The ABTA 2025 National Conference is September 12-14
Chicago and Online
Register Now for the ABTA 2025 National Conference!
The American Brain Tumor Association invites you to our annual National Conference, a pivotal gathering of patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates dedicated to advancing brain tumor research and treatment.
This year’s conference will take place from Friday, September 12-Sunday, September 14 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, featuring 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 to be part of a community that is making a difference! Register today and help us pave the way toward a future without brain tumors.
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 May!
Meet the 2025 Co-Chairs
Ashley Ghiaseddin, MD
Chief, Division of Neuro-Oncology
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
Director, LiveNOW Laboratory
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.
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.
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
Hotel:
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!
- 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 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.
- 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:
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!
- 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 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, 2025.
For questions or assistance, please email info@abta.org or call 800-866-2282.
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 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!
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!
