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Photo Credit: Conference room sits empty. pixaby / Stefan Schweihofer
The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 30, less than two weeks before its annual conference was scheduled to open at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
On November 3, the association announced the cancellation of its November 11–14 event, leaving attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and the host property facing unanswered financial questions.
The association filed the bankruptcy petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey under case number 26-22341.
The bankruptcy filing could complicate efforts by the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and other vendors to recover cancellation damages.
According to Joshua L. Grimes, a meetings industry attorney who specializes in meetings and events contracts, bankruptcy can allow organizations to reject contracts that would otherwise carry enforceable cancellation penalties. If AONN+’s bankruptcy proceeds, the hotel could become one of its creditors, potentially recovering only a fraction of what it is owed.
“Bankruptcy can void otherwise enforceable obligations,” Grimes said.
He also sees a broader problem as associations struggle to meet contracts signed years ago, when attendance expectations were higher. Inflexible cancellation and attrition penalties are creating financial pressure, contributing to shorter booking windows, smaller room blocks, and fewer meetings.
AONN+ has historically attracted hundreds of oncology professionals to its annual conference. Its 2024 gathering in Las Vegas drew 890 participants, including 680 in person and 210 virtually. More than 1,100 attended its 2018 conference in Dallas.
It remains unclear how many people had registered for the canceled 2026 event or what arrangements are being made for refunds, hotel reservations, and exhibitor commitments.
Neither AONN+ nor the Gaylord Texan has disclosed the cancellation’s financial implications.
AONN+ did not immediately respond to Skift Meetings’ request for comment.
Industry Steps In to Help
One healthcare event organizer is already working to preserve educational programming and provide alternatives for displaced attendees and sponsors. This is similar to what happened after the Grace Hopper Celebration was canceled two weeks out. Its community found ways to gather without it.
Melissa Paige, president of the National Association of Medication Access & Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA), managing partner of event production company Prescribe Plus, and co-CEO of Healthcare Advocate Summit, is exploring ways to deliver the canceled conference’s educational programming virtually.
Paige is also offering space at two events scheduled for May and September 2027, potentially giving displaced AONN+ speakers and attendees opportunities to reconnect next year.
“We have the space, resources, and willingness to step up,” Paige said.
Her organization is offering complimentary registration to confirmed AONN+ attendees, including those who may not receive reimbursement for their canceled conference registration. Sponsors are also being invited to explore opportunities to reach their intended audiences through future events.
Paige emphasized that the response is about preserving access to education, not competing for attendees.
“This is exactly when our healthcare community needs to come together, put competition aside, and find solutions,” Paige said. “We have the resources, relationships, and opportunities to help ensure this education and collaboration don’t disappear.”
Paige is meeting with other industry stakeholders to determine what can realistically be delivered. No replacement programming has been finalized.
