The 2018 Annual SMA Conference, now in its 30th year, is set to kick off on June 14 and continue into a weekend full of programs and events that bring families, researchers and healthcare professionals together.
This year’s conference will be the largest in the Midwest to date. We’re expecting 1,600 attendees, including over 400 researchers and 110 clinicians from 160 organizations.
There will be 56 family workshops, 130 research presentations and 55 care presentations given throughout the weekend as well. Special events during the Annual SMA Conference include the Dance Party, PJ Party and Movie Night, and Roll-a-Palooza, a new live-concert event featuring two bands from Austin, TX.
This one-of-a-kind event is generously supported by 19 sponsors and 25 exhibitors. Our special thanks to Biogen as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2018 Annual SMA Conference. Through these incredible sponsors, we provided assistance for travel or registration to 729 attendees, in addition to subsiding food and other costs for all.
Advancing a Path for Current & Future Therapies, Care and Local Support
SMA is changing, and our research, care and support programs are expanding, but our commitment and values as a community will remain the same as they have always been.
We know that as SMA changes with approved treatments, care will become even more important for our community. Our newly implemented SMA Care Center Network will continue to add Care Centers across the US to improve care and outcomes. This also includes new customized, local support.
Inaugural SMA Clinical Care Meeting
The inaugural SMA Clinical Care Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 16th during conference. Clinicians across the country have been invited to share experiences, successes and ideas in order to optimize care for all those affected by SMA.
We thank Biogen, AveXis and Genentech for generously sponsoring the SMA Clinical Care Meeting.
How to Get Involved
Can’t make it to Dallas? Whether you’re able to join us or not, we’re planning several interactive opportunities for you and your family to get involved, including:
- Facebook livestream of the Opening General Session, Family-Friendly Research Poster Session, and more!
- Wear purple and orange on Friday, June 15
- Live-tweeting at the Researcher Q&A
- Sharing in-the-moment photos and video on all social media platforms.
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for conference updates.