FAQs

About the Event

When and where is the event being held?

AllyCon 2024 takes place December 12-14 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Who is allowed to attend the event?

AllyCon welcomes colorectal cancer patients, caregivers, and advocates, as well as others with a personal or professional connection to colorectal cancer and a desire to end this disease.

How much does the event cost?

Tickets to AllyCon for general admission are $300. If you are a first-time attendee, you can purchase a discounted ticket for $200. All tickets include 2 nights hotel stay at the Fontainebleau, all meals, all access to sessions and evening events. All tickets do not include airfare or ground transportation.

Who should attend?

AllyCon’s programming will be most beneficial to colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates.

Is financial support offered to attend the event? If so, who qualifies?

Direct financial support to attend AllyCon is not offered. First-time attendees receive a discount. There are a small number of volunteer opportunities that come with a discounted registration fee. There are no financial cash stipends being provided.

Are attendees under the age of 18 allowed?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Only those officially registered to attend the conference will be admitted, including children.

I have attended AllyCon's in the past. What can I expect out of Thrive this year?

The Alliance promised that after a one year hiatus to regroup and reimagine AllyCon, we would return with an elevated experience that would make this a must-attend conference for patients, caregivers, and advocates. Thrive will offer:

Education and Resources: Patient and caregiver-focused education on CRC diagnosis, treatment, care, and survivorship to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Community Building: A space for CRC patients, caregivers, and community partners to gather, share experiences, and support one another.
Empowerment and Advocacy: The latest information on treatments, clinical trials, and self-advocacy skills to enhance your healthcare experiences and equip you with tools to become ambassadors for your cancer centers and local communities.

Ticketing & Registration

What is included and what is not included in the ticket price?

All tickets include 2 nights hotel stay at the Fontainebleau, all meals, all access to sessions and evening events. All tickets do not include airfare or ground transportation. Should you want to arrive earlier or stay longer than our event duration, you may purchase additional hotel nights.

Why is there a cost to attend AllyCon this year?

The Alliance's goal is to grow AllyCon to reach and support more patients, caregivers, and advocates. As we do this, the Alliance is unable to sustain the practice of fully subsidizing this annual event. Therefore, we are asking that attendees pay a nominal fee to offset a small percentage of the lodging and food costs.

Is there a registration and hotel block deadline?

Registration will close to all attendees on Tuesday, November 19th. Please make sure to register before this date.

What if I don't need a hotel room?

If you are local to Miami and do not need a hotel room, please contact us at info@allycon.org. Your ticket price will remain the same cost.

I have questions about my hotel accommodations.

Please reach out to us at info@allycon.org to discuss.

Why is there a discount for first-time attendees?

At the Alliance, we are committed to making AllyCon an inclusive and welcoming event for all. By offering a discount to first-time attendees, we hope to encourage new patients, families, and advocates to join our community and experience the valuable support and resources AllyCon provides. Welcoming new allies helps us grow stronger together, and this initiative allows us to reach those who might otherwise miss out on the benefits of being part of this event.

Is financial support offered to attend the event?

Travel & Accommodations

What day and time should I arrive? Where should I fly into?

We recommend arriving on Thursday, December 12th and departing on Saturday, December 14th. Our first session on Thursday will begin at 6pm and our last session will end on Saturday at 1pm. Miami International Airport (MIA) is 11 miles from the hotel. Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is 21 miles from the hotel.

Where should I book a hotel?

Your ticket price includes two hotel nights at our event venue, the Fontainebleau. You will receive a hotel confirmation within one week of submitting your registration. Your ticket price includes a check-in date of Thursday, Dec. 12, and a check-out date of Saturday, Dec. 14. Any additional room nights before or after the event are the responsibility of the attendee.

What if I don’t need a hotel room?
If you are local to Miami and do not need a hotel room, please contact us at info@allycon.org. Your ticket price will remain the same cost.

When will I receive a hotel confirmation?

You will receive hotel confirmation within one week of submitting your registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@allycon.org.

What time does the event begin and end?

AllyCon check-in opens at 1 pm on Thursday, Dec. 12, and an opening reception starts at 6:00 pm. The last session will end around 1pm on Saturday, December 14th.

How much is parking?

Day Parking is available at the Fontainebleau for $50/day plus tax. Overnight parking is available at the Fontainebleau for $70/night plus tax.

How do I get to and from the airport?

Please secure your own ground transportation to and from the airport. Taxis and rideshares are easy to secure upon arriving at Miami airport.

Is the event ADA accessible?

Yes.

Event Logistics

Is there a virtual attendance option?

What can I expect out of the program and content?

AllyCon is a supportive and affirming experience that prepares patients, caregivers, and advocates for action against colorectal cancer with expert-led sessions, peer-to-peer connections, and practical tools to take into your community. You will leave AllyCon more informed, more empowered, and ready to thrive.

Sponsorship & Non-Profit Partners

I’m interested in learning more about how I can partner with the Alliance. Where can I learn more?

To learn about AllyCon sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jamee Telford at jtelford@ccalliance.org. For partnership information, please contact Angele Russell at arussell@ccalliance.org. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Monica Riedesel at mriedesel@ccalliance.org.

Travel Stipend Drawing

How do I qualify for the $250 travel stipend drawing?

Any ally who registers for AllyCon will automatically be entered into the weekly drawing. No additional steps are required. For more detailed information, view the official travel stipend rules.

Are there opportunities to share my story while making me eligible for a $250 travel stipend?

There are two opportunities. First, allies who submit a video testimonial sharing why they’re excited for AllyCon and what the experience means to them will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $250 travel stipend. Secondly, any ally attending AllyCon who shares their story will be considered to speak at AllyCon in “Thrive Talks.” They will be entered into a drawing to win one of four $250 travel stipends.

When are the drawing winners announced?

A new winner will be selected and announced every week through November 8. Winners will be notified via email.

If I win the drawing, how and when do I receive the travel stipend?

Winners will receive their $250 travel stipend in the form of a check at AllyCon in Miami during the event.

Can I win the drawing more than once?

No, each ally is only eligible to win the travel stipend once.

If I win, can I choose to put the stipend toward other event costs, like registration or hotel accommodations?

The $250 travel stipend is intended to help cover travel expenses. It does not apply to registration fees, accommodations, or other event-related costs.

Can I transfer my drawing entry to someone else?

No, drawing entries are non-transferable and linked to the individual who registered for AllyCon.