MDF Annual Conference Registration & Scholarships to Open Mid-April

Some call it the family reunion. Some, the crown jewel of MDF events. Others simply refer to it as THE conference. Whatever you call the MDF Annual Conference, we hope to see you there – and in person!

For the past two years, families, clinicians, volunteers, industry partners, researchers and other members of the extended MDF family have met virtually to ensure safety during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic. While there is much gratitude to go around for making a transition to virtual conferencing possible – gratitude to the many planners, speakers, and attendees who created vibrant virtual events both years – there is also no way to replicate the special magic of being with other people in person, laughing, hugging, sharing, and connecting.

As the impact of pandemic safety responses take effect around the world, restrictions on in-person public meetings are easing and an eagerness to be together again in the flesh is rising. At this time, it appears that an in-person meeting of the MDF community at Paradise Point Hotel in San Diego on September 9^th-10^th will indeed be safe for most and possible for many. MDF has heard from countless community members eager to gather again outside of a Zoom frame, and we hope that this will be the reality for many of us come September.

Keeping Our Community Safe

MDF continues its vigilance and prudence in adhering strictly to local, state, and federal guidelines for COVID-19 safety. Our community’s health and safety will always be our number one priority.  But with the approach of this spring – our third since the pandemic was declared – we cannot resist a feeling of optimism that we will all be able to be together again soon for our “family reunion.” We are preparing a virtual component in order to be prepared for any re-emergence of pandemic-related challenges, and to make sure that even those who could not attend in person can still participate virtually.  

Registration and Scholarships

We hope that you will save-the-date for September 9^th and 10^th and join us however you can. Registration will open in mid-April. Scholarships will be available for a few individuals living with DM and a caregiver during the first month that conference registration is open – approximately from mid-April to mid-May, exact dates and times TBA - who demonstrate financial need and have never attended an in-person conference before. Plans for conference include five learning tracks – DM1, DM2, caregivers and self-care, juvenile-onset adults, and professionals - and other conference staples such as an exhibit hall, industry updates, stump-the-expert sessions, a first timers’ tea, and more!

More information will be available in the next issue of the Dispatch in mid-April. Until then, please continue to hope for circumstances around the world to improve in all the ways we need to meet again in person – and save the date for September 9^th and 10^th.