Alabama State Association of
Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting

May 27th - 30th, 2025
Gulf Shores, Alabama

President's Message - 2025 ASAFS Conference Recap

Celebrating 90 Years of ADFS: A Throwback to the '90s!
May 27–30, 2025 | Gulf Shores, Alabama

Dear ASAFS Members,

What a phenomenal time we shared at the 2025 ASAFS Conference! This year’s gathering held special significance as we celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS). With a fun and fitting theme—“Back to the '90s”—we honored the past while looking ahead to the exciting future of forensic science.

A Nostalgic Kickoff
We started things off in style with our opening reception at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, where friends and colleagues gathered for food, music, and a beautiful coastal sunset. It was the perfect setting to reconnect and set the tone for the week ahead.

Keynote Spotlight: Loretta Bush, FBI
We were honored to welcome Special Agent Loretta Bush of the FBI as our keynote speaker. Her powerful and timely presentation captivated the audience and offered valuable insight into one of today’s most high-profile forensic cases. Her passion, professionalism, and perspective set a high bar for the rest of the conference.

Engaging Scientific Sessions
Throughout the week, attendees participated in a full slate of scientific presentations, workshops, and case studies spanning the spectrum of forensic disciplines. From cutting-edge innovations to real-world applications, the content was both thought-provoking and practical, keeping us all at the forefront of our field.

Gratitude to Our Team and Partners
This successful conference would not have been possible without the dedication of the ASAFS Executive Officers, Board of Directors, and Committee Members. Your hard work, vision, and planning made this year’s event one to remember—thank you!

A special thank-you as well to our valued vendor partners. Your support helps advance our profession and enhances the quality of our meetings year after year:

Agilent Technologies | Forensic Pathology Services | Qiagen | Thermo Fisher Scientific | Legacy of Hope | National Center on Forensics | ConvergeOne | Lodox | Cayman Chemical | Waters | FirstNet | Abbott | NicheVision | PerkinElmer

A Heartfelt Thank-You to Dr. Curt Harper
As I step into this new role, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Curt Harper, who served as ASAFS President throughout 2024 and 2025. Under his strong and steady leadership, ASAFS experienced remarkable growth—expanded scientific content, increased membership, and record-setting conference attendance. His commitment, vision, and passion have strengthened our organization and set the stage for continued success. We are profoundly grateful for his service and contributions.

Looking Ahead
As we close the chapter on this year’s conference, we carry forward the momentum of 90 years of forensic excellence. Thank you all for being part of this milestone celebration—we look forward to continuing the journey with you.


Warmest regards,


Justin E. Sanders

Incoming President, Alabama State Association of Forensic Sciences

Keynote Speaker

ASAFS 2025 Keynote Speaker

Loretta Bush, FBI

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie Case

Gabby Petito was a 22-year-old woman who gained national attention due to her tragic death in 2021. She was on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, documenting their travels on social media. The couple had been traveling across the U.S. in a van, visiting national parks, and sharing photos and videos on social platforms like Instagram and YouTube. However, in late August 2021, Petito was reported missing after losing contact with her family while in Wyoming. Her last known communication was in late August. Brian Laundrie, her fiancé, returned to their home in Florida without her, which raised suspicions. In September, Laundrie went missing himself after being named a person of interest in the case.

The investigation into Petito's disappearance garnered widespread media attention, with public interest and concern growing over the course of weeks. In September, authorities discovered Gabby Petito's remains in a remote area of Wyoming, confirming that she had been murdered. Her death was ruled a homicide, and the details surrounding the case were widely discussed in the media. In October 2021, the FBI confirmed that Laundrie died by suicide, and his remains were found in a Florida nature reserve, along with a notebook that contained his confessions. His death closed the investigation into his involvement in Petito’s death, but it sparked ongoing discussions about domestic violence and the ways in which it is handled by authorities.

Event Schedule

ASAFS 2025 Conference Agenda

AGENDA

agenda

Event Venue

A Hilton Hotel

Book Hotel Room

The Lodge at Gulf State Park

Connect with your soul, loved ones, or colleagues in the natural beauty of The Lodge. Shed the stresses of daily life and focus on relationships as you immerse yourself in the seashore and natural habitat of Gulf State Park. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to connect you with nature, and with those you’ve brought along for the journey.


When it comes to “elevated comfort and Southern hospitality,” there’s nothing else like The Lodge anywhere on the Southern Alabama Coast. We pride ourselves on providing every guest with an unparalleled experience — refined, yet warm and welcoming. The 350 room Lodge at Gulf State Park is a full-service resort with access to an array of amenities, activities and facilities.

Sponsors

Thank you for supporting us!

ASAFS 2025 Sponsorship Form   Vendor Attendee Registration Form

2025 ASAFS Sponsorship and Vendor Information

Would you like to become a sponsor for ASAFS 2025 Annual Conference? Submit your  2025 ASAFS Sponsorship application today.
Deadline to apply is April 15, 2025.

Sponsorships Include:

Platinum Sponsorship ($3,500):

  • Sponsored Event: Opening Night Event, Meritorious Service Awards Dinner, or Themed Dinner
  • Large priority signage at event (2 custom signs)
  • President's Toast and Sponsorship Acknowledgement at event
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media
  • 25% discount on full conference registration for attendees
  • Table and chairs included

Gold Sponsorship ($2,000):

  • Sponsored Event: Lunch, Excursion, or Social Hour before Opening Dinner
  • Signage at event (1 sign)
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media
  • 25% discount on full conference registration for attendees
  • Table and chairs included

Silver Sponsorship ($1,000):

  • Sponsored Event: Conference Break
  • Signage at event (1 sign)
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media
  • 25% discount on full conference registration for attendees
  • Table and chairs included

Bronze Sponsorship ($500):

  • Vendor Expo Booth space only (Table and chairs included)
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media

All sponsors will receive recognition for their contributions at the event and in our conference program.

 The Sponsorships do not include attendee registration. A separate form will be used for attendee registration.  Please click here for Vendor Attendee Registration.

Special thanks to our sponsors!

F.A.Q

ASAFS 2025 – What You Need to Know!

  • The conference will begin on Tuesday, May 27th and close on Friday, May 30th. ASAFS 2025 will be held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

    The Vendor Booths will be open on May 28th-May 29th.

    THE LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK
    21196 EAST BEACH BLVD.
    GULF SHORES, AL 36542
    (251) 540-4000

  • Registration will be taking place on Tuesday, May 27th, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the hotel. If you are planning on arriving at a later date, please notify a member of the Vendor Committee of your arrival so we can ensure you receive all of your registration gear.

  • Tables may be set up on Tuesday, May 27th, from 1:00-5:00PM.

    Booths must be taken down on Thursday, May 29th, by 6:00PM. If this time conflicts with your excursion, please let us know.

    We will have volunteers around to help with any set up/take down needs.

  • Please address all packages to: o The Lodge at Gulf State Park Attn: Alabama State Association for Forensic Sciences 21196 East Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542

    Return packages will not be picked up from the Vendor Area. Please coordinate with Jessica Jackson, Vendor Chair, Michael Dugan, Vendor Vice Chair, or hotel staff to ensure your packages are returned.

  • The ASAFS agenda can be found on our website, ASAFS 2025 Annual Meeting, under the 2025 Annual Event. There will be scientific presentations, poster presentations, dress up nights, and our annual Fun Run!

See you in Gulf Shores!