The 2019 IWMF Educational Forum proved to be a huge success, with over 350 people in attendance (the second largest group ever). It was also an event of firsts, including the first ever “great debates”, in which noted WM experts debated key WM treatment questions. Also, for the first time, a keynote presentation – by Dr. Steven Treon, MD, PhD of Dana Farber Cancer Institute – was carried live on both YouTube and Facebook. That presentation already has been viewed by over 2,000 persons from around the world!
You’ll note that the IWMF YouTube channel also contains short interviews from the 2019 Ed Forum with Dr. Stephen Ansell and IWMF VP for Member Services, Elena Malunis, discussing WM research, and the IWMF International Affiliates, respectively. Please see further below for a link to all the videos of the main speakers at the Ed Forum.
It was great seeing so many patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals gathered together in one place to share stories about living with WM, and to hear exciting news and updates about current and potential treatments for the disease.
Videos of ALL the main presentations from the 2019 IWMF Educational Forum (held in Philadelphia, PA on June 7-9, 2019) are available now for viewing. You can also find links to the agenda, and to presentation slides therein. Photos from the event can be found here.
The Educational Forum is a unique opportunity for patients and caregivers to learn about our disease from specialists in WM who are involved in many areas of clinical practice and research. It also provides attendees with the opportunity to share experiences with others travelling the same WM journey.
Held in a different part of the United States every year, the event offers something for everyone, no matter what your experience or level of knowledge. Start planning now to attend the Educational Forum next year – June 5-7, 2020 – at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton, WA (near downtown Seattle and very close to the airport)! Next year is also a momentous occasion for the Ed Forum, as it will be the 25th Ed Forum held by the IWMF – a testament to the importance to the WM community worldwide of both the Forum and the IWMF.
Registration information and details will be available beginning in January on the IWMF website and in the January 2020 IWMF Torch magazine.
If you’re still not sure whether it’s worth your while to attend an Ed Forum in the future – or to attend multiple Ed Forums – watch this interview with fellow WMer, Larry Barbuto. We hope to see many of you next year in Renton, Washington!
