Registration is open for the fall group meeting, so please visit SWOG.org and register now. We’ve got a great schedule planned for our conference, which will be held Oct. 11-14 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Here are some highlights:

• An overview of innovative trials in our survivorship and prevention and epidemiology committees by executive officer Dr. Kathy Crew

• A special workshop for NCORP members, and another on cultural competency, open to all members, and sponsored by our recruitment and retention committee

• A screening of the teen cancer documentary “Cancer Rebellion,” sponsored by the digital engagement and adolescent and young adult committees

• Another stellar translational medicine plenary lineup, with leading experts on genomics, liquid biopsies, and secrets in the SWOG tissue bank

Registration information, program details, and travel information can be found here. The pages include information on travel support, continuing medical education credits, and more.

One private session will be critical – a planning session on our five-year NCI grant renewal due in January. The Chicago meeting will be the last time my leadership team gathers in person to discuss our strategy and execution of this critical request.

As you know, I love group meetings. They’re incredibly hectic, but they’re a great opportunity to mingle with members, meet with committee chairs, and address you all formally with news from the group.

Not to mention the deep-dish pizza. See you back in my hometown!

SWOG's new website launches in November, and you'll need to be sure you have proper credentials to log-in. Check here for details.

Abstracts are coming due for the ASCO GI Cancers Symposium. Please send yours to SWOG Publications Manager Pat Arlauskas for processing no later than Sept. 13.