Frequently Asked Questions

Will be updated as needed.

ASPHO is compiling helpful resources for pediatric hematologists/oncologists relevant to COVID-19. Learn more.

Why is the 2020 ASPHO Conference cancelled?

After closely monitoring updates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Texas health agencies, and considering the health and well-being of our members, speakers, partners and patients, the ASPHO Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 ASPHO Conference.

Are all additional events associated with the 2020 ASPHO Conference cancelled as well?

All additional events including receptions, exhibit hall, pre-conference sessions, committee meetings, and Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings are also cancelled. If you were meeting with another organization onsite, including but not limited to PTCTC (formerly PBMTC) or AAP SOHO, please reach out to them directly with questions.

Will the conference be rescheduled or postponed?

No, the 2020 ASPHO Conference is being cancelled. The annual Business Meeting will be held by webinar during the dates of the canceled conference – the exact time and date will be determined and communicated in the coming weeks.

Will attendees and exhibitors receive a full refund?

Per ASPHO’s Cancellation Policy, registrants will receive full refunds of their conference registration fees within the next 60-90 days and we’ll let you know if we need any additional information. Please be patient as we process refunds for attendees, exhibitors, vendors and other partners.

Exhibitors and sponsors will have two options: receive a full refund or apply their fee towards the 2021 ASPHO Conference scheduled for April 21-24 in Portland, OR.

Will attendees and exhibitors be refunded for hotel and airline expenses?

Per ASPHO’s Cancellation Policy, no refunds can be made for lodging, airfare, or any other expenses related to attending the conference. We suggest you contact your hotel to cancel your reservation and your airline to request a refund. If they are unwilling to grant a full refund, they may be willing to reschedule you for another flight in the future.

Note: If you booked a hotel room at the Omni Fort Worth and Sheraton Fort Worth hotels and were part of the ASPHO room block, they have automatically canceled your room reservation. We encourage you to still call to be sure you aren't accidentally charged.

If I wanted to support ASPHO with a donation or transfer my registration fee to a donation, is that possible?

ASPHO is a 501(c)(3) organization and does accept charitable contributions. If you would like to donate your registration fee or a portion thereof, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by March 31, 2020. You will be sent a donation acknowledgement letter for your records.

When and where is the next ASPHO Conference?

The 2021 ASPHO Conference will be held April 21-24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

Will ASPHO present any sessions virtually?

The Conference Planning and Education Committees will be exploring opportunities to deliver some content originally meant to be presented at the 2020 Conference. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

When will the 2021 Call for Workshops and Call for Papers and Posters be available?

The Conference Planning and Education Committees will be exploring many options for the 2021 ASPHO Conference, and more details will be shared in the coming weeks.

I was selected to present an abstract in paper or poster format. Is it possible to present my work in an alternative format?

All accepted abstracts will be published in Pediatric Blood and Cancer and are listed on the ASPHO website.

The Conference Planning and Education Committees will be exploring opportunities to deliver some content originally meant to be presented at the 2020 Conference. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

I was scheduled to present a session, paper or poster at the 2020 ASPHO Conference. Does the cancellation of the meeting mean I can no longer list my presentation on my resume or CV?

In discussion with several leaders in the academic community, it is their opinion it is acceptable to include your presentation or poster on your CV and note the conference was cancelled. You are also advised to inquire with your own division/department leadership if you are up for promotion soon.

Sample listing: Presentation/poster title, indicate accepted (alternatively invited if asked to present), scheduled to be delivered on ___ (date) yet not delivered due to reason (conference cancellation/travel restriction reason)