ASTM symposia provide an opportunity for members and others to present their research findings and exchange information. Approximately 20 symposia are held annually on a wide variety of technical subjects. Often the discussion identifies critical areas facing today's emerging technologies and forms the technical basis for the development of new and revised ASTM International standards.

Symposia are sponsored by ASTM technical committees and are often held in cooperation with government agencies and national or international professional organizations. Attendees are eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at the end of each symposium. In addition, as a follow-up to the symposia, the papers presented are peer reviewed and published in one of the ASTM online journals.