Registration deadlines

Early Bird - 28 Nov 2024

Talk Submission - Expired

Poster Submission - 19 Dec 2024

Registration Deadline - 19 Dec 2024

Register

Conference Manager

Chloe Trundle

Chloe Trundle

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Synopsis

The possibility of engineering mice genetically over four decades ago heralded a transformative era in scientific inquiry, including in the cancer research field. Since then, continuous refinements and innovations have propelled the creation of experimentally controllable, genetically precise animal models for an array of human cancers. Recent strides in genome editing technologies have further accelerated the pace of advancement in this domain, serving as a catalyst for reshaping the trajectory of precision medicine for patients with cancer. With the new ability to manipulate genes more rapidly and with a higher throughput, researchers in the field can now delve into intricate but fundamental details of cancer biology. The crux of these technological advancements lies in their capacity to facilitate the functional evaluation of an unprecedented number of alterations found in human tumors. This, in turn, has given rise to pre-clinical and co-clinical platforms that provide invaluable insights into the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions. These platforms extend beyond mere assessments, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the intricate mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance—a critical frontier in contemporary cancer research.

For this Cancer Animal Models conference, our focus converges on three pillars, each representing a crucial facet of the expansive landscape before us. The first pillar encapsulates the exploration of novel approaches for the precise manipulation of genetic elements in mice and other animal models. Key objectives are to "humanize" these models and to enable more nuanced in vivo studies of cancer gene functionality. The second pillar continues to focus on fundamental investigations into the mechanisms governing cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. This includes deciphering the elusive cell type(s)-of-origin of tumors to unraveling the intricacies of tumor evolution, metabolism, and the dynamic interplay with the immune system. Deepening our understanding of the multifaceted nature of cancer also means exploring differences linked to sex or aging. The final pillar explores the pivotal role of genetically engineered animal models in evaluating the efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches, as well as the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic resistance.

This conference will discuss how genetically engineered animal models of cancer continue to be the linchpin in unraveling the complexities of human cancer and charting new frontiers in precision medicine.

Key Sessions

  • New technologies for cancer modelling
  • Modeling the early steps of cancer development
  • The tumor microenvironment: metabolism, immune responses, aging
  • Mechanisms of metastasis
  • Preclinical trials and resistance

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Cory Abate-Shen (Columbia University)
LEARNING ABOUT HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER BY STUDYING MOUSE MODELS
Iannis Aifantis (NYU School of Medicine)
MAPPING THE LEUKEMIA MICROENVIRONMENT IN TIME AND SPACE
Leila Akkari (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
UNRAVELING MYELOID CELL DIVERSITY IN CANCER
Laura Attardi (Stanford University)
DECIPHERING HOW P53 GOVERNS CELL STATE TRANSITIONS IN CANCER
Karen Cichowski (Harvard Medical School)
PRE-EMPTIVELY COMBATTING THERAPEUTIC RESISTANCE IN RAS PATHWAY DRIVEN CANCERS BY DEVELOPING NOVEL COMBINATORIAL THERAPIES
Gina DeNicola (Moffitt Cancer Center)
AMINO ACID ACQUISITION IN CANCER: MAKE IT OR TAKE IT
Frederic De Sauvage (Genentech)
DISSECTING TUMOR CELL PLASTICITY DURING COLORECTAL CANCER PROGRESSION
Lukas Dow (Cornell University)
ANIMAL MODELS TO REVEAL THE IMPACT OF SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE VARIANTS IN CANCER
Dannielle Engle (Salk Institute)
ABERRANT GLYCOSYLATION MEDIATED REMODELING OF THE PANCREATIC TUMOR MICRO ENVIRONMENT
Marcia Haigis (Harvard Medical School)
CANCER AND AGING
Hongbin Ji (ShanghaiTech University)
DECIPHERING LUNG CANCER MALIGNANT PROGRESSION THROUGH DUAL-RECOMBINASE TRACING 
Jos Jonkers (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
MODELING ER-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER IN MICE AND RATS
Nikhil Joshi (Yale University)
IMPACT OF IMMUNE CELLS ON EARLY TUMORS AND HOW THIS SHAPES CANCER EMERGENCE 
Scott Lowe (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
UNDERSTANDING AND TARGETING CELLULAR SENESCENCE IN TISSUE PATHOLOGIES
Chris Marine (KU Leuven)
MODELING CUTANEOUS MELANOMA INITIATION, PRIMARY TUMOR GROWTH AND METASTATIC DISSEMINATION IN MICE
Pawel Mazur (MD Anderson Cancer Center)
MOUSE MODELS TO INVESTIGATE THE TARGETABLE PROTEIN METHYLOME IN CANCER PATHOGENESIS
Katerina Politi (Yale University)
STUDYING PROGRESSION, RESISTANCE AND NOVEL VULNERABILITIES IN MODELS OF LUNG CANCER
Owen Sansom (Beatson Institute)
USING MOUSE MODELS OF COLORECTAL CANCER TO UNDERSTAND RESPONSE AND RESISTANCE TO THERAPIES
Celeste Simon (University of Pennsylvania)
LEVERAGING LIVER CANCER MODELS TO IDENTIFY NEW DRUG TREATMENTS
Mallika Singh (Revolution Medicines)
TARGETING THE ONCOGENIC STATE OF RAS: LESSONS FROM TRI-COMPLEX INHIBITORS
Rocio Sotillo (German Cancer Research Center)
DIFFERENTIAL GENETIC INTERACTIONS DRIVE EML4-ALK VARIANT-SPECIFIC LUNG TUMORIGENESIS
Kate Sutherland (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)
TURNING UP THE HEAT - ENHANCING IMMUNOTHERAPY RESPONSES IN KRAS-MUTANT LUNG CANCER
Tuomas Tammela (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
FUNCTIONAL INTERROGATION OF CELL STATE HETEROGENEITY IN MOUSE SOLID TUMOR MODELS

