{"id":12119,"date":"2025-05-22T11:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T18:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mr66givry2.onrocket.site\/?p=12119"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:07:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T22:07:04","slug":"over-700-people-attend-2025-mdf-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/over-700-people-attend-2025-mdf-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Over 700 People Attend the 2025 MDF Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div class=\"date-of-publication\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-COMBINED.png\" width=\"1200\" height=\"450\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item\">\n<div>\n<h2 class=\"rtecenter\">2025\u00a0MDF Conference<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"rtecenter\"><strong>May 1st, 2nd, 3rd &amp; 4th<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>The Westin Indianapolis Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h2>The 2025 MDF Conference Breaks Records and Builds Connections in Indianapolis!<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Thank you so much for joining us in Indianapolis, and online, for the 2025 MDF Annual Conference!<\/strong>\u00a0The 2025 MDF Conference, often called the \u201cDM family reunion\u201d, was our largest and most international gathering to date. With more than 700 attendees from 34 US States and 10 countries, we were thrilled to welcome such a vibrant and engaged global community.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/our-annual-conferences\">Click here to learn more about MDF&#8217;s past and upcoming conferences.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Professional Track kicked off on Thursday, May 1st, with the\u00a0<em>Cardiac Phenotypes &amp; Clinical Trial Endpoints in DM Workshop<\/em>\u00a0led by the DM Clinical Research Network (DMCRN), followed by the 5th Edition of Euro-DyMA&#8217;s\u00a0<em>Pharma Day<\/em>, presented in partnership with MDF. A welcome reception concluded the day for all in-person attendees. Educational and networking\u00a0sessions continued through Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, and wrapped up with our new\u00a0<em>Sunday Morning Workshops<\/em>\u00a0on the 4th at The Westin Indianapolis.<\/p>\n<p><em>We hope you enjoyed this year&#8217;s sessions exploring research, drug development, symptom management, and our opportunities for formal and informal networking, wellness, and fun.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?vanity=MyotonicStrong&amp;set=a.1107845054709574&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWple_LizHDqGizZ-aQIDAIGA8YvYmvdCMOcZ9N8rXLgdAdcDqW9TbCCdc4T8u3lP_ZEQwRvatOaZ_e8e2DVWg4Yvr-xXZRh1Y9bzNL8KQXZeEzIUZAt_8yWADYeXVcsQdclTRShw7WChyG34RQOnYHB826YDiSDOhUoqOh4T_OIRBr_vgTsID36fpdCCBxs2b8hwDAUIWav_yU08ahsdwtC5lXxWg17xftQnyTcbS89Q&amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Click here to view all the photos from the 2025 MDF Annual Conference on Facebook!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Access our recorded sessions on\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@MyotonicStrong\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>YouTube<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0or the\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/digital-academy\"><strong>MDF Digital Academy<\/strong><\/a><strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Looking for Community Track sessions?\u00a0<\/strong>Community conference sessions are designed for individuals living with DM, their caregivers, friends, family, or loved ones.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/community-sessions-2025-mdf-conference\">Click here to view a detailed listing of all our Community sessions!\u00a0&gt;&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Looking for Professional Track sessions?<\/strong>\u00a0Professional conference sessions are designed for clinicians, healthcare providers, researchers, drug developers, and students focused on myotonic dystrophy.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL0zTzly1-gD3bTvEArD-FV5S1HKHFHsXu&amp;si=dNGBNyPQd8FhdUEI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Access the Professional Track playlist!\u00a0&gt;&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Community-Awards.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"rtecenter col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-6 pull-right screen-placer\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7y5sVqKkB0M?si=skMB8MqnGp1NQ2i9\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Congratulations to Our Community Award Recipients!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Each year, MDF honors members of our community for their exceptional commitment and service to the myotonic dystrophy community. Congratulations to our 2025 award recipients:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Midori Senoo\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211;\u00a0<em>Above and Beyond Award<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Shaun Moore<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<em>MDF Support Group Facilitator Warrior Award<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Cynthia \u201cCindy\u201d Hubert\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211;\u00a0<em>MDF Support Group Facilitator Warrior Award<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Beth Feigenblatt<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<em>Kayla Vittek Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Advocate<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Their leadership continues to uplift and inspire our entire community!\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7y5sVqKkB0M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to watch the award presentations from our Stories of Inspiration session! &gt;&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Mystery-Box.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Performance2028229.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Masks.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Unmasking Joy: Evenings Full of Fun &amp; Connection<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Friday night brought our community together for a\u00a0<strong>masquerade dinner<\/strong>, where laughter, heartfelt connection, and new friendships took center stage!<\/p>\n<p>Saturday&#8217;s\u00a0<strong>Dinner &amp; Dance Party<\/strong>\u00a0brought even more excitement with our\u00a0<em>Mystery Box Challenge\u00a0<\/em>to support MDF&#8217;s mission. Before the dancing began, we were treated to an unforgettable live performance of Katy Perry&#8217;s &#8222;Roar&#8220; by\u00a0<strong>Zo\u00e9 Berman<\/strong>, who lit up the room with her powerful voice and presence.\u00a0<em>Congratulations on your standing ovation,\u00a0<\/em>Zo\u00e9<em>!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Mystery Box Grand Prize Winners!<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Jennifer Sage\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211;\u00a0Trip to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/2025-mdf-gala\">2025 MDF Gala in New York City<\/a>!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marc Steele\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211; New iPad<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carly Hunt\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211; $250 Amazon Gift Card<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Performance.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Workshop.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Community.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Improving the Conference Experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To better serve our community, MDF introduced a new program in 2025, the\u00a0<strong>Sunday Morning Workshops.