The Annual Meeting is the largest comprehensive event that CAST organizes on a regular basis. The aim of the Annual Meeting is to provide a platform on which science and technology professional from different disciplines and fields sit together to discuss new research, emerging trends and cross-disciplinary issues related to the country's economic and social development. It also offers an opportunity for scientists and engineers to communicate with the general public, including university students, school children, public servants, entrepreneurs, urban and rural population, in their efforts to enhance public understanding of science and technology.

The Annual Meeting of CAST is normally held in August or September in a city decided on by the Standing Committee of the National Committee of CAST after examining invitations from a number of provincial associations for science and technology.

Since 1999, the Annual Meeting of CAST has been held in Hangzhou (Zhejiang), Xi'an (Shaanxi), Changchun (Jilin), Chengdu (Sichuan), Shenyang (Liaoning), Qionghai/Bo'ao (Hainan), Urumchi (Xinjiang), Beijing and Wuhan (Hubai).

With its profound and extensive scientific and social impact, the Annual Meeting has been highly regarded by the Chinese government and the local authorities. State leaders, many ministers of the Central Government as well as high rank officials of the local authorities have attended the previous Meetings and addressed the audience on the status and policy issues related to science and technology. As the co-sponsor of the Meeting, the local government of each host province or city has provided generous logistic support to the event, which helped make it a great success.

At the Annual Meeting, science popularization activities are arranged and many eminent scientists are invited to local schools and communities to meet children and residents. Visits are also arranged for participants to farms and industrial factories where more practical issues are discussed.