A small group of 60 doctors met in Philadelphia back in 1965. Today, that modest beginning has grown into the world’s largest ASCO congress, drawing more than 40,000 people to its massive 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.
I have personally attended 25 out of the last 30 ASCO congresses – missed a few for births, weddings, and funerals. And, if I’ve learned anything over the years, it is that 80%-90% of your best ASCO work is done in advance.
ASCO has become the lifeblood of oncology professionals worldwide. The numbers tell the story – 76% of physicians attend either virtually or in person. The Chicago event features more than 85 livestream sessions and 2,500 poster presentations. Attendees can connect with leading oncology experts through various networking sessions.
Our team created this primer based on insights from experienced attendees who know the event inside out. We’ll share preparation tips and insider knowledge to help you get the most value from your ASCO experience.
Virtual Attendance Strategies for Remote Participants
The ASCO congress offers deep learning experiences for in-person attendees. Yet, virtual participants get their own set of unique benefits. Last year’s data shows oncologists stayed connected with online content for about 15 minutes on meetings.asco.org. ASCO 2025 lets you access cutting-edge oncology research right from your desk.
Setting up your virtual attendance environment
Your virtual setup needs careful planning. Make the online ASCO congress a priority, just like you would for an in-person event. Seasoned attendees suggest you:
- Cancel or move all non-urgent meetings
- Set up an out-of-office email reply
- Get your note-taking tools ready and organize your digital space
- Check your login details at least 2 business days early
Block time and your work schedule as though you are traveling to the meeting. This mindset helps you focus on the conference instead of juggling clinical or research work.
The ASCO Meetings mobile app works on both Apple and Android devices. You can look up sessions, check abstracts, see posters, and watch livestreams. Download this key tool before the congress starts to get the most from your virtual experience.
Engaging effectively with online sessions
ASCO 2025 gives virtual attendees access to livestreamed and on-demand content. Your registration lets you join select Education Sessions and Scientific Sessions, including the major Plenary Session and Opening Session.
Look through interesting abstracts before sessions start to handle the packed schedule better. Listen to poster authors’ audio presentations early. This online-only feature gives you better context before live Q&A sessions.
Livestreamed sessions come with interactive tools. You can click the “Questions” tab to ask panelists anything. Moderators pick questions during Q&A time. You can also join live polls and save detailed notes right in the platform.
Virtual attendance gives you more freedom. Don’t expect to learn all the science during the meeting. The good thing is you can always go back and rewatch the sessions later. Sessions become available on-demand about two hours after they air, and you’ll keep access to meeting content for three years.
Smart session tips:
- Search with specific terms instead of broad ones
- Plan your schedule with the calendar view
- Add sessions to your personal calendar (.ICS files)
- Search transcripts to find specific mentions
Networking virtually with other attendees
Distance doesn’t stop you from making real connections at the ASCO congress. The Find a Colleague directory helps you connect with others. You can search by name, institution, specialty, and location to start conversations.
X (formerly ‘Twitter’) stands out as a great networking tool. Recent ASCO meetings saw oncologists getting ASCO-related content on various platforms, with about 5.7 ASCO-related emails daily during congress week. If you don’t have an X account, consider joining — there are multiple disease-specific hashtags you can follow to engage and interact with in real time.
Emails work well, too. You might spot research that matches your interests. Send the presenter an email to praise their work and ask for a quick chat about shared interests. Virtual attendance gives you time to write thoughtful messages after sessions end.
Watch parties with colleagues can make the experience better. Pick a platform like Zoom or WebEx to watch presentations together and talk about new findings as they come up. This team approach makes learning better and builds connections across distances.
Success in virtual attendance comes down to good planning. A well-prepared environment, active participation in sessions, and smart networking will help you get the most from ASCO 2025.
Insider Tips from ASCO Veterans
ASCO congress veterans have discovered many ways to get the most out of oncology’s premier event. Their expert tips are a great way to get insights for both newcomers and returning attendees at ASCO 2025.
Hidden gems of the congress most attendees miss
Long-time ASCO attendees know about certain overlooked sessions that they call true “hidden gems.” The podcast “Hidden Gems From ASCO” puts emphasis on abstracts about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), global health, and health care economics. These topics don’t get as much attention but often reveal breakthrough insights.
McCormick Place’s various lounges create exceptional networking spots that many people walk right past. Veterans particularly recommend:
- The Trainee and Early-Career Oncologist Member Lounge (newly located in Hall C for 2025)
- The Women’s Networking Center
- The Publications Lounge
- The Cancer Survivors’ Garden in Maggie Daley Park
ASCO has many lounges where you can sit and chat with people. Further, these spaces usually offer free refreshments, making them ideal for casual meetings or quick breaks.
Best times for poster sessions
ASCO 2025 will feature over 2,500 poster presentations across 24 tracks. You’ll get the most from your visit by arriving during the first hour when presenters stay with their posters.
Morning sessions start at 9:00 AM and posters go up at 8:30 AM. Afternoon sessions run from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM with setup starting at 1:00 PM. The first 30 minutes offer quieter viewing before official sessions begin.
Careful — don’t bite off more than you can chew. Rather than trying to see every poster, pick specific disease sites or treatment types that interest you. Faculty experts also host “poster walks” guiding small groups through selected posters—but you’ll need to register early.
How to approach speakers after presentations
Meeting presenters takes both strategy and courtesy. Start by crafting a quick “elevator pitch” about yourself and your work that takes 2-3 minutes. This helps when unexpected networking chances pop up.
Prioritize people you respect. There may be people who you want to meet, whose work inspires you, or who you would like advice from. Just write to them through email or X. For planned meetings, share cell phone numbers beforehand to find each other easily.
Bring business cards to hand out at poster sessions. Make sure to follow up with new contacts quickly. Remember that professional relationships at meetings tend to follow a familiar evolution. Connections tend to grow stronger over multiple conferences.
Making the most of Chicago during your stay
Chicago’s attractions deserve some of your time between sessions. Lake Michigan’s beaches create stunning city views as Spring turns warmer. Architecture buffs will love Chicago’s landmarks, including the world’s first skyscrapers and Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Take a boat ride on the Chicago River to see the famous skyline. The Bean sculpture in Millennium Park also makes for great photos.
Local experts suggest visiting the Chicago Sports Museum or catching a baseball game. Food lovers should know Chicago offers much more than its famous deep-dish pizza, with Topolobampo ranked as “probably the best Mexican restaurant in the United States.”
Conclusion
ASCO 2025 brings breakthrough oncology insights through virtual and in-person experiences. The event’s rise over decades has made it vital for oncology professionals worldwide.
Your success at ASCO largely depends on good preparation and smart planning. Veterans’ wisdom will enhance your experience whether you attend virtually or walk through McCormick Place’s halls.
ASCO goes beyond scientific sessions and poster presentations. Valuable connections happen in specialty lounges, informal meetings, or while discovering Chicago’s architectural beauty. These moments create lasting professional relationships and shared opportunities.
Clear goals and realistic expectations will shape your congress experience. Pick topics that match your interests instead of trying to cover everything. Your schedule should balance structured learning with spontaneous networking.
ASCO congress adapts and grows while offering new ways to connect with state-of-the-art oncology research and fellow professionals. The tools and insights here will help make ASCO 2025 your most productive congress experience yet.
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