Call for Presentations
The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation is seeking proposals from professionals for its 16th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference, to be held in Phoenix, AZ:
- Thursday, July 24, 2025: Meg Hefner Professional Day
- Friday, July 25–Sunday, July 27, 2025: General Conference
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS HAS PASSED
Deadline for submissions was December 2, 2024.
Contact [email protected] with any questions.
This biennial event is the largest gathering of families and individuals with CHARGE syndrome in the world and is an extraordinary opportunity to meet and work with other professionals, as well as individuals and families affected by CHARGE syndrome, the leading cause of congenital deafblindness. Please consider sharing your expertise.
Conference breakout sessions will include some of the following topics:
Medical – neurology, genetics, gastrointestinal, immunology, endocrinology (growth and puberty), cardiology, psychiatry, audiology (BAHA, Cochlear Implant, etc.), ophthalmology (coloboma), pulmonology (secretion management, trach), feeding therapy, nutrition, etc.
Behavior –addressing social/emotional needs (self-esteem, body awareness), executive function, developing social stories, psychological treatment, OCD, etc.
Education – communication options, language development, assistive technology, IEP strategies and practical support, communication plans and therapies in educational settings, transition services, orientation and mobility, etc.
For Adolescents and Adults with CHARGE – adult services, puberty and sexuality, vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living, transportation, social skills, etc.
Family – caregiver needs/self-care, stages of grief, coping strategies, sibling issues, relationship support for parents and extended family, financial planning and estate planning, etc.
The conference agenda is available will be available in Spring 2025.
Important Next Steps and Dates:
- BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM: Make a reservation at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, in Phoenix, AZ. Our room block will be filling quickly. Contact [email protected] with any hotel concerns.
- REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE: All presenters must register for the Conference. Note that Professional Day is a separate registration. Register by June 1st to avoid a late fee. [Registration link coming in 2025]
- HANDOUTS: Handouts and other resources will be made available electronically to all attendees prior to conference. [Link to Conference App will be added in Spring 2025]
Important Information:
Meg Hefner Professional Day separate registration and fee required
Thursday, July 24, 2025 (breakfast & lunch included with registration).
Check-in begins Wednesday, July 23 through Thursday morning.
Plenary sessions: 20 minutes. Breakout sessions: 15-20 minute.
There will be time set aside for poster presenters to discuss their research with Professional Day attendees. (Posters will also be available during the Main Conference)
Main Conference
Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27, 2025
Breakout sessions are 30 or 60 minutes total; please allow 5 or 10 minutes for Q&A.
Please refrain from including background material and basic information about CHARGE in your presentation. The majority of Conference attendees are interested in specific strategies and practical information that they can take back home.
Posters
Posters will be on display during Meg Hener Professional Day and during the Main Conference.
- The Foundation will provide boards (36 in. x 48 in.), which will be placed horizontally on two chairs.
- Tape will be provided for you to attach poster(s) to board the morning of set-up.
- Presenters are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their poster.
At least one presenter is asked to be at the poster to share info and answer questions during a designated time [to be announced in 2025]. - Professional Day Setup: 7:00 am – 8:30 am [Room to be announced in 2025]
- Main Conference Setup: 7:00 am – 8:30 am [Room to be announced in 2025]
A/V items:
Each breakout room will have: a podium, microphone, wireless microphone (for Q&A), an LCD projector and a screen. Presenters will need their own laptops, dongles, pointers, etc.
If you have any questions about presenting at Conference, please contact [email protected].
