Annual Connect Conference
Connecting passion, promise and people in the fight to end Duchenne.
What started almost two decades ago as a small group of parents gathering to discuss current Duchenne topics has evolved into the largest, most comprehensive international annual conference focused entirely on Duchenne muscular dystrophy: PPMD's Annual Connect Conference.
Each year nearly 500 families from around the world gather to learn the latest progress in the fight to end Duchenne. They also gather for support, strength, and camaraderie. Our Annual Connect Conference is an opportunity for families, physicians, researchers, and experts of all kinds to speak face-to-face about Duchenne. These discussions open communication channels, lay the groundwork for future collaborations, and shape our understanding of the Duchenne landscape.
2011 Connect Conference
When: July 7-10, 2011
Where: Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
Early Bird Registration Deadline: June 10, 2011
Final Registration Deadline: June 27, 2011
Never before has the Duchenne landscape been so ripe with promise. At last count fifty-two clinical trials were listed for Duchenne. Now more than ever understanding the information that is being printed, circulated or even just talked about is critical.
The Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Annual Connect Conference is the one event in the United States that provides a multi-day gathering where Top researchers, clinicians, Duchenne experts, families and friends meet to exchange ideas, meet to learn the latest information and meet to stay connected with a community that refuses to give up hope.
Agenda
We have listened once again to what topics are important to you, and have designed the conference around these needs.
In addition to in depth conversation on Duchenne research strategies and progress being made, this year we will feature presentations from 15 different industry and academic leaders currently running clinical trials. We will also feature three panel discussions: Looking at Combined Therapies, How Decisions Are Made When Taking a Drug To Trial, Alternative Therapies, and of course our Expert Panel: Living with Duchenne.
Registration & Fees
- Conference Fees:
- Before June 1: $300/person
- After June 1: $325/person
- Kid’s Track (see "More Information" below)
- Before June 1: $45/child
- After June 1: $65/child
- Special Event at the National Aquarium in Baltimore (see "More Information" below)
The Registration Deadline is June 27, 2011.
**If you'd rather register via mail or fax, please download the offline registration form.
More Information
- Pre-Conference Meeting for Researchers, Medical Professionals, and Industry (July 6-7)
While PPMD will of course provide expert presentations regarding Duchenne research during the Connect Conference, we also recognized the need for a closed scientific meeting exclusively for researchers, medical professionals (PhD or MD) and industry. By providing this forum for researchers to gather and discuss, we are hoping to unite the Duchenne research field, as well as promote collaborations. Those attending the closed meeting have the opportunity to also register for the full Connect Conference. Download the Scientific Meeting Agenda and the General Connect Conference Agenda.
Professionals:
***Please note: Results of this meeting will be summarized for everyone during the main Connect Conference. There will still be presentations at the main conference from industry and academia on clinical trials and preclinical drug development.
- Hotel Information
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s 2011 Connect Conference will be held in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront from July 7-10, 2011.
Baltimore offers many activities and sightseeing opportunities that shouldn’t be missed.
Rooms are available at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront as a special group rate of $169 per night single or double occupancy. To receive the special rate, please make your reservation at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/PPMD or call 1-800-266-9432 and identify yourself as part of the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Connect Conference prior to Tuesday, June 14, 2011.
**When you make your online reservation, you will have to enter credit card information. However, you will not be charged until you check out of the hotel at the end of your stay.
- Kids Track
PPMD will once again be hosting a Kids Track on Friday, July 8th for anyone ages 6-18. The day will begin with breakfast together, then activities, discussions and lunch. This year we will also have an afternoon movie gathering. Kids will be divided into two age groups: 6-11 and 12-18. Both groups will be monitored by PPMD volunteers and staff and will have a specific agenda with speakers and curriculum. Boys with Duchenne, siblings and even friends just along for the ride are welcome to attend this session. Be sure to purchase your kids track tickets through general registration.
Kids Track Fees:
- Before June 1: $45/child
- After June 1: $65/child
(View the "Registration & Fees" section of this page for more information)
- Special Event at the National Aquarium in Baltimore
This year, we invite you to join us on Thursday, July 7th for a special event at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Rather than our usual Welcome Reception at the hotel, this year we have expanded the Welcome Reception and added a local element, the National Aquarium in Baltimore to the event. We invite you and your family to join us at the Aquarium for a little exploration, food and drinks. This is a great event for everyone to meet new friends and re-connect with old friends. It is also a wonderful venue where all presenters, attendees, kids, board and staff will unite.
Fee: $20/person
(View the "Registration & Fees" section of this page for more information)
- Travel Information
Travel in and out of Baltimore is quite easy with almost every major airline carrier passing through BWI Airport. Once you arrive in Baltimore you can easily take a private cab from the airport to the hotel (approximately $30) or book a reservation with Super Shuttle from the airport to the hotel (approximately $13).
If you are arriving at Baltimore Penn Station, Yellow Cabs, the best taxi service in town, can be found 24/7 right outside of the main entrance. The Charm City Circulator, a free bus service, also stops by Penn Station.
More information on transportation:
- Things To Do in Baltimore
- Corporate Sponsorship
- FAQs
Q: Can we bring our children to PPMD’s Annual Conference?A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your children to PPMD’s Annual Connect Conference. However, please remember and keep in mind that the conference presentations are serious topics and quite sensitive and session days are long. For this reason, please make sure to bring someone with you or make arrangements to have someone watch your children while you attend the conference sessions. Also, PPMD will be offering a Kids Track on Friday, July 8th, 2011. (View the "Kids Track" section of this page to learn more)
Q: Does PPMD provide childcare
A: No. PPMD does not offer childcare at this meeting. However PPMD is able to provide you with a list of children’s activities and attractions in the area.
Q: When does registration close?
A:Conference Registration closes on June 27th, but other deadlines are sooner. To receive the hotel discount you must book your room prior to June 14th. And to receive the Early Bird Registration discount you must register for the conference prior to June 1st.
Q: When does the conference start?
A: The Scientific Meeting (closed to only medical professionals) begins on Wednesday, July 6th. The General Connect Conference begins on Thursday, July 7th, 2011.
Q: Does PPMD ever waive registration fees?
A: Unfortunately, PPMD is not in the position to be able to waive any registration fees. As mentioned above, the registration fees only cover approximately 65% of what PPMD pays for each person for the conference. We suggest that you look into local communitry groups such as the Lion's Club or Rotary Club for financial assistance. Also sometimes, church groups or other service groups will help provide assistance.
Past Conference Presentations
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