More than 600 attendees, speakers, sponsors and host representatives gathered in Salt Lake City for the 33rd annual NACCDO-PAMN conference hosted by the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
With nine concurrent tracks, the conference offered robust content and the latest trends and tips in cancer center marketing, communications, digital strategy, physician relations and fundraising. New this year, PAMN launched its PAMN Awards Program with a poster session that highlighted submissions from cancer centers across the country.
As Salt Lake City is home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, it was only fitting that the opening session featured a panel of Olympians. Kate Johnson, Catherine Raney Norman and Summer Sanders shared their personal experiences and the grit it takes to compete at the Olympic level—and how that experience prepared each of them for their cancer diagnoses. The session was moderated by Adam Whitt, a former Houston Astros pitcher and cancer survivor.
Another highlight was the Female Leaders in Cancer panel, which opened with a message from National Cancer Institute Director Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC. Panelists included Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute; Danielle Carnival, PhD, deputy assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot; and Cornelia (Neli) Ulrich, PhD, MS, executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute. The powerful conversation was moderated by Mary Nickles, a Salt Lake City news anchor.
Attendees had the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) where they heard about some of the incredible research happening during the Cancer 101 and Cancer 4.0 sessions. Tours of the HCI showed off the beautiful facilities that serve patients throughout the Mountain West. A reception provided another opportunity to mingle while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Salt Lake Valley.
No one will forget the evening at Olympic Park with the Flying Aces show, which featured Olympians and National Team skiers and snowboarders performing incredible acrobatic feats. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in activities such as zip lining, an alpine slide and virtual experiences.
Check out a photo album from Salt Lake City.
The closing session featured a conversation with Ty Burrell, best known for playing Phil Dunphy on the sitcom Modern Family. With poignancy and humor, he shared stories about his dad and how losing him to cancer as a young adult continues to shape him.
The conference ended with a lively torch passing from Huntsman to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center team, who will host the 2025 conference. Save the date for May 19–22, 2025, in Miami, Florida!