FOP Family Gathering Evolves to an Every-Other-Year Event

The Family Gathering is an invaluable chance to connect with FOP medical experts, hear the latest research and news, participate in IFOPA programming, and perhaps most importantly, be with others who understand your story and are walking the same path.

2025 marks our 10th meeting since the IFOPA shifted from holding symposiums (joint meetings between researchers, doctors and families) to Family Gatherings that move around the United States.

As we look forward to the future of the Family Gathering, we have thoughtfully considered how to take the best of this special event into the future. Serving families with FOP is a foundational pillar of our mission as an organization—and we know how important this event is to you and our entire community.

For the many reasons below, we are shifting the Family Gathering to an every-other-year event to serve the FOP community best.

  • Decrease travel demands for families participating in clinical trials
  • Give our volunteer dentists and doctors the time to attend the FOP Drug Development Forum on off years, a critical industry event that advances FOP research
  • Lessen the financial burden for families trying to budget to attend a Family Gathering each year
  • Provide more opportunities for connections by increasing the number of families attending an every-other-year event
  • Wisely steward the generous funds donated to the IFOPA which cover a significant portion of the event costs

As we implement this change, here’s what you can expect in 2025 and 2026.

We’re excited to announce the 2025 Family Gathering will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from November 13 to 15. Thinking about attending? Complete our Interest Form to make sure you receive all of the details.

As always, we will continue offering programming and resources to provide you the latest FOP news and opportunities to build community.

In 2026, we will introduce more touchpoints for you to access important updates and connect with other families.

We are so grateful for the past decade of memories at the Family Gathering, and we’re looking forward to the next decade of building community and making memories together!

If you have any questions about the 2025 Family Gathering or our decision to shift to an every-other-year event, please email Hope Newport, IFOPA Family Services Manager, at [email protected]

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