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ABTA National Conference logo

Join the nation's largest brain tumor conference.

September 5-7, 2024 | Chicago and Online

Learn, engage and connect with patients and caregivers impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.

Learn. Engage. Connect.

The ABTA National Conference is the largest educational meeting designed specifically for patients and caregivers to learn the latest advances in research, treatment and care from top brain tumor experts.

Register now:

Program Highlights

Get ready for three days filled with educational sessions (two days livestreamed), three breakout sessions, and networking activities tailored just for you. Join us for:

  • Finding New Treatments: From Clinical Trials to Real-World Use
  • Behind the Scenes of a Brain Tumor Board
  • Lessons in Building Resilience presented by Janet Fanaki, Podcast Host & former Caregiver
  • Interactive Activities: Gingko Symbolism & Art, Virtual Writing Workshop, Therapy Dogs, and more

 

For questions and assistance, email info@abta.org or call 1-800-886-2282.

Conference Details

Date: Thursday, September 5 - Saturday, September 7, 2024

Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicago and online

Registration Cost:
In-person: $40 per person; Livestreaming: Free

Financial Aid: Eligible in-person registrants in financial need can apply for our limited Pat McDonald Scholarships. Learn more and apply.

Plan Your Experience

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In-person attendees are encouraged to join us Thursday evening to relax and connect with others during our therapeutic workshops.

On Friday, attendees are invited for meals, networking, and to explore exhibit booths. The program will follow with a dynamic look behind the scenes of Brain Tumor Board, breakout sessions on navigating stages of treatment, and the keynote address. Stick around for the evening cocktail reception for light appetizers, music, and an opportunity to meet researchers!

On Saturday morning, attendees can join us for Chair Yoga, therapy dogs, breakfast, and networking. The day will follow with engaging sessions on clinical trials, building resilience, and two tracks of breakout sessions. You don’t want to miss it!

In-person registration is $40 per attendee. Click here to register.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can tune in from the comfort of your own home through our virtual conference platform, Whova.

Virtual attendees are invited to log on Thursday evening for a writing workshop. Before, during, and after the conference you can interact on virtual chat boards and explore research posters.

On Friday and Saturday, join the livestream of educational sessions and ask questions through the Q&A feature. Virtual attendees will also have access to breakout sessions on both days.

Registration is free, but required for virtual attendees. You will receive further details on how to access the conference platform.

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center HotelGet the full in-person conference experience by booking a room at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

Just a 20-minute drive from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, attendees are encouraged to reserve a room in the ABTA block and join us for the conference!

  • Rate: $179/attendees (valid Wednesday, September 4 – Sunday, September 8, 2024)
  • Cutoff date: August 13, 2024
  • Cancellation policy: 72 hours prior to guest’s arrival date

 

If you are facing financial hardship, learn more about our scholarship opportunity for eligible in-person attendees.

Parking:

Attendees staying overnight at the Renaissance Hotel should park in the hotel parking lot, located to the right of the hotel. Local or day-of attendees should park on the Convention Center side. Click here for the venue parking map.

A limited number of Pat McDonald Scholarships are available to those in financial need who want to attend the conference in person.

Awarded scholarships will cover a one night stay at the Renaissance Hotel along with registration fees for eligible attendees and any accompanying guests.

To be considered:

  • You must live more than 45 miles from the conference hotel (1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL, 60173).
  • You must be a brain tumor patient/survivor or caregiver.
  • You must demonstrate financial need.

To apply for financial assistance, please complete this form by July 31, 2024.

For questions or assistance, please email info@abta.org or call 800-866-2282.

Meet Our Keynote: Matthew Zachary

Matthew Zachary is a 28-year brain cancer survivor and provocateur hailed for leading a social movement for young adults with cancer.

A classically trained concert pianist, Matthew’s plans to pursue a career in film composition were upended by a medulloblastoma diagnosis at the age of 21.

While recovering from surgery, he was struck by the isolation and lack of resources available for adolescents and young adults (AYA).

In 2007, Matthew founded the award-winning nonprofit Stupid Cancer, the world’s largest AYA cancer community dedicated to empowering young people with support and connection.

Before podcasts existed, Matthew hosted “The Stupid Cancer Show,” the first healthcare talk radio show. He later produced the award-winning documentary, “The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship,” and the Top-10 award-winning healthcare podcast, “Out of Patients.”

Dubbed the “The Podfather of Healthcare,” Matthew is considered one of the country’s most influential talents and visionary voices for the AYA community.

When he’s not rallying for patients, Matthew can also be found performing as a concert pianist and public speaker.

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from one of the most influential advocates. Register today for the 2024 National Conference!

Matthew is an award-winning “Cancer Maverick,” advocate, podcaster, documentarian, nonprofit leader and dad of twins.

Meet Our Conference Chairs

Marta Penas Prado, MD, MSc

Marta Penas-Prado, MD, MSc

Senior Clinician, Neuro-Oncology Branch
Clinical Research Program Co-Director
Lead Physician, NCI-CONNECT Rare CNS Tumor Clinic, Neuro-Oncology Branch
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Roy Strowd III, MD, MEd, MS

Associate Professor, Neuro-Oncology
Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Thank You To Our Sponsors!