2012 Family Conference Registration
Date: 02/08/2012
Join FIRST in beautiful Denver, Colorado for our 2012 National Family Conference!
June 22-24-2012
The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc.TM (FIRST) hosts a 3-day national family conference every two years. This is FIRST's premier event open to all members of the Foundation.
Family Conferences are a fantastic opportunity for affected individuals and their families to meet and network with other affected individuals. They connect those searching for information and support in living wih ichthyosis and related skin types.
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| It's easy to register, just read the important details and submit your registration | |
| 1 | Read the important conference details. (tentative program, dress code, travel assistance, policies, suggestions, etc.) |
| 2 | Register using our secure online registration form. (FIRST accepts Visa, MC, Amex or Discover) |
| 3 | Reserve your room at the Renaissance Denver Hotel. *Please note that the FIRST Group code is already included when you click on the link. |
If you cannot register online, you can print out a paper registration form and mail or fax it with your payment to the FIRST office.
FIRST
2616 N. Broad Street
Colmar, PA 18915
Fax: (215)997-9403
Clinical Screening Appointments
All affected individuals and their families have the opportunity to meet with leading expert physicians for a free, private 15-minute consultation on Friday, June 22. Participation is voluntary. Sign-up is required prior to the conference by completing the Clinical Screening section on the Registration Form.
Kids' Camp
Social programs for all affected children and their siblings are an integral part of the conference. Children in the kids’ camp (ages 1—12) will enjoy activities, entertainment, educational programs and refreshments while their parents participate in conference workshops and sessions. Be sure to indicate if your child will be attending the kids’ camp on pages 3 and 4 of the registration form. A licensed child care company will be hired to provide this service. A nominal fee is required so FIRST can be sure who is planning to use this service and the appropriate number of childcare providers will be hired for the safety of your children.
Ichthyosis Genetics Study Update
At the 2010 family conference in Orlando, Dr. Keith Choate and his team from Yale University enrolled over sixty families in a gene discovery project to identify the genetic causes of ichthyosis. This year, the Yale team will be enrolling additional families in this study and following up with those already enrolled. People with ichthyosis who have never had genetic testing and those who have had genetic testing without identification of a disease causing mutation are invited to participate. Previous participants will be asked to meet with the Yale team and to provide additional clinical information.
Hotel Accomodations
The discounted room rate negotiated with the hotel is $119 + tax flat rate. This rate is available from June 16 through June 26. All attendees must make their own reservations at the Renaissance Denver Hotel by calling toll-free 1.888.228.9290 or clicking on this link for our direct online hotel reservation page. To receive the discounted room rate, you must identify our group name as “FIRST” if you call. If you use the onine link, the code for our group is already entered. Reservations must be received on or before 5 pm on May 22, 2012 to be guaranteed a room in the room block. All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit guaranteed with a major credit card. Other hotel rules and restrictions may apply. For questions, contact the hotel directly at 303.399.7500.
Meals & Dress Code
The conference registration fee includes lunch on Friday, June 22; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, June 23; and breakfast and lunch on Sunday, June 24. All registrants are on their own for dinner on Friday evening. Conference attire is casual, including Saturday evening’s dinner & family social.
Airport & Shuttle Information
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the major airport for the Denver area. The Renaissance Denver Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. From the airport to the hotel, go to Baggage Claim Level 5—Westside Doors 506/Eastside Doors 511. Proceed to the third island where you will see “Hotel Shuttle” signage. When departing the hotel to return to the airport, it is recommended to make a reservation at the front desk.
Driving Directions and Free Parking
Contact the Renaissance Denver Hotel at 303.399.7500 or visit their website at www.renaissancedenver.com and click on Maps & Transportation. Their street address is 3801 Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80207. Parking will be complimentary for all conference attendees. When making your room reservation be sure to mention that you are with the Foundation for Ichthyosis group. You will use your room key to get in and out of the lot and not be charged.
Complimentary Shuttle Service
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Quebec Square and the Northfield Shopping Center.
Air Charity Network
You may be eligible for free transportation using the Air Charity Network. To find out if you are eligible for free transportation to and from the conference, please contact Air Charity Network directly at 877.621.7177.
Elitch Gardens Discount Tickets
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, located in downtown Denver, is offering FIRST guests discounted tickets at $22.99 per person (kids 3 and under are free). It features 60 rides and attractions, live entertainment, shopping and dining. The main gate price is $42.99, so this is a substantial savings. You are responsible for your own transportation. Check with the hotel about transportation options. Tickets can be purchased on page 4 of the registration form and will be distributed to you when you register at the conference. Visit ElitchGardens.com for additional information or phone 303.595.4FUN.
Teen Field Trip
Teenagers, ages 13-17, will participate in a chaperoned offsite field trip to Denver’s Museum of Nature & Science/Planetarium/IMAX Theatre on Saturday afternoon. Be sure to check the box on page 4 of the registration form if you want to participate.
Grand Rounds
FIRST will be sponsoring Dermatology Grand Rounds at Children’s Hospital of Colorado on Thursday, June 21 (the day before the conference). The purpose is to teach doctors to recognize the medical signs and symptoms of the ichthyoses and understand the common psychological aspects. Doctors attending will receive Continuing Medical Education (CME)credits. A handful of individuals affected with different types of ichthyosis will be asked to participate. If selected, you (or you and your affected child) will sit in an exam room. Medical students/doctors from the area will come to observe your symptoms and ask questions about how the condition affects you and your daily life. It is an incredible opportunity for doctors and future doctors to see a variety of the ichthyoses in one setting and learn firsthand. If you are interested in being considered as a patient volunteer for these Grand Rounds, please check the box on page 4 of the registration form. The number of patients is limited, so only a few will be selected. FIRST will provide accommodations for a Thursday night stay if you are selected to participate. You will receive an email from the FIRST office if selected.
| *Tentative Program Overview ... | |||||
| Friday, June 22 | Saturday, June 23 | Sunday, June 24 | |||
| 9:00-11:00 am 9:00- 7:00 pm 11:00-12:00 pm 12:00-1:00 pm 12:45-4:00 pm 1:00-4:