The ABTA 2025 National Conference is September 12-14
Chicago and Online
Learn, engage and connect with patients and caregivers impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
All ABTA 2024 National Conference livestream sessions are available via the Whova app for registered attendees. Once you’re in Whova, just click or tap Agenda and scroll through the sessions.
All livestreamed sessions feature a green camera icon—just click or tap on the session you’d like to watch! All registrants will receive an email from our Patient Services team once recordings are available on the ABTA’s YouTube channel.
Empower Yourself at the ABTA National Conference
The nation’s largest patient-focused brain tumor conference is returning this fall and we hope to see you! Save the date for the ABTA 2025 National Conference, September 12-14 in Chicago and online.
- Learn about the latest treatment advances from leading experts
- Engage in wellness workshops and breakout sessions
- Connect with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers
Join us for a full weekend of enriching programs presented by nationally recognized experts.
Registration opens in early spring!
Meet the 2025 Co-Chairs:
Ashley Ghiaseddin, MD
Chief, Division of Neuro-Oncology
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
University of Florida College of Medicine
Ashlee Loughan, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Associate Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
@Ashlee-Loughan @LiveNOWLab @VCUMassey
Want to stay in the know? Sign up to receive information and updates using the form below.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
Program for the 2024 National Conference!
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
- Live Musical Performance by brain tumor survivor, Ryan Neal
For questions and assistance, email info@abta.org or call 1-800-886-2282.
Conference Details
- Room block availability closes on Monday, August 19
- Room rate at Springhill is $139; booking available for Sep. 4 – 7
- Springhill has a shuttle free of charge that will bring you directly to the conference hotel.
- Parking is free of charge at Springhill Suites.
- Room block availability closes on Friday, August 16
- Room rate at Springhill is $139; booking available for Sep. 4 - 7
- Springhill has a shuttle free of charge that will bring you directly to the conference hotel.
- Parking is free of charge at Springhill Suites.
Request Additional Hotel Options
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.
HOTEL:
Date: Thursday, September 5 – Saturday, September 7, 2024
Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicago and online
Hotel: The ABTA has reserved room blocks at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel and the Springhill Suites Chicago Schaumburg/Woodfield Mall. The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel is SOLD OUT. Rooms are still available at the Springhill Suites Chicago Schaumburg/Woodfield Mall.
Springhill Suites Chicago
Schaumburg/Woodfield Mall
1550 McConnor Parkway
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-995-1500
- Room block availability closes on Monday, August 19.
- Room rate at Springhill is $139; booking available for Sep. 4 – 7
- Springhill has a shuttle free of charge that will bring you directly to the conference hotel.
- Parking is free of charge at Springhill Suites.
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.
The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Dr. in Schaumburg
+18887471080
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 August 9, 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
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, FAAN
Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
Co-Program Lead, Experimental Therapeutics and Applied Science
Co-Program Lead, Neuro-Oncology Disease Group
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
