The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) is a professional body and registered charity working to promote excellence in surgical training for the benefit of junior doctors and patients alike. With a membership of over 2,000 surgical trainees from all ten surgical specialities, the association provides support at both regional and national levels throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Originally founded in 1976, ASiT is independent of the National Health Service (NHS), Surgical Royal Colleges, and specialty associations. The 2013 Annual Conference in Manchester brought together over 700 delegates for an educational weekend programme with expert guest speakers. Cutting edge clinical updates were complimented by debates on current training in surgery and focussed parallel sessions. The weekend started with 13 pre-conference courses covering a diverse range of topics including laparoscopic skills, ultrasound for surgeons, surgical drawing, core skills in neurosurgery and a masterclass in journal club. A record number of 1,458 abstract submissions were received and those successful competed for 22 awards representing nearly £4,000 in trainee prizes and bursaries. As the only national surgical trainee meeting for all specialties, ASiT continues to grow and we look forward to an even larger and more successful conference next year.