Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC)
New Save the Date:
Phoenix WBC will be held from November 12 - 14 2025, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center (just minutes away from downtown Cincinnati, OH!)
Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC) began in 1985, developed by burn survivors, for burn survivors, to identify and understand the issues that impact the daily lives of those associated with burn trauma. The event is hosted by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, the leading national nonprofit supporting burn survivors. Phoenix WBC is the world's largest gathering of burn survivors, their families, burn care professionals, and the fire service industry.
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For many burn survivors, Phoenix WBC is their first opportunity to connect with others on the journey of burn recovery. This life-changing biennial event connects attendees with support resources, educational programming, workshops, and, most importantly, each other. It is through these shared experiences that healing begins, because we have learned that nothing heals survivors like connection with other survivors. We bring hope and healing to survivors and loved ones— anytime, anywhere.
FAQ's About PWBC
History of Phoenix World Burn Congress
Phoenix World Burn Congress (WBC) began in 1985, developed by burn survivors, for burn survivors, to identify and understand the issues that impact the daily lives of those associated with burn trauma. Since its inception, the event has transformed into an annual international conference that provides education, support programs, and comprehensive resources to support and increase knowledge of burn recovery. The event was initially named the Mid-Atlantic Conference at its inception. However, it was renamed National Burn Congress in 1986, World Burn Congress in 1989, and World Burn Congress III in 1990, before being renamed Phoenix World Burn Congress in 2013. The event was held in over 20 different locations before being changed to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
PWBC has been a foundational element of the survivor journey and a flagship offering for the organization. We recognize the invaluable connections formed at our in-person event and acknowledge our community's great need to bring this event back.
—Amy Acton, CEO, Phoenix Society
Phoenix WBC Survey Findings
Phoenix Society's survey of over 500 respondents shared overwhelming findings that burn survivors and families, healthcare providers, foundations, and corporate partners prefer a longer, 4-day national event over any other option (national, regional, virtual). Survey results revealed that the primary motivators behind having a longer nationwide event are providing opportunities for survivors to connect with a broader group of survivors and build long-lasting relationships.
Since 1985, over 20,000 people have attended Phoenix WBC, providing the healing power of connection, many survivors having never seen another burn survivor before. While Phoenix World Burn Congress will now be an every other year formatted event, there are continued ways for the community to connect in a virtual environment throughout the year, every year.