Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive and deadly form of breast cancer. In spite of the comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to the management of this disease, the prognosis remains dismal. Moreover, there have been no major advancements in understanding the etiology and biology of IBC and no significant improvements in the diagnosis of the disease. The International Inflammatory Breast Cancer Conference was established in 2008 with the intention of creating a forum for the discussion, collaboration and development of proposals and working hypotheses. Furthermore, the conference represented an opportunity to raise awareness regarding IBC. The second international conference reported on several new exciting projects based on work from investigators and research teams devoted to making a difference in the fight against this disease.