<\/strong>\u00a0These personalized sessions allowed attendees to meet one-on-one with experts on important topics, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><u>Genetic Counseling:<\/u>\u00a0Understanding genetic testing options and hereditary considerations.<\/li>\n<li><u>Family Planning:<\/u>\u00a0Personalized reproductive guidance in the context of myotonic dystrophy.<\/li>\n<li><u>Accessible and Adaptive Devices:<\/u>\u00a0Exercises, adaptive strategies, and equipment recommendations to improve physical function and quality of life.<\/li>\n<li><u>Insurance, Social Security &amp; Medicare:<\/u>\u00a0Strategies to navigate healthcare systems, manage medical expenses, and access necessary treatments.<\/li>\n<li><u>Caregiver Resources:<\/u>\u00a0Tools for managing caregiver stress, accessing support networks, and ensuring the well-being of caregivers and their loved ones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Professionals.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Professionals2028329.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Professionals2028229.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>New Professional Sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>MDF&#8217;s Professional Track began with the\u00a0<strong>Cardiac Endpoints Workshop<\/strong>, co-hosted with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdcrn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DMCRN<\/a>, covered cardiology care standards, neuromuscular cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, and clinical trial outcome measures.<\/p>\n<p>That afternoon, the 5th Edition of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/euro-dyma.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Euro-DyMA&#8217;s<\/a>\u00a0<strong>Pharma Day<\/strong>, presented in partnership with MDF, connected pharmaceutical innovators, researchers, clinicians, and patient organizations together for technical presentations and face-to-face discussions on DM drug development.<\/p>\n<p><em>Special thanks to our Lead Sponsor,\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aviditybiosciences.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Avidity Biosciences<\/em><\/a><em>, our Diamond Sponsor,\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dyne-tx.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Dyne Therapeutics<\/em><\/a><em>, our Platinum Sponsors,\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pepgen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>PepGen<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vrtx.com\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Vertex<\/em><\/a><em>, Gold Sponsor,\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanofi.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Sanofi<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0and Bronze Sponsor,\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lupin-neurosciences.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Lupin Neurosciences<\/em><\/a><em>, for helping make the Cardiac Endpoints Workshop and PharmaDay possible.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, professionals were invited to attend the\u00a0<strong>Young Investigators&#8216; Workshops<\/strong>, which focused on providing personalized guidance on advancing the careers of the next generation of DM researchers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interested in the DM research?<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-04\/Poster_Abstracts_2025.pdf\">Click here to view the 2025 Research Poster Abstracts!<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-JOA.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Dance.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-4\"><em><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Conference-Program.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Our Program &amp; Recorded Sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>With over 70 sessions spanning clinical care, research, advocacy, and wellness, the 2025 MDF Conference offered meaningful learning and community-building opportunities for everyone in the DM community.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-04\/MDF-2025-Conference-Program.pdf\"><strong>Click here to download a PDF of the MDF Annual Conference Program Book!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Missed a session of want to revisit a favorite?\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/digital-academy\"><em>Check our the recorded sessions on the MDF Digital Academy! &gt;&gt;&gt;<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/digital-academy\"><strong>What is the MDF Digital Academy?<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0It&#8217;s our free, on-demand video catalog where you can re-watch and share your favorite conference sessions, webinars, technical explanations, and stories of hope from the DM community.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/digital-academy\">Click here to start exploring the MDF Digital Academy.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1>Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors<\/h1>\n<p><strong>A special thank you to all our Sponsors for helping make this event possible!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For questions on future sponsorship opportunities, please contact MDF at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:development@myotonic.org\">development@myotonic.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myotonic.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-11\/2025-MDF_Sponsorship-Opportunities.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to download an overview of Sponsorship Opportunities in 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Lead Sponsor<\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aviditybiosciences.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/3_IDD-Avidity.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Diamond Sponsors<\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dyne-tx.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2_IDD-Dyne.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthexbiotech.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/1_IDD-ARTHEx.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Platinum Sponsors<\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pepgen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/1_IDD-PepGen.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vrtx.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vertex-bronze.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Gold Sponsor<\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanofi.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sanofi.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Silver Sponsors<\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.novartis.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Novartis-Logo.png\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amo-pharma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/1_IDD-AMO.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Bronze Sponsor<\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lupin-neurosciences.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lupin-bronze.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2025\u00a0MDF Conference May 1st, 2nd, 3rd &amp; 4th The Westin Indianapolis Hotel The 2025 MDF Conference Breaks Records and Builds Connections in Indianapolis! Thank you so much for joining us in Indianapolis, and online, for the 2025 MDF Annual Conference!\u00a0The 2025 MDF Conference, often called the \u201cDM family reunion\u201d, was our largest and most international [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":12122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[161],"tags":[231],"class_list":["post-12119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-classe","tag-conference"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12119\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myotonic.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}