The ABTA 2026 National Conference
September 18-20
Chicago and Online
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ABTA National Conference?
Register Now for the ABTA 2025 National Conference!
The American Brain Tumor Association will hold our annual National Conference, a pivotal gathering of patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates dedicated to advancing brain tumor research and treatment.
Next year’s conference will take place from Friday, September 18-Sunday, September 20 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. It will feature leading experts, cutting-edge research presentations, informative workshops, and opportunities for connection and support.
Together, we will explore the latest advancements in brain tumor science, share personal stories of resilience, and empower one another in our shared journey.
Don’t miss this chance next year to be part of a community that is making a difference!
Learn, engage and connect with patients and caregivers impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
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.
Program for the 2025 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.
In-Person Registration is $40 | Virtual Attendance is FREE
Register now:
Program Highlights
These three days were filled with educational sessions, breakout sessions, and networking activities tailored just for you. Including:
- Sex, Intimacy & Brain Tumors: Addressing the often-overlooked impact on relationships, intimacy, and communication.
- Financial Guidance: Strategies for managing finances during brain tumor treatment.
- Grief & Difficult Conversations: Coping with loss, embracing change, and collaborative decision-making.
- Personalized Medicine & Clinical Trials: Exploring treatments like immunotherapy and trial options.
- Caregiver Support: Practical tips and emotional support for caregivers.
- Interactive Activities: Campfire Connections, Virtual Writing Workshop, Movement Sessions, Therapy Dogs, Cocktail Reception with Live Music, Enter Contests to Win Prizes and more!
Plan Your Experience
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- Download our conference app Whova, to access conference updates, view the agenda, connect with attendees, and participate in contests to win prizes!
- Kick off the weekend at Campfire Connections – A networking campfire-style session on Friday to bring together patients, survivors, and caregivers for an evening of shared stories and connection
- Start your day energized with our Movement Sessions on Saturday and Sunday morning
- Connect with others and create lasting relationships during our breakout sessions & interactive activities
- Explore the Exhibit Booths and get your passport stamped as you learn about the event sponsors, clinical trials, and brain tumor resources
- Pet one of our adorable Therapy Dogs
- Check out the cutting-edge ABTA-funded Research Posters to learn about the amazing work of our researchers
- Unwind at the Cocktail Reception Saturday evening with live music, appetizers, drinks, and more!
- Breakfast, Snacks, & Lunch will be provided
- Attire is casual. Bring a sweater as the conference room tends to run cold!
- In-person attendees will also have access to the virtual platform. Presentation recordings will be available post-event.
- Connect with attendees on our conference app, Whova, before, during, and after the event! Share helpful information, send messages, post photos, engage in discussions, and more!
- Join our Healing Through Writing Workshop on Friday evening to kickstart your conference experience with empowerment, connection, and creativity
- Attend both main sessions and breakout sessions from the comfort of your own home with the opportunity for live Q&A.
- Explore the Virtual Exhibit Booths and participate in our passport contest as you learn about the event sponsors, clinical trials, and brain tumor resources
- Check out the cutting-edge ABTA-funded Research Posters to learn about the amazing work of our researchers
- Take part in fun contests for your chance to win prizes
- Feel free to grab a snack and take breaks as necessary
- Presentation recordings will be available post-event.
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173, US
Get 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! Limited rooms are still available for Friday, September 12.
- Rate: $184/attendees (valid Friday, September 12 – Monday, September 15, 2025)
- Cutoff date: August 29, 2025
- Cancellation policy: 72 hours prior to guest’s arrival date
If you miss the deadline, you might also consider the Residence Inn or Springhill Suites, which are near the convention center.
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.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Jason Tharp
Jason Tharp is a brain cancer survivor, bestselling children’s book author and illustrator, and founder of the Beyond HOPE Project—a movement designed to help people break through the impossible by turning hope into a strategy. With a message rooted in authenticity, resilience, and self-leadership, Jason brings the perfect blend of heart, humor, and humanity to every stage he steps on.
Through the lens of his personal journey—being told he had seven months to live—Jason delivers powerful storytelling that goes far beyond inspiration. He introduces audiences to his transformational H.O.P.E. Algorithm, a mindset tool built to help individuals and organizations navigate challenges, unlock creativity, and lead with purpose.
Jason’s talks leave people not just motivated, but moved—and equipped. His unique ability to turn pain into power helps people across industries embrace a new truth:
Impossible is optional when HOPE is your strategy.
He speaks to corporate teams, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and educators who want to spark meaningful growth, reignite their purpose, and build cultures of connection, courage, and creativity.
Diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma and given seven months to live, Jason made a bold decision: H.O.P.E. would be the strategy. Three years later, with clear scans and a mission to inspire others, Jason’s story proves that impossible is just a word.
Enjoy Music from Special Guest Ryan Neal!
Ryan Neal is a talented musician and inspiring brain tumor survivor, known for his heartfelt performances and soulful sound.
He gained national recognition as a contestant on “The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart,” where he showcased not only his incredible vocal abilities but also his resilience and passion for music.
Ryan’s journey through adversity has fueled his creativity, allowing him to connect with audiences on a deeper level. With a unique blend of emotion and artistry, he continues to share his story through his music, reminding us of the power of hope and healing.
Meet the 2025 Co-Chairs
Ashley Ghiaseddin, MD
Chief, Division of Neuro-Oncology
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
University of Florida College of Medicine
Ashlee Loughan, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Director, LiveNOW Laboratory
Associate Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
@Ashlee-Loughan @LiveNOWLab @VCUMassey
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!
Want to stay in the know? Sign up to receive information and updates using the form below.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support of the American Brain Tumor Association’s 2025 National Conference. Your commitment to advancing brain tumor research and patient care has made this event possible.
Together, we are fostering a community of hope, innovation, and collaboration, empowering patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
With your partnership, we are driving meaningful change and paving the way for breakthroughs in brain tumor treatment and support. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to enhance the lives of those affected by brain tumors. Together, we are making a difference!