Where Science Meets Community
Shared exhibit space at the SGO booth brings clinicians, researchers, and advocates together to tell the full story of gynecologic oncology.
At the SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, innovation isn’t confined to lecture halls. On the exhibit floor, the newly designed shared space between the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and its Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) brings the field’s full mission into focus, from scientific discovery to patient advocacy.
Located in the exhibit hall and active throughout the meeting, the booth serves as more than an informational stop. It is intended to be a central hub where attendees can engage with the broader ecosystem of gynecologic oncology and see how their work connects to patient outcomes in tangible ways.
“The vision for a shared booth between SGO and the FWC is really about telling the full story of gynecologic oncology — from prevention to scientific discovery and clinical and surgical excellence to patient empowerment, advocacy, and community action,” said Kelsey Wood, SGO director of membership. “Together, they represent the full continuum of gynecologic cancer care.”
Although SGO and FWC operate as distinct organizations with different audiences, channels, and goals, the booth reflects their shared vision and aligned missions. For attendees, that collaboration is meant to be both visible and experiential.
“We hope attendees walk away with a clearer understanding of how their work — whether that's in the clinic, lab, or training — connects to patients' lives,” Wood said. “The booth is meant to feel like a hub where science, compassion, and advocacy intersect.”
A different kind of exhibit hall experience
In contrast to traditional exhibit booths focused on products or platforms, the space emphasizes conversation, connection, and purpose.
“Unlike many exhibit hall interactions that are product- or platform-focused, conversations at the booth are often personal and driven by community and mission,” Wood said.
Attendees can explore opportunities that extend beyond the scientific sessions, including involvement in educational initiatives, committee service, mentorship, and advocacy efforts. For trainees and early career professionals, the booth offers informal access to established leaders in the field, creating opportunities to discuss career development, leadership pathways, and long-term engagement.
“It’s also a space where clinicians and researchers can hear directly how patient education and advocacy efforts shape research priorities and clinical trial engagement,” Wood added. “Those perspectives aren't always front-and-center in scientific sessions.”
Building community across disciplines
A key goal of the shared booth is to strengthen the sense of community within gynecologic oncology — a field that relies on multidisciplinary collaboration.
By bringing together clinicians, researchers, trainees, patient advocates, and survivors, the space is designed to foster connections that might not otherwise occur during a busy meeting schedule.
“We want your experience with SGO to be welcoming and conversational rather than transactional,” said Kim Hoarle, MBA, CAE, who is CEO of SGO/FWC. “Gynecologic oncology is inherently team-based, and the shared booth reinforces that sense of collective identity.”
For attendees new to the field — or those who may feel professionally isolated — the booth can serve as an entry point to a broader network.
“For many attendees, especially those who might be new to the field or geographically isolated, the booth can be a place to connect with colleagues, meet mentors, or simply experience that they are part of a larger, supportive community working toward a common goal,” she said.
Programming that reflects the mission
Throughout the meeting, the booth will host a series of informal talks highlighting initiatives from both SGO and FWC. The schedule of events is also available through the mobile app, with sessions designed to spotlight programs spanning research, education, advocacy, and patient engagement.
These casual presentations are intended to complement the formal scientific program, offering attendees a more accessible way to learn about ongoing efforts and find avenues for involvement.
Two organizations, one continuum of care
For those less familiar with the distinction between SGO and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, the shared booth offers a clear illustration of how the organizations work together.
“SGO serves as the professional home for gynecologic oncology providers and researchers, focusing on advancing high-quality, equitable clinical care through education, research, and professional collaboration,” Wood explained. “FWC is SGO’s official foundation and extends that work outward — serving as the public and patient-facing arm that raises awareness, funds research, supports education, and amplifies patient and survivor voices.”
Together, the two organizations form a continuous loop of progress, from discovery and clinical care to community impact and back again.
“SGO drives scientific and clinical excellence, while the Foundation ensures that progress reaches patients, families, and communities — and that patient needs continue to inform the future direction of research and care,” Hoarle said.
For attendees navigating a packed meeting agenda, the SGO booth offers a moment to step back and see the bigger picture, one where science, collaboration, and advocacy converge to move the field forward.
