We are happy to invite you to our first midwest conference, coming this November, Organized with the support of the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the conference will provide us an opportunity to come together for two days of learning, sharing, and networking with each other, prospective new members, MRA, and members of the scientific community. The meeting will include:

• Updates from the 2017 Society for Melanoma Research Conference in Brisbane from Michael Kaplan, President and CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance and Dr. Louise Perkins, MRA’s Chief Science Officer
• Keynote address by Dr. Jason Luke of the University of Chicago
• Panel discussion with prominent melanoma researchers, including Dr. Jeffrey Sosman, Dr. Sigrun Hallmeyer, and Dr, Bruce Brockstein
• Discussions about how we can best use the science to promote our missions, including strategies for promoting prevention and awareness
• Presentations on grassroots fundraising and the effective use of social media
• Lots of opportunity for sharing and networking

PLEASE NOTE: We encourage you to register as soon as possible. Space is limited.

Agenda 
Friday, November 17

• 9 – 9:30 am: Registration and light buffet breakfast

• 9:30 – 9:45 am: Welcome
• 9:45 – 10:45 am: Keynote presentation: Dr. Jason Luke, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine
• 10:45 – 11 am: Break
• 11 am – noon: Updates from the Society for Melanoma Research Conference in Brisbane:
  • Michael Kaplan, President and CEO, Melanoma Research Alliance
  • Dr. Louise Perkins, Chief Science Office, Melanoma Research Alliance
• Noon – 1 pm: Lunch
• 1 – 3 p.m.: Panel discussion, facilitated by Dr. Jason Luke:
  • Dr. Jeffrey Sosman, Director of the Melanoma Program, Robert H, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
  • Dr. Sigrun Hallmeyer, Chair, Cancer Committee and Medical Director, Survivorship Program, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
  • Dr. Bruce Brockstein, Medical Director, Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Research Institute
  • Dr. Louise Perkins, Chief Science Officer, MRA
    • ​Part one: Current melanoma treatment modalities and those in the pipeline
    • Part two: How does the science relate to us?
      • How do we talk about the science to our supporters?
      • How do we collaborate with the research community to be sure we are presenting accurate and timely information?
      • How do we use this information to further our mission?
• 3 – 3:15 p.m.: Break
• 3:15 – 4:45 pm: Promoting prevention and early detection:
  • What the science tells us
  • Strategies for changing perceptions and raising awareness
  • Joint 2018 awareness/prevention campaign with MRA
• 4:45 – 5 p.m.: Day one wrap-up
• 5 – 7 p.m.: Evening reception (Bar Louie; 47 W Polk St.)

Saturday, November 18

• Light buffet breakfast
• 9:15 – 10:00 a.m.: Sharing and networking, first group of foundations: each foundation will take 5 minutes to introduce itself and share highlights, followed by Q&A
• 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.: Grassroots Fundraising–Joan Russo, Chief Development Officer, MRA
• 11:15 – 11:30 a.m.: Break
• 11:30 a.m .- 12:15 p.m.: Sharing and networking, second group of foundations
• 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Lunch with discussion — What would make your life as a foundation head easier? How can MAC help?
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Using Social Media Effectively–Cody Barnett, Director of Communications, MRA
• 2:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Wrap up
  • What did we learn?
  • Next steps​

Sponsored by Novartis.