Nearly 700 attendees, speakers, sponsors and host representatives were in sunny Miami May 19-22 for the 34th annual NACCDO-CMCA conference, hosted by the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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.
The second year of CMCA Awards included a robust poster session where members showcased their projects. The Best in Show award went to Christine Thomas and colleagues at the University of Kansas Cancer Center for their clinical trial campaign.
The annual Laurel Award, which recognizes an individual who has had significant contributions to the organization, went to Theresa DiNardo Brown, former chief marketing officer at both The Ohio State University’s and the University of Miami’s cancer centers. Theresa was a former steering committee member and provided insight and expertise as part of the organization’s strategic planning process.
The new Cancer Marketing and Communications Association brand was officially introduced at lunch on May 20. The name change, which followed an iterative and thoughtful three-year strategic planning effort, more accurately reflects the organization’s membership, services and future growth opportunities.
Conference sessions kicked off with a director’s panel led by Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He was joined by the directors of the three other Florida-based cancer centers.
Two other plenary sessions highlighted Sylvester programs. Healing Through Art, Science, and Support celebrates the powerful intersection of creativity, research and human connection. Artist Romero Britto, cancer survivorship leader Dr. Frank Penedo, and survivor and advocate Dr. Sharifah Lee shared personal stories and insights on how art, science and support services can ignite healing, foster hope and transform lives. In the final plenary, we learned about the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, an annual event organized by the Miami Dolphins football team to raise money for cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In addition to enjoying the sunny, warm weather and some great Miami restaurants, attendees capped off Wednesday evening with a Miami Nights Dinner Cruise, including dinner, drinks, dancing and a DJ aboard the Sir Winston as it sailed around Miami Bay.
Ready for more? Save the date for the next NACCDO-CMCA conference, April 27-30, 2026, in Toronto, in collaboration with the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Look for registration to open in November.