© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
Hear from ASCO leaders about seven research studies that were highlighted on a May 15, 2013 webcast for patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates. View the webcast here.
Watch a short video about ASCO's patient advocacy programs:
| Read an article in the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Bulletin about ASCO's Annual Meeting Programs for patient advocates, Cancer Advocates at ASCO: Connecting for a Cause. |
The Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology will be held May 31 – June 4, 2013 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The theme of the Meeting is “Building Bridges to Conquer Cancer.” This theme aims to build bridges across all segments of the oncology community by providing attendees with the knowledge and science to achieve the highest standard of patient care.
The Meeting is a forum for cutting edge scientific and educational developments in oncology. It is a platform for the release of thousands of scientific abstracts-highly anticipated research news for many people, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and the general public.
Following is a brief overview of the opportunities available to patient advocates. We encourage you to share this information with any colleagues who may be involved in planning your organization's participation in the ASCO Annual Meeting.
ASCO-Sponsored Patient Advocacy Booth
The ASCO-Sponsored Patient Advocacy Booth is designed to give not-for-profit patient advocacy organizations an opportunity to promote their resources and services to the professional oncology community. This booth, which holds 26 patient advocacy organizations, provides a venue where participants can display materials and where patient advocates can meet, interact, and exchange information with meeting attendees. The ASCO-Sponsored Patient Advocacy Booth for the 2013 ASCO Annual Meeting has reached capacity. Please visit the meeting website for a complete list of exhibitors.
Individual Patient Advocacy Booths
Individual exhibit booths, also near the front of the Oncology Professionals Hall, are available to patient advocacy organizations at a reduced rate and granted on a first come-first served basis, based on eligibility criteria. To inquire about an individual booth, please contact patientadvocates@asco.org.
Reduced Registration Rate for Patient Advocates (for non-exhibitors)
Patient advocacy organizations may register up to four representatives to attend ASCO's Annual Meeting at a reduced rate of $295 per person by the early registration deadline of April 24, 2013 (there is no on-site registration for patient advocates). Patient advocate registration includes:
- Access to all Special Sessions, Clinical Science Symposia, Education Sessions, Scientific Sessions, and Ticketed Sessions
- Access to General Poster Sessions
- Access to Virtual Meeting
- Entrance to the Oncology Professionals Hall during open hours
- Meeting Materials: Educational Book, Proceedings Part I, Annual Meeting Program, and ASCO Daily News including Proceedings Part II
- Access to the Patient Advocate Lounge
For registration criteria and instructions, please refer to Patient Advocate Registration and Housing on the ASCO Annual Meeting website.
Research Review Sessions for Patient Advocates
Patient advocates are invited to attend Research Review Sessions which take place in the Patient Advocate Lounge, Room S402, on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. During these sessions, expert faculty review and highlight disease-specific topics and oncology-related subjects as presented at the Meeting, followed by a question and answer period. Speaker information will be available in early May 2013.
Peer-to-Peer Program for Patient Advocates
Patient advocates attending the ASCO Annual Meeting for the first time have the opportunity to be paired with advocate advisors who provide advice and guidance, helping first-timers feel prepared and ready to take on the ASCO Annual Meeting and all it has to offer. More information on how to participate in this program will be available in April 2013.
ASCO President's Reception
Patient advocates will be invited to the ASCO President's Reception on Sunday, June 2, at the Field Museum of Natural History (RSVP required, limit two representatives per organization, please). Invitations will be sent in March 2013.
Patient Advocate Lounge
The Patient Advocate Lounge serves as a home base where advocates can gather in a relaxed environment to take a break, utilize the computer terminals, network with others, and peruse ASCO patient information materials. Advocates can obtain patient advocate ribbons and exhibitors can pick up complimentary session passes in the Lounge. The Patient Advocate Lounge is Room S402 at McCormick Place and will be open during the following times:
Friday, May 31 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 1 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Sunday, June 2 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Monday, June 3 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Tuesday, June 4 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
The Conquer Cancer Foundation Patient Advocate Scholarship Program
When available, scholarships help cover travel, hotel, and registration expenses and are based primarily on financial need. Scholarship funds are limited and are granted on a first come, first served basis. The scholarship program for the 2013 ASCO Annual Meeting will be announced in spring 2013. Learn more about The Conquer Cancer Foundation Patient Advocate Scholarship Program.
More Information
Information on the 2013 ASCO Annual Meeting can be found on the Meeting website.
Visit Cancer.Net's ASCO Annual Meetings section to review a searchable news archive from this annual educational meeting.
Questions about patient advocacy programs at ASCO can be directed to patientadvocates@asco.org or 571-483-1369.
