibrant city teeming with countless experiences and delicious eats that deserves to be explored!