Target Audience

  • Basic scientists studying all aspects of cancer biology
  • Scientists and clinicians performing translational work, especially those using mouse models for preclinical studies
  • Investigators from the biotech and pharma industries who are interested in state-of-the-art animal modeling approaches

Educational Need

Multi-omic analyses provide an unprecedented view of key features of human tumors. Still, the mechanisms by which human tumors develop and respond to therapy remain challenging to investigate in patients with cancer. Animal models of cancer, including genetically engineered mice, provide an experimental system to investigate the biology of tumors and to evaluate the efficacy and resistance mechanisms associated with specific therapies. This conference will provide a forum for discussion on the past, present, and future of animal models for cancer, in particular the role that these models will play in the era of precision medicine.

To keep up to date with deadlines, grants and programme announcements, please sign up for updates. If you're keen to join us in the Dominican for our biennial genetically engineered mouse models conference, register today to secure your place!

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Speakers

Invited Speakers

Cory Abate-Shen

Columbia University

Iannis Aifantis

NYU School of Medicine

Leila Akkari

Netherlands Cancer Institute

Laura Attardi

Stanford University

Karen Cichowski

Harvard Medical School

Gina DeNicola

Moffit Cancer Center

Frederic De Sauvage

Genentech

Lukas Dow

Cornell University

Dannielle Engle

Salk Institute

Marcia Haigis

Harvard Medical School

Hongbin Ji

ShanghaiTech University

Jos Jonkers

Netherlands Cancer Institute

Nikhil Joshi

Yale University

Scott Lowe

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Chris Marine

KU Leuven

Pawel Mazur

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Katerina Politi

Yale University

Owen Sansom

Beatson Institute

Celeste Simon

University of Pennsylvania

Mallika Singh

Revolution Medicines

Rocio Sotillo

German Cancer Research Center

Kate Sutherland

Walter & Eliza Hall Institute

Tuomas Tammela

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Programme

Please note the below programme is an initial draft, and is subject to change. In the meantime, the online version will continue to be the most up-to-date, and a final programme will be circulated to all participants in the weeks before the meeting. 


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Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Prices

Ticket Type Early Bird Full Price
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone, or if you will bring accompanying guests that will not attend the meeting.
$2380 $2480
Shared
Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex.
$1825 $1925
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the Single option.
$1195 $1195
Additional Person
This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the entire conference period. Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra night' prices.

Adult

$853

Child

$364

Extra nights
Prices are per person.

Adult

$461

Child

$121


All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.

What's Included in our Registration Fees?

Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel during the conference period only:
- Conference registration 
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (26, 27, 28 February 2025) on a single or shared basis in an Enclave Garden View room
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours 
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Daily coffee breaks
- Gala Dinner with open bar
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel

What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?

Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (26, 27, 28 February 2025) on a shared basis with a conference participant in an Enclave Garden View room
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner with open bar
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room

Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.

What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?

Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (26, 27, 28 February 2025) on a shared basis with the parent/s in an Enclave Garden View room, max 2 adults and 2 children per room (extra beds and/or cribs are subject to availability upon check-in, if requested).
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner with soft drinks
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room

Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 3-12 years. Children 2 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Hilton La Romana). Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Chloe for further information.

What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?

Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in an Enclave Garden View room
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room

Important Note: If you wish to extend your stay more than 3 nights pre/post conference, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Chloe for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 3-12 years. Children 2 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Hilton La Romana).

Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Grants

Please see below opportunities for financial support for students, postdocs and early career researchers. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Conference Manager, Chloe Trundle.

