The Pen Is Truly Mightier: Chronicles from a Binaytara Conference

A Morning at the Registration Desk: What Makes Binaytara Conferences Stand Out

It was a sunny and lively morning in Houston, Texas, as I prepared to set up at the conference registration desk. One by one, I laid all the forms, lanyards, badges, and Binaytara swag and stickers on the desk. As faculty, attendees, and sponsors swarmed in, the desk started to empty, so I restocked. People were trickling in and out of the rooms, networking with one another, and sharing knowledge about the latest therapeutics. It was a fulfilling sight to behold. Then came an attendee, sauntering with a cheerful smile and curious expression toward me. After scanning the registration desk—left to right, then right to left—a slightly apologetic yet questioning smile washed over her face as she proceeded to ask, "You all don't have those fancy gel pens anymore?" Of all the things I expected on my list of FAQs, never did I think I would be fielding so many questions about a mystery pen that is apparently the holy grail at Binaytara conferences.

Top pen: the fan favorite. Bottom pen: the brand-new look

2025 Oncology Updates in Houston: What Clinicians Are Talking About

The 2025 Updates on Hematology and Oncology in Houston was brimming with the latest developments in cancer, from melanoma to gastrointestinal cancers. Key clinical trials, FDA approvals, and case discussions ensued in the meeting rooms, gripping the audience’s attention. In the exhibit and break rooms, the air was not only filled with the aroma of coffee and pastries but also with conversations about new drug developments and Binaytara’s projects in Nepal. However, the intensity of many conversations at the conference was often punctuated with levity whenever we got questions about our gel pens.

Exhibitors and clinicians engaging in discussions about the latest cancer therapies in Houston

Although tangential to the goal of this continuing medical education conference, that pen symbolizes the attention to detail and the personal connections formed at our events. Conversations about the pens often transitioned into deeper discussions about health equity. The pen jolted memories of an earlier conference we held in Houston, as attendees and exhibitors reminisced about their experiences and connections there. This same pen brought to life the decades-long history of Binaytara, making attendees marvel at the growth and impact we have made over the years. And it is no exaggeration to say how deeply disappointed some attendees looked when we ran out of them.

“I’m sorry—we only have these modern, not-so-gelly but beautifully designed pens adorned with the familiar Binaytara logo,” I said, as apologetically as I could.

Empowering the Next Generation: Oncology Fellows Take the Lead

The sessions at this conference were equally memorable and informative. Co-chaired by Dr. Shilpan Shah from Houston Methodist and Dr. Julie Nangia from Baylor College of Medicine, this CME conference had something for every healthcare professional. Didactic lectures by faculty members from institutions across Texas shed light on updates in hematologic malignancies, general oncology, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, and thoracic malignancies. Medical fellows came not only to listen to their attendings present but also to lead the discussion of challenging cases during the tumor board session. Empowering early-career medical professionals is something we strive for and celebrate at every Binaytara conference.

Cancer Care in LMICs: Lessons from Nepal Shared in Houston

Right before the lunch break, Justine Kam, the Director of Development at Binaytara, gave a presentation about access to cancer care in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). Specifically highlighting Binaytara’s current project in Nepal, Justine drew parallels between the population in Houston and its oncology infrastructure to that of Nepal. The difference was stark, and the audience was fully engaged, with several eye-opening moments throughout the presentation. To be part of a conference that not only educates you about the latest developments in oncology but also supports the mission to improve access to cancer care is something that makes our attendees feel really proud. Together, we are making an impact globally. As one attendee puts it after reading a brochure at the registration desk, “This is really great. I love what your organization is doing, and I look forward to future conferences.” And then, he grabs a pen.

Same Pen, Different City: Why This Popular Conference Swag Reached Fresno and Beyond

This conference took place on the same weekend as three of our medical oncology conferences: the Best of ASCO Omaha, Best of ASCO Milwaukee, and 2025 Updates in Hematology and Oncology, Fresno. Word coming out of Fresno is that the same pen that is highly sought after in Houston also gained popularity in the San Joaquin Valley. As one of our global health and health disparities interns, Maeve Doolin, who staffed the Fresno conference, shared:

“I had about four people come up to me during the conference and ask if we were giving out ‘the pens.’ I told them we only had a few and needed to keep them at the desk. Throughout the day, I even noticed people subtly trying to take one after signing in or grabbing one when I wasn’t looking. They were clearly a huge hit!”

From Conference Rooms to Global Change: How Education Drives Our Mission

For the scholarly and altruistic person, what tops a pen that glides across a page as smoothly as butter? This pen symbolizes how even the smallest details matter. A minuscule item in a large hall, on a desk filled with other things, could grab people’s attention and ignite conversations that support our mission. This is what Binaytara represents. Our mission is to improve healthcare in resource-poor communities and enhance cancer care worldwide. We do this through education, advocacy, and research, and we make every activity and event engaging and innovative, right down to our famous pens.

Learn more about our upcoming continuing medical education conference and experience the world we are creating—one where everyone has access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate healthcare that improves their quality of life.