Thursday, November 7th

9:00 am: Registration/Check-In Opens

4:00 pm: First-Time Attendee Welcome/Meet and Greet

5:00 pm: Fun Zone Open House

7:00 pm: Welcome Dinner and Introductory Session

Friday, November 8th

9:00 am: FOP Treater Insights on Care Management and Questions from the Community

Featuring Drs. Ed Hsiao, Ellen Ellias, Fred Kaplan, Mona Al Mukaddam, and Robert Pignolo

11:30 am: Clinical Trials in the FOP Community

12:30 pm: Lunch

2:00 pm: Small Group Discussions for Families by Persona

(Mothers of Individuals with FOP, Fathers of Individuals with FOP, Adult Women with FOP, Adult Men with FOP, Extended Family Members)

3:45 pm: Interactive Workshops Based on IFOPA Program Areas 

Ability Toolbox: During our “Just Whip It” discovery session, we will whip a hamburger and a salad together and taste test our results. We will use Nancy Sando’s cookbook “Just Whip It” as our guide and use her expert tips to create a fun and filling meal. Family and community members are encouraged to take part in our session, not just individuals with FOP.

Advocacy Series: Build confidence in your public speaking skills during our very own "Toastmasters" session. We'll be introducing some fun, low-pressure topics for participants to speak to on the spot and be rewarded with affirming compliments and helpful insights to apply to future advocacy opportunities. 

Resilient Living: Whether you're looking to explore the benefits of getting a therapy pet of your own or are just interested in understanding the psychology of animal therapy our real-life pets or robotic Purrable will help you experience first-hand the power of touch.

6:30 pm: Evening Dinner and Entertainment

Saturday, November 9th

9:00 am: The Power of 1: A Special Presentation by Dr. Fred Kaplan

10:15 am: FOP Community Panel 

11:15 am: Oral Health Care and FOP

12:00 pm: Lunch

1:30 pm: Off-Site Community Event at the Butterfly Pavillion (Transporation will be provided)

6:00 pm: Dinner and Good-Byes

Conference Activities

IFOPA Program Information and Resources: Explore IFOPA programs and learn how the organization can support your family on your FOP journey.

Fun Zone and Teen Zone: Our two separate designated spaces for our youth (under 18) attendees to engage with one another over developmentally appropriate activities and sessions by guest presenters.

Medical, Dental and Adaptive Equipment Meetings: Connect with experts in the FOP community in a private setting to ask questions about your care and connect with professionals to help guide you through FOP-related challenges.

Evening Entertainment: A DJ will be bringing some fresh beats to our post-dinner dance floor on Friday evening for those who like to move and groove!

Delicious Food with Friends: Dinner on Thursday and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday will provide plenty of opportunities for families to connect and enjoy each other's company.

IFOPA Merchandise Store and Attendee Gift Bag: In addition to the conference gift bag each family will receive at check-in, attendees can also shop for IFOPA clothing and accessories throughout the event. 

Family Photo Op: In addition to the wonderful candid shots our photographer is able to capture during the event we love sharing a chance for your family to get a posed photo in front of our IFOPA backdrop.