ECR Awards

We have been able to create 5x $1,000 registration grants, to help defray the meeting costs for early career researchers. If you are a student, postdoc or junior faculty (within 3 years of your position), you are eligible. To apply please email the conference manager, Chloe Trundle

Your application should include your name, organisation, career level, an abstract for talk or poster consideration, and a short summary answering the below questions (no more than 50-100 words per question).
 
•    What cutting edge aspects of your work will you share at the meeting?
•    What knowledge gaps are you addressing in the field?
•    Why do you require financial support to attend?
•    How will attending #AMC25 benefit your science and career?
•    Are there any other reasons as to why your application should strongly be considered?
 
Applications will be considered as they are submitted so we recommend applying early to avoid disappointment as we only have a limited number available. If you are interested in presenting a poster, please ensure your abstract and ECR award application are submitted no later than midnight BST on Thursday 19 December 2024.

*Currently there are no grants available. However, we hope to release additional grants later following fundraising efforts. If you are interested in future opportuinities, please still send in an application - these will be considered in the first instance should additional grants be released.


2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

LinkedIn forum

The Animal Models of Cancer Network LinkedIn group is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference. The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics. To join, please follow the link below.

Join our group

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Venue

Hilton La Romana

Hilton La Romana is an all-inclusive property and is perfectly set on the Dominicans Republic's pristine coast. Lush jungles, gorgeous weather, and expansive beaches invite you to explore the beauty of the island while the resort enchants with daily activities for every age. Explore six restaurants, eight bars and lounges, and 24-hour room service. Relax in oversized rooms with views of tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea. 

Non-motorized activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing are free at the resort.

Venue Rating

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Address

Playa Bayahibe Section B, La Romana, 23000, Dominican Republic

Nearest Airport

Punta Cana International Airport

Hotel Facilities

Six Restaurants (no reservations required)
Eight bars and lounges
Water park
Private beach
Non-motorized watersports
Four ourdoor pools
Daily resort activities
Kids/teens club
Nightly entertainment
Room entertainment
Room services
Fitness center

Location

La Romana is a port city located opposite Catalina Island, and approx 80 km (50 mi) from both Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Transportation

There are two airports nearby to the Hilton La Romana: Punta Cana International Airport (Punta Cana) & Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo).

Punta Cana International Airport is the closer of the two, with transfers to the Hilton La Romana taking approximately 50minutes. It is likely the most accessible airport for international travellers.

Las Américas International Airport located in Santo Domingo also offers frequent and accessible options for those travelling from the USA. The transfer time is slightly longer, taking approximately 1hr 10minutes to the Hilton La Romana. 

Depending on travel itineraries, we recommend researching flights into both airports to find the most convenient and cost effective option for you. 

 

Airport Transfers

Airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.
 
Private Transportation Companies
There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Punta Cana area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.
 
DAT – Dominican Airport Transfers 
•    Destination would be Hilton La Romana, Adults Only.
•    All passengers related to the booking must arrive on the same flight.
•    Cancellations/refunds will be subject to an 11% reduction.
•    No shows are non-refundable. Flight delays are refundable.
•    Same day transfer request are possible via the online booking form, but you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for your driver and there is an additional last minute booking fee of $13.

Transekur 
•    Destination would be Hilton La Romana, Adults Only.
•    All passengers related to the booking must arrive on the same flight
•    Full refund for cancellations 14 days before pickup; 50% REFUND between 13 and 2 days before pickup or a 100% credit valid for a year after the original scheduled pickup; Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours prior to scheduled pick-up, will result in a cancellation fee equal to the full price of the trip fare.
•    All reservations will be considered a ‘no show’ at two (2) hours past your actual flight landing time (for airport pickups) and 15 minutes at non-airport pickup locations for transfers
 

Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
 

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Local Activities

La Romana is best known for its local culture, international cuisine and world-class beaches. Facing the Caribbean, the ocean is home to swimmable reefs and coastal islands, including the idyllic Catalina Island and Saona Island. One of the best things to do in La Romana is visiting Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village that hosts concerts and art exhibitions.

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Group Activities

Group activity details will be announced here soon.

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Childcare

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Oral Presenters

We have several oral opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a talk, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.

If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email the Conference Manager directly.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

If you are accepted for a talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches. Regular programme updates will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab on the conference website.

Your Presentation

On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop then please notify us prior to the session. A HDMI or VGA cable is usually available on the podium.

Our AV technician will apply your microphone and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer.

We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases.

Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines.

Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: Please save your presentation in PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2nd Animal Models of Cancer Conference

From Cancer Genetics to Precision Oncology #AMC25


26 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Kevin Haigis
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Julien Sage
Stanford University

Posters

We have several poster opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a poster presentation, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.

Displaying & Presenting Your Poster

Please bring your poster to registration and hand this to a member of the Fusion team. They will advise of your poster number and display your poster for you. 

Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of the refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the official poster session.

Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.

Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and will be ready for collection at the Fusion desk on the final day of the conference.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.