Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, the leading national nonprofit supporting burn survivors, announces the return of its foundational event, Phoenix World Burn Congress. The Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC) is the world's largest gathering of burn survivors, their families, burn care professionals, and the fire service industry. This year’s conference will run October 4–7, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.
Launched in 1985, Phoenix WBC was developed by burn survivors, for burn survivors, to identify and understand issues impacting the daily lives of those who have experienced burn trauma. Since then, the event has drawn more than 20,000 attendees to more than 20 locations. Phoenix WBC is now a bi-annual international conference providing in-person and virtual education, support programs, and comprehensive resources for the burn community.
This year’s long-anticipated event will be held in person for the first time since 2019 after being conducted virtually during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reimagined format includes a diverse mix of learning sessions, speakers, and other events for burn survivors of all ages, their loved ones and caregivers, and the broader burn community. The exciting lineup of speakers and events includes Aaron Volpati, burn survivor, author, coach, and retired player with the Washington Capitals. Aaron will officially kick off the event with his "HARD SH*T, FINDING GRIT, AND KICKING A$$" keynote address. The event also features speakers from key sponsors MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the only adult burn treatment center in the Washington Metropolitan area, and the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, covering topics such as burn scar treatment, the healing journey, and managing post-traumatic stress.
"We are so excited to have this event so close to home,” said Jeffrey Shupp, MD, director of the Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. “This is an amazing opportunity for our patients, staff, and community. So much of the recovery from burn injury happens after discharge from burn centers, and Phoenix Society has led the way in this space.”
Phoenix WBC is one component of the organization’s larger initiative, the Journey Forward Program. This initiative unites all of Phoenix Society’s resources and services to provide a seamless, personalized approach to lifelong support for every burn survivor, their caregivers, and service providers. It is designed to guide survivors along their entire path to recovery, offering tools, resources, and support for physical, emotional, and social healing at each stage.
Phoenix WBC is notable for its unique ability to bring the burn community together for education, support, and connection. For many burn survivors, it is the first time they will connect with others who have also experienced burn trauma and recovery. Many lifelong friendships and even a marriage have their foundation at Phoenix WBC!
Other featured highlights at this year’s Phoenix WBC include a wellness and vendor fair, meet-up and peer support group sessions, and a first-time attendee gathering to help newcomers make the most of their experience at the conference. The four-day conference ends with the Walk of Solidarity and a community celebration, uniting the entire community in supporting those experiencing loss from a burn injury. Formerly known as the Walk of Remembrance, the walk will begin at the Gaylord National Convention Center and proceed through the Marina Promenade to the Gaylord Pier.
Registration for Phoenix WBC 2023 is now open. To register and find more information about the event venue, schedule, and speakers, visit https://www.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-wbc/.
About Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
About Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
Burn survivors and their loved ones face a lifelong physical, emotional, and social recovery journey. Connecting with others who have walked a similar path is essential to optimal recovery and social reintegration. Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to empowering burn survivors and their families at all healing points. Since 1977, Phoenix Society has worked with survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and first responders to support burn recovery, improve the quality of burn care, and prevent burn injuries. For more information, visit www.phoenix-society.org.