I recently attended 3 days of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.

The ASCO Annual Meeting exceeded my expectations; it was fun, straightforward, and well-organized. Despite being a first-timer, I had no difficulty navigating the exhibit hall floor. I easily located booths and connected with the individuals I was seeking. It was an amazing experience.

One of the most gratifying activities was engaging in discussions and Q&As with attendees who share similar interests in the field of oncology. It was incredibly educational to learn which topics brands are focused on and brainstorm the “next big thing.”

I am thrilled that I established many new connections and look forward to growing our partnerships with our new clients. These connections motivated and prepared me for the future by encouraging me to think creatively and innovatively. They also helped me better understand my role and inspired me to provide contextually relevant opportunities to our clients.

During the meeting, I was able to attend the third annual Healio Disruptive Innovators Awards at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. This prestigious awards ceremony spans nine unique categories and honors individuals who are pioneering the future of hematology and oncology and pushing the status quo toward the betterment of the field. It was inspiring to see the recognition of the winners and nominees as the next wave of innovators. With the biggest attendee turnout to date, I felt fortunate to participate in celebrating those who advocate for groundbreaking advancement in the hem/onc field.

Having the opportunity to attend ASCO has been nothing short of rewarding. I am grateful to the Healio team for teaching me what I know about hem/onc, and I can’t wait to see how that knowledge will propel me forward. I would like to give a special thank you to Courtney Cashman, as her guidance and support have been irreplaceable.

Although my time at ASCO flew by, I am eager to bring back the amazing viewpoints and insights I gained from everyone I met. And, of course, I can’t wait for next year!