Summer is just around the corner, bringing Chicago's most exciting annual conference in clinical oncology back to McCormick: the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.
With over 40,000 professionals on the frontlines of cancer research, 2.6 million square feet of convention center space, and a full 5 days jam-packed with activities and symposiums, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or it's your first time attending ASCO, we’ve laid out a beginner's guide to help you make the most of the conference and the city!
HDMZ’s Beginner’s Guide to ASCO will help lead you through the conference and the city!
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Step 1. Plan ahead!
The first step is to ask yourself what you would like to get out of this conference. Is it to hear an insightful talk and learn more about the industry? Maybe you want to network? Whatever it may be, work out your priorities so you can plan accordingly.
Select which talks you want to attend in advance. ASCO has a program guide that makes it easy to filter through the sessions to find the ones you want.
Choose events outside of ASCO to attend. These events are all within a 15 minute drive of McCormick Place:
- ASCO Reception
- STAT@ASCO: Pathways to Progress
- The Cure STARTS Here at ASCO 2025
- More events can be found on Eventbrite!
Know who you would like to network with
- It’s much easier to coordinate meetings in advance rather than on the fly
- Consider reaching out on LinkedIn prior to the conference to set aside some time to talk
Create an itinerary
- Include details of the talks, events, and meetings you’re attending (room #, building #, and start time are all useful)
- PRO TIP: Use reminder apps to stay on time! You can customize the time that the notification goes off
Plan out your free time
- Chicago is arguably one of the best cities in the world! Make sure you’ve scheduled some time to have fun. Follow through the guide for some ideas of restaurants, neighborhoods, and places HDMZ recommends you to visit.
Step 2. What to pack?
Chicago’s early June typically hovers around a high of 60 degrees. Also, bring an umbrella, as it's been known to rain!
- With ASCO’s dress code of business casual, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. There will be a lot of walking and long, action-packed days.
- Snacks, as well as hand sanitizer, gum, and mints. Anything easy to carry and eat: protein bars, reusable water bottle, and something caffeinated.
- Business cards
- PRO TIP: A spare bag. There will be loads of free stuff, and you’ll need something to hold all of your newly acquired treasures.
WELCOME TO CHICAGO, YOU MADE IT!
Step 3. You’re here, now what?
- Network, network, network. Make a clear effort to introduce yourself to others.
- PRO TIP: Create a QR code for your LinkedIn profile
- Attend the events that you set up prior to arrival
- Meet up with HDMZers!
If you're feeling overwhelmed at the conference, take a breather.
ASCO provides many spaces to get away from the crowds:
- Garden in the East Building, Level 3, D2 Terrance, that looks out over Lake Michigan
- Prayer/quiet room at North Building, Grand Concourse, Level 3
- McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary is a nice spot to decompress, or meet up with colleagues to walk and talk along the lake
These activities can be completed sitting or standing:
- Breathing exercise from NHS
- Stretches that can be done in a chair
Step 4 (the most important step) Enjoy Chicago!
We’ve asked our Chicago HDMZers for their favorite things to do in the City, here's what they had to say:
Madison Bondy
Definitely get dinner in Chinatown! Chinatown is about a mile west from McCormick Place. One of my favorite spots is QXY Dumplings, which is great for large groups of people!
Dillon Allie
Pretty close to McCormick, I would recommend the Chicago Firehouse restaurant. For 25+ years it's been a staple in the South Loop, providing a high-end steakhouse inside a building that originally housed Engine Company 104 of the Chicago Fire Department. It's large, lively and offers inside and outside dining, perfect for ASCO-goers. The bourbon old-fashioned is a favorite cocktail and if you're looking for an alternative to a filet or NY strip, try the smoked pork chop "Al Pastor."
Maggie Williard
Why don’t you hop on the “L” (nickname for Chicago’s public transportation train) and head on over to Lincoln Park! You can walk around the park and enjoy the views.
YOU'RE HOME!
We hope you had a great time in Chicago, but the benefits of attending ASCO carry over after the conference.
Step 5. Take some time to reflect on your experience and what you learned
Write these answers down so you can make the most out of your next conference:
- Did you meet the people you wanted to?
- Did your network and community grow?
- Did you attend the events you planned?
- What would you do differently next time around
- What were your takeaways?
Step 6. Reach out to your new connections and networks
- Consider sending a note on LinkedIn letting people know it was nice to meet them
- Share photos on LinkedIn and use your notes to create a recap post
Step 7. Connect with HDMZ!
If you were able to meet up with any HDMZers at ASCO, please stay in touch! You can also contact us here.
