2024 Family Gathering

Join Us at the 2024 Family Gathering in Denver, Colorado

We are excited to announce that the 2024 FOP Family Gathering will be held November 7-9 in Denver, Colorado. The Family Gathering is a powerful opportunity for individuals with FOP and their families to come together in person for 2 days to connect with each other and learn from experts in the FOP field.

Denver's known as the Mile High City and sits at a high altitude. The IFOPA does not provide medical advice to families regarding whether they should attend the event in person. We encourage you to work directly with your local healthcare provider regarding traveling to the Denver area.

In 2023 we executed our first Family Gathering theme "Better Together" where we celebrated the strength that comes from our shared connections and knowledge. This year, we've shifting our focus to embrace the power of change!

Whether you have been diagnosed with FOP or you care about someone with FOP, everyone in our community has been transformed by their FOP diagnosis.

Seasons of change can feel overwhelming and scary. But change can also bring incredible opportunities for transformation and growth. That’s why we selected Transformation: The Power of Change as this year’s theme for the Family Gathering. There’s no denying that the FOP community has experienced tremendous advancements and growth in the past several years. As a community, we’ve experienced the first approved treatment for FOP and a continued expansion of clinical trial opportunities. On a personal level, we’ve witnessed countless individuals use their experience as someone living with a disability to create a positive impact and inform change for the better both within and outside of the FOP community.

While we know change comes with challenges, we are thrilled to be able to highlight all the good that can be woven into those new spaces. From personal transformation to scientific transformation, there is beauty in growth. To close out the weekend together we’ll be hosting an impactful off-site event at the nearby Butterfly Pavillion where we’ll recognize the beauty in change during a private gathering before offering the opportunity for families to learn from and explore this incredible venue.

“At Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere, because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom, and we--you and us--stand on the backs of these tiny giants.”

Click Here to Register Today!

Family Gathering Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 7 – The Family Gathering will begin on Thursday evening with a dinner that includes a welcome presentation from the IFOPA staff.

Friday, November 8 – We’ll have a full day with presentations in the morning and interactive discussion groups and workshops in the afternoon. Ask a Doctor and Ask a Dentist meetings will also take place on Friday afternoon.

Saturday, November 9 – Saturday will be the last day of general sessions in the morning followed by a special afternoon community event. Ask a Doctor and Ask a Dentist meetings will also take place on Saturday morning.

Sunday, November 10 – Sunday will be an additional day of Ask A Doctor and Ask A Dentists meetings (if necessary.) Families who are traveling by air will be prioritized to be seen on Friday or Saturday.

For a more detailed agenda and information about ancillary activities please explore the Preliminary Agenda.

Click Here to View the Preliminary Agenda

Registration Timeline and Registration Rates

Registration is now open! Click here to register

The deadline for registration refunds is Wednesday, October 23. 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.

We seek the support of generous sponsors and donors to make the Family Gathering as affordable as possible.

Person with FOP – Complimentary registration
1st family, friend or caregiver – $100
All other guests 16+ – $150 per person
All other guests 5 to 15 – $75 per person

Wheelchair Accessible Airport Shuttle

During registration, you will be asked to share if you need assistance traveling between the Denver International Airport and the conference hotel. The IFOPA will offer airport transportation (to and from the airport) for families free of charge. Individuals who will be traveling with an electric wheelchair will receive priority. We cannot guarantee that non-wheelchair users will be accommodated as there are other transportation options (Uber, Lyft, taxi services) available to those attendees.

Hotel

The IFOPA will offer a special room block at the event hotel at the rate of $129/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 must be made by October 15 to get this rate.

Virtual Participation

We have LOVED having community members from the US and abroad join us as virtual attendees for the US Family Gathering over the past four years. However, due to a significant decline in live participation in the virtual Family Gathering, this year's event will not be streamed live for virtual attendees. Instead, we plan to offer some new virtual events in early December. If you have suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

In addition, and pending permission from presenters, we will post sessions from the Family Gathering on the IFOPA’s YouTube channel following the event so that FOP community members from around the world can watch at the most convenient time for them, as well as access YouTube-provided translation services. There will be opportunities for those who can’t attend in person to submit questions that may be asked during the live event.