The Society For Biomaterials is a very well-run and unique professional society because of its size and focus. I joined SFB in 1987 while doing a post doc at the University of Washington and have enjoyed membership over a span of 27 years! Most of that time has been spent in industry. Key benefits for me are staying abreast of technology, getting re-educated with new technology or a different technology. I have made many excellent contacts that are helpful at work when I need to bring in a subject matter expert, either from academia or service providers. SFB meetings have made that possible, and are truly unique in our industry. I like the hallway conversations best. The size of the meeting meets meet the 'Goldilocks criteria": not too big, not too small, but just right. It is easy to start up a conversation with thought leaders. My favorite memory was at the meeting in Charlotte in 2015, Helen Lu and I were program co-chairs. That was a great meeting because of the team that worked hard to pull it off, down to the last poster presenter. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a team pull together and create something magnificent out of thin air essentially. I think what I like most about attending SFB meetings is that it keeps me in contact with old friends and I have made some cool new friends who share a common interest. I have also benefitted from the leadership experiences, being involved with SIG leadership, the Program Committee and helping out with various other activities. It takes some time, which sometimes eats into my personal time, but I find it rewarding in the end.