Presenters "queue" up for the first general session during #SABCS20.
Attendance at the 43rd annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium exceeded expectations as the virtual format permitted attendance by those who have wanted to go in the past, but couldn’t make the trip. The format was so successful that there are plans to incorporate a virtual component to the 44th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dec. 7-11.
“It went exceptionally well,” said SABCS Co-Sponsor Virginia Kaklamani, MD, DSc. “We had our largest turnout and we didn’t have any technology glitches. People were able to actively participate in the Q&A.”
“Attendance exceeded our expectations as we were able to reach people who have not been able to attend the meeting,” Director of Symposia Sharon Hill said.
More than 9,300 people registered, including 599 advocates. Typically, around 7,000 attend the annual event. Registration is still open and the content is available to all attendees through March 13. Hill said a few more people have registered since the conference ended a month ago.
“Nothing can replace a live meeting and the ability to connect with people in real time,” Hill said. “We are planning to hold a live symposium with a virtual component in 2021, depending on the pandemic.”
She shared a message she received from one of the attendees regarding the virtual format. “I have been loving the virtual meeting. It gives me the flexibility to see other parts of the meeting that I would not have made it to or to re-watch something if I want to see it again.” That attendee was able to go to a funeral the Friday of the conference and watch later the sessions they missed.
“Despite how well the virtual SABCS was, I look forward to seeing everyone in person in San Antonio December 2021,” Hill said.
Visit this link to register for #SABCS20 for access to every presentation, session, debate, mini-symposia, and poster. The content will be available through March 13.