Learn, engage and connect with patients and caregivers impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
September 17-19, 2027
Tampa, FL and Virtual
Learn, engage and connect with patients and caregivers impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
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. Join us in person for a powerful, immersive community experience, or attend virtually for flexible access from anywhere!
In-Person Registration is $40 | Virtual Attendance is FREE
Program Highlights
Get ready for three days filled with educational sessions, breakout sessions, and meaningful connections tailored just for you.
- Brain Tumor Board: Watch our signature session as a multi-disciplinary panel of experts walk through real-life brain tumor cases and determine the best course of treatment
- Clinical Trials: Learn about the complexities of drug development and the potential benefits and risks of participating in clinical trials
- Breakout Sessions: Join a more personal setting to hear directly from an expert
- Of Course You’re Angry: Come as you are – you are not alone in feeling angry at your diagnosis
- Promise and Pitfalls Using Artificial Intelligence: Learn to use AI as a helpful tool in your care – while also understanding its limits
- Patient and Caregiver Support Groups: Connect with other patients and caregivers who understand your experience
- Interactive Activities: Take part in engaging experiences like a virtual writing workshop, therapeutic workshop, therapy dogs, reception, and opportunities to win prizes, and more!
2026 National Conference Program
Plan Your Experience
Our in-person conference offers a uniquely immersive and personal experience for patients, caregivers, and families seeking connection and community. Join us in Schaumburg, IL!
- Connect face-to-face with leading experts and compassionate professionals
- Participate in live, interactive sessions with real-time Q&A
- Build meaningful relationships through dedicated networking opportunities and spontaneous conversations
- Explore the Exhibit Booths featuring valuable brain tumor resources and participate in our passport contest
- Attend our evening reception showcasing cutting-edge ABTA-funded Research Posters and meet the researchers behind the work.
- Experience the energy, support, and sense of community that comes from being together
Know Before You Go
- Enjoy provided breakfast, snacks, & lunch throughout the conference
- Dress comfortably—attire is casual; we recommend bringing a sweater as meeting rooms may be cool.
*In-person attendees will also have full access to our virtual platform, Whova, including session recordings after the conference.
Best for: Those seeking deeper connection, real-time engagement, and a supportive community that extends beyond the sessions themselveS.
Our virtual conference brings the National Conference directly to you—offering a flexible, accessible, and engaging experience for patients, caregivers, and families wherever you are!
- Connect with fellow attendees through our conference platform Whova, before, during, and after the event – share resources, send messages, post photos, engage in discussions, and more!
- Attend live-streamed sessions from the comfort of your home
- Submit questions during sessions and engage with speakers in real time
- Explore the Virtual Exhibit Booths featuring valuable brain tumor resources and participate in our passport contest
- View cutting-edge, ABTA-funded Research Posters to learn about the work of our leading researchers
- Join fun, interactive contests for a chance to win prizes
- Enjoy the flexibility to take breaks, grab a snack, and engage at your own pace
- Access session recordings on-demand to revisit content when it’s most convenient for you
- Eliminate travel barriers while still gaining expert insights, education, and connection
- *Session recordings will be available after the conference
Best for: Those who prefer flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to engage in a way that fits their schedule and needs.
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173, US
Enhance your conference experience by staying onsite at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, conveniently located just 20 minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
We encourage attendees to reserve a room within the ABTA room block to receive a discounted rate, stay close to the action, and fully immerse themselves in the conference experience.
- Rate: $187/attendees (valid Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20, 2026)
- Cutoff date: August 26, 2026
- Cancellation policy: 72 hours prior to your arrival date
If you are facing financial hardship, learn more about our scholarship opportunity for eligible in-person attendees.
Parking: FREE!
- Overnight attendees: Park in the hotel parking lot, located to the right of the hotel or the parking garage. If you park in the garage, please take the elevators to the lobby level and use the bridge to access the lobby.
- Local or day-of attendees: Park on the Convention Center side.
- Click here for the venue parking map.
Pat McDonald Scholarships are now full for the ABTA 2026 National Conference, and we are no longer accepting applications.
We are committed to making the conference accessible to all. A limited number of Pat McDonald Scholarships were available to eligible attendees to provide two complimentary hotel nights.
Eligibility included:
Living more than 45 miles from the conference hotel (1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173)
Being a brain tumor patient/survivor or caregiver
Demonstrating financial need
Applications are now closed, as all available scholarships have been filled.
Save the Date for the 2027 ABTA National Conference. Learn, engage and connect with patients and caregivers impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
Date: September 17-19
Location: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
Want to hear news about the 2027
ABTA National Conference?
Some of the presentations from the 2025 ABTA National Conference...
Managing Scanxiety
Transforming Brain Tumor Care with Personalized Medicine and Immunotherapy
Thriving Through Care: Symptom Relief and Support for Every Stage of the Journey
Behind the Scenes of a Brain Tumor Board
Grieving What Was, Embracing What Is Coping with Brain Tumor Related Losses
Keynote Session: Hope Isn't a Wish It's a Strategy Finding Strength in Your Brain Tumor Journey
Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support of the American Brain Tumor Association’s 2026 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!
