2020 Family Gathering Preview
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We understand the impact of the Coronavirus on the safety and well-being of our FOP community members. Our goal is to support families in the planning process as much as possible with the hopes that we will be able to gather together for the FOP Family Gathering scheduled to take place in Dallas, Texas November 19-22.
**Please know that we will be continuing to evaluate the safety of an in-person meeting as the year continues and the dates of the 2020 Family Gathering are subject to change or cancellation.
We are excited to offer translation for Spanish speakers at the 2020 Family Gathering and are excited to meet many new families from Mexico by providing this service.
To assist with your planning, we will be accepting applications for travel and lodging stipends now through May 15 and will notify applicants of the outcome before registration opens on June 1.
Please also find included below a preview of the agenda, registration deadlines and hotel booking information.
Travel and/or Lodging Stipends
The travel and lodging stipends provided by the IFOPA are intended to serve as a resource for families whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from being able to attend the Family Gathering. There are two types of stipends available.
Those living with FOP (or their parents if they are under 18) are eligible to apply for one
or both stipends.
- Lodging stipends will cover up to 3 nights of lodging (depending on where you are traveling from) for one room. Of note, rooms with a king bed also have a pull-out sofa sleeper.
- Total travel stipends will not exceed $750 for a maximum of two people.
The deadline to apply for a travel or lodging stipend on April 17th.
Important Notes:
All lodging stipends must be used to book a room at the hotel reserved by the IFOPA where the Family Gathering will be held at the rate of $185/night.
If you are awarded a travel and/or lodging stipend you will be asked to sign a travel and/or lodging stipend agreement. If you do not attend the Gathering, you must reimburse the IFOPA for the stipend you received, unless the cancellation is due to a medical emergency. If you experience a medical emergency and are able to receive a full or partial refund from travel and/or lodging vendors, you must refund any amounts you receive to the IFOPA.
Family Gathering Agenda
Thursday, Nov. 19 – The family gathering will begin on Thursday afternoon with a new Family Orientation followed by a welcome reception and dinner.
Friday, Nov. 20 – We’ll have a full day with presentations in the morning and small group discussion time in the afternoon.
Saturday, Nov. 21 – Saturday will be the last day of general sessions in the morning followed by Ask a Doctor and Ask a Dentist meetings which will take place on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday, Nov. 22 – Sunday will be an additional day of Ask A Doctor and Ask A Dentists meetings with the opportunity to enjoy the additional activities listed below.
Throughout the weekend participants will have the chance to participate in a variety of community activities such as donating to the IFOPA Biobank, participating in FOP Pain Research, visiting the Ability Toolbox Resource room, sharing your FOP Story, shopping at the IFOPA store and having your photo taken by a professional photographer.
Registration Rates
We seek support of generous sponsors and donors in order to make the Family Gathering as affordable as possible.
- Person with FOP - Complimentary registration
- 1st family, friend or caregiver – Complimentary registration
- All other guests 16+ - $150 per person
- All other guests 5 to 15 - $75 per person
The deadline for registration refunds is Friday, November, 13th. After this date the IFOPA will not be able to make changes to food and beverage orders at the hotel. Registration fees are applied to those costs.
Hotel
The IFOPA will offer a special room block at the event hotel at the rate of $185/night. After completing registration you will receive an email with a link to an IFOPA specific web page where you can book hotel accommodations under our room block. Reservations should be made by Oct. 26th in order to get this rate. Even if you receive a travel and or lodging stipend you will need to make a reservation at the hotel. The charge for your room will be paid by the IFOPA. There is no deposit required at the time of booking.
Rooms are available with a king bed and a sleeper sofa (sleeps 4) or two queen beds and a sleeper sofa (sleeps 6.)
Questions about the Family Gathering?
We look forward to seeing many long-time community members and welcoming new families in Dallas this November! If you have questions about the 2020 Family Gathering, please send us an email at [email protected] or contact Hope Newport, Family Services Manager at (785)294-1607
