May 2nd, 3rd & 4th
The Westin Indianapolis Hotel
Indianapolis, Indiana
Join Us at the 2025 MDF Conference!
MDF invites you to attend the 2025 MDF Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from May 2nd to May 4th! Sometimes called the “DM family reunion” - the MDF Conference is an event to unite the DM community in our journey towards treatments and a cure for myotonic dystrophy (DM). This year's program includes educational sessions exploring research, drug development, symptom management, and other critical topics for DM families, plus opportunities for formal and informal networking, wellness, and fun!
Kicking the event off on Thursday, May 1st, MDF will host an early arrivals evening reception at The Westin Indianapolis. Our conference sessions will run from Friday May 2nd through Saturday May 3rd, with optional activities for community members on Sunday morning.
New in 2025 - Young Investigators Workshop
Join us on Saturday afternoon for the Young Investigators' Workshops! Designed for the next generation of DM researchers and their mentors, these workshops will provide personalized guidance on developing and advancing a career focused on myotonic dystrophy. Read more about our Young Investigators' Workshops in the Program section below!
If you would like to participate in our Young Investigators' Workshops, be sure to indicate your interest upon registering!
Professional Registration
Professional conference registration is for clinicians, healthcare providers, researchers, drug developers, and students focused on myotonic dystrophy. Professional registrants will be given priority access to all Professional Track sessions. Professional conference registration includes access to general sessions, select community sessions, meals, and other activities.
Looking to register as a DM Community Member? Click here to learn more about Community Registration at the 2025 MDF Conference! >>>
Please note: Your conference registration does NOT include your hotel room! Find details about MDF's discounted room rate in the Lodging, Transportation, and Childcare section below!
Unable to attend in-person? Join us virtually! Please note that not all sessions will be recorded or made available to virtual attendees. Updates on virtual and recorded sessions coming soon!
We encourage all attendees to register early to take advantage of our discounted registration rates:
- Early Bird Professional Registration ends December 2nd!
- $650 - Industry & Investors
- $350 - Scientist or Physician
- $300 - Allied Healthcare Provider
- $300 - Non-Profit Organization or Government Representative
- $100 - Students
- Regular Professional Registration ends March 28th.
- +$50 to Early Bird Rates.
- Late Professional Registration accepted until April 11th.
- +$100 to Early Bird Rates
- Virtual Professional Registration - $200
Dining & Dietary Needs
During Conference Registration, you will be asked about your plans to attend certain receptions and meals to help MDF and The Westin Indianapolis tailor meals to your dietary requirements and anticipate how much food to prepare. All in-person registrations include the following meals:
- Thursday Evening Welcome Reception (Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages).
- Friday Breakfast, Networking Lunch, and Dinner & Entertainment.
- Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, and Closing Dinner & Dance Party.
- Some break time snacks & coffee/tea are also included throughout the event.
Program - In Development!
Education & Networking Sessions
Our program includes general, educational, mental health and wellness sessions, meals, and other activities. General sessions are held in the main ballroom and are for all attendees:
- Welcome & State of the Foundation.
- Industry Updates (Presented in partnership with EuroDyMA).
- Stories of Inspiration & Awards.
In addition to our general sessions, MDF is working to tailor educational sessions to different audiences within the DM community:
- Professional Sessions – Tailored for clinicians, researchers, industry experts, and other DM professionals, these sessions cover a range of critical topics on advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and exciting new research.
- Lightning Round - A fast-paced session where young investigators present their groundbreaking research, offering a glimpse into the future of DM studies.
- Poster Presentation Showcase - An exciting display of innovative research by young investigators and industry leaders, spotlighting cutting-edge developments in the DM field.
- Young Investigators' Workshops - Focused on career development, these workshops provide young researchers with invaluable tools and guidance for advancing their careers in DM.
- Networking Opportunities:
- Professional Networking - Dedicated time for DM professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities across disciplines.
- Mentor/Young Investigator Networking - A platform to foster meaningful connections between experienced mentors and early-career investigators, supporting the next generation of DM researchers.
- DM Community Networking - Opportunities to build relationships and connect with DM community members.
- DM Community Member Sessions - Special sessions designed for individuals and families living with DM, which provide essential information, resources, and support for navigating life with DM. Please note, some Community sessions have restricted attendance and will be closed to Professionals.
Young Investigators' Workshops
Don't miss your chance to take part in our brand new Young Investigators' Workshops! Taking place on Saturday afternoon, these workshops are specifically tailored to emerging researchers in the DM field. These workshops offer the opportunity to meet with seasoned mentors who provide personalized guidance and support. Participants will also benefit from engaging career panels featuring experts who discuss their professional journeys, offer career advice, and explore opportunities within the industry. This new optional component of our Professional Track will be an exciting chance to network, gain insights, and advance your career in DM research.
To participate, be sure to indicate your interest when registering!
