I recently attended the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL from Friday, June 2 – Monday, June 5, 2023.

The conference had engaging sessions offering thought-provoking discussion and revealed cutting-edge research, all with an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their expertise and thought leadership. Each session presented a wealth of information that pushed the boundaries of cancer care.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the ASCO Annual Meeting was the chance to connect with fellow attendees who share a common passion for our field. These interactions served as a catalyst for innovative thinking, igniting new ideas and collaborative initiatives. The connections I made during the conference will undoubtedly continue to be a source of support and inspiration as we continue to develop targeted, measurable, and contextually relevant opportunities for our clients.

In addition to the educational sessions, there were designated networking breaks and social events. During the ASCO Annual Meeting, Healio hosted the second annual Disruptive Innovators Awards in oncology and hematology on Saturday, June 2, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, The TAP. With a large attendance, we recognized individuals who challenge us to think beyond conventional boundaries and encourage a mindset of innovation and disruption.

Attending the ASCO Annual Meeting has been a truly enriching experience. The knowledge gained, combined with the diverse range of perspectives encountered, has expanded my understanding of cancer care, and equipped me with fresh insights and approaches.

The Healio team recently had the opportunity of attending the largest domestic oncology-focused medical conference, the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. The ASCO meeting is a yearly event where HCPs, industry, and vendors join to learn about the newest breakthroughs in cancer care, while reconnecting with colleagues, clients, and old friends. Chicago has always been one of my favorite U.S. cities to visit, and there may not be a better time of year than late spring when over 40,000 people fly in from all over the world to attend the meeting. With its first extended taste of warmth and sun following the typically frigid Chicago winters, the city comes to life with outdoor dining and live events taking place throughout.

One of these events happened to take place on the same weekend as ASCO and may have rivaled its massive attendance. Taylor Swift was in town for a 3-night performance taking place at Soldier Field, a short distance away from McCormick Place where ASCO is hosted. These sold-out concerts led to street closings and worse-than-normal city traffic as masses of individuals donned in sequins shirts and pink cowboy boots worked their way to the stadium. Apparently, I had no clue just how far the Swiftie fanbase extends.

In addition to the newest clinical data presented at ASCO, there continued to be a strong theme with respect to updates on precision oncology, health equity, disparities in care, and financial toxicities. Data on potential cancer vaccines garnered attention, as did AI-enabled technologies that may revolutionize the future of patient care.

Along with the conference was Saturday evening’s second annual Healio Disruptive Innovators award ceremony. Co-hosted by Edward S. Kim, MD, FACP, FASCO, and Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, this year’s event presented nine awards to individuals for their incredible contributions to the treatment of cancer patients. These awards included Woman Disruptor of the Year, Clinical Innovation of the Year, Advanced Practitioner of the Year, Lifetime Disruptor, and more. This peer-to-peer approach to recognition made for a fun but impactful ceremony, with plenty of networking and discussion taking place among the attendees.

That wraps up another ASCO Annual Meeting. To everyone we had the chance to meet and connect with, we at Healio look forward to seeing you at future events this year and we wish you and your families a great summer!