CANCER’S LEADING THINKERS. TOGETHER IN ONE ROOM. THOUGHTS ON OUR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
LUCY A. GODLEY, MD, PHD • NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
THE FORBECK FORUMS ARE LEGENDARY WITHIN THE CANCER COMMUNITY. No other cancer meeting is conducted with Forbeck’s intimate nature: 15-20 cancer investigators of all faculty ranks, comprising basic scientists and clinical investigators meet over 2 1/2 days to discuss one current topic in cancer biology from diverse perspectives. They are joined by two Forbeck Scholars, who are about to or have just started their own laboratories and benefit from the networking that happens during mealtimes and fun events. Forbeck Forums have some quirks that we hold dear, because we think that they contribute to the meaningful interactions that occur during the meeting and sustain relationships afterwards. First, attendees are required to attend the entire meeting. Second, presentations are 30-45 minutes long and are given using five slides. This shocks many first-time attendees who are used to giving such talks with the benefit of
30 or more slides. At first, people could not imagine how they could speak for more than half an hour with only five slides. However, once they listen to the first talk and see how people barely make it through three slides, they relax—There are so many interruptions with eager and excited questions that presenters rarely make it through all of their slides. This gave us an idea…
Just when we thought the Forbeck Forums couldn’t be improved, we decided in 2025 to institute a few new “rules” … and we may have hit upon the secret recipe: We did not allow open computers and only TWO slides. We asked people to put away their computers and cell phones to allow them no distractions and to really focus on the presenters. We figured since no presenter ever really makes it to their fifth slide anyway, we would be bold and encourage even fewer slides. We made sure to have a whiteboard and magic markers available and encouraged people to try NO slides at all. Many opted for this style and gave their talk like a “chalk talk” where the presenter talks and draws at the same time.
To our delight, people followed the new rules and were incredibly well engaged in the meetings. Many told us that the Forbeck Forums remain their favorite meetings, precisely because of the style we have adopted. So, have we come up with the perfect recipe? Only time will tell, but we certainly embrace our new format and look forward to the exciting 2026 meeting schedule!
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