Conference Networking Buddies
Be the bridge between Research Professionals and the DM Community! MDF's Conference Networking Buddies system pairs DM Professionals (researchers, clinicians, and/or industry partners) and people living with myotonic dystrophy and their caregivers. MDF will provide assigned seating during lunch on Friday so you can get to know your conference buddy! There will be additional opportunities to connect with your buddy during snack breaks, cocktail hours, or poster sessions throughout the conference.
More information will be sent to you if you join the Conference Networking Buddies program during registration.
Myotonic Dystrophy Research Poster Showcase
Sharing the latest myotonic dystrophy research updates is a key feature of the MDF Conference! The DM Research Poster Showcase is an incredible opportunity for researchers and drug developers to explain and discuss their work with MDF conference attendees, including other researchers, clinicians, and families living with DM. Click here to submit your Research Poster Abstract! >>>
During Friday's professional networking session, leading researchers will critique and provide invaluable feedback to poster authors. Our Saturday Showcase offers an exclusive, unopposed time for attendees to explore posters and connect with their authors. Outstanding contributions by young investigators will be recognized with awards during the Professional Track.
MDF urges doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers working on research of any type of DM to submit posters on their work! Companies and researchers developing DM therapies are also encouraged to submit abstracts to this unique and collaborative event for advancing DM research.
Abstract submissions will be accepted until Friday, February 7th with decisions announced by March 14th. For any research poster related questions, please contact Dr. Nadine Skinner, MDF's MERLA Manager, at nadine.skinner@myotonic.org.
Submit Your Research Poster Abstract!
Become an Exhibitor at the 2025 MDF Conference
We are incredibly grateful to host an active research and exhibitor presence at the 2025 MDF Conference! With exhibitors and research sites actively conducting and promoting DM research, the conference experience is enriched, offering attendees access to the latest advancements, innovations, and support tools within the DM landscape.
This year, in addition to our invited sponsors and partners, we are excited to extend an opportunity to academic institutions interested in conducting IRB approved research at the conference and to organizations and companies who are interested in participating as exhibitors!
Due to limited space, we ask that all interested parties complete a short application. While we will do our best to accommodate all requests, space is limited, and we encourage early submissions to ensure participation. Click here to apply to be a 2025 MDF Conference Exhibitor! >>>
Please Note: An invitation to conduct research and/or host an exhibitor table does not mean that MDF is endorsing or sponsoring said research and/or exhibitors. MDF does recognize, however, that your involvement is crucial to the success of the conference and to the continued progress of the DM community. Please email any exhibitor questions to planner@myotonic.org.
Apply to be a Conference Exhibitor!
Lodging, Transportation, and Childcare
Discounted Hotel Room Rate
MDF has secured a special discounted room rate for conference attendees at The Westin Indianapolis starting at $239 per night! Rooms are limited and not guaranteed until the hotel confirms the reservation. Rooms must be booked before April 1st, 2025!
Click here to book your stay with MDF's discounted rate! >>>
Need an accessible/ADA room for your Conference stay? Follow these simple steps to make sure all your room needs are met! >>>
Please note: Registering for the conference does NOT reserve your hotel room.
The Westin Indianapolis is located in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy a surprise around every turn! You’ll find entertainment, upscale restaurants, shopping, and all the necessities close by. Many of Indianapolis’ renowned attractions are just a few minutes away, including the world's largest children’s museum and White River State Park!
Interested in other accessible options in the area? Find more choices at AccessibleGo. >>>
Transportation
Attendees arriving by plane will land in Indianapolis via the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), approximately 13 miles from The Westin Indianapolis.
Visitors have a variety of transportation options to reach The Westin Indianapolis, including taxi service, ride-sharing apps, and public transportation. Please note that attendees are responsible for arranging all of their own ground transportation to and from the airport and throughout the duration of the conference.
Click here for more detailed Lodging and Transportation information. >>>
Childcare
Childcare is open to Community Members and Professionals! MDF is excited to offer on-site childcare for children under 12 though Corporate Kids Events! If you would utilize childcare at the Conference, please indicate your interest upon registering or contact planner@myotonic.org no later than Monday, March 31st, 2025.
Please note: Conference childcare has limited space and is offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Registration Cancellation Policy
Plans change - we get it! MDF contracts for conference presenters, travel, and hotel services nine to twelve months in advance, and adjusts those contracts based on registration numbers. We are therefore unable to process registration cancellations made after Friday, March 28, 2025.
Hotel room cancellations must be made directly with the hotel. You will be charged 1 night room and tax if the cancellation is within 3 days of arrival, or if you fail to show up on your arrival date.
Questions?
If you have questions about the 2025 MDF Conference or need assistance with registration, please contact MDF at 415-800-7777 or by email at planner@myotonic.org.
Corporate Sponsorship
For questions on corporate sponsorship opportunities at the 2025 MDF Conference, please contact MDF at development@myotonic.org.