Call for Presentations
Beginning in October 2026, the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation will begin seeking proposals from professionals for its 17th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference, to be held in Dallas, Texas:
- Thursday, July 22, 2027: Meg Hefner Professional Day
- Friday, July 23–Sunday, July 25, 2027: General Conference
The proposal submissions form will open October 15, 2026
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.
We are looking for informative presentations for families covering the following topics – as well as more technical presentations geared toward professionals.
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 will be available in Spring 2027.
Important Next Steps and Dates:
- BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM: Reservations at the Anatole Hilton, Dallas, TX will be available beginning late 2026. Contact [email protected] with any hotel concerns.
BOOKING LINK COMING IN LATE 2026
- 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 early 2027]
- 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 2027]
Important Information:
Meg Hefner Professional Day separate registration and fee required
Thursday, July 22, 2027 (breakfast & lunch included with registration).
Check-in begins Wednesday, July 21 through Thursday morning.
Sessions will be up to 30 minutes.
Main Conference
Friday, July 23-Sunday, July 25, 2027
Breakout sessions will be up to 60 minutes total; please allow 5 or 10 minutes for Q&A.
Please refrain from including background material and basic information about CHARGE syndrome in your presentation. The majority of Conference attendees are interested in specific strategies and practical information that they can take home and share with their child’s team.
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 be available as often as possible to answer attendee questions about their research.
- Professional Day Setup: 7:00 am – 8:30 am Thursday, July 22
- Main Conference Setup: 7:00 am – 8:30 am Friday, July 23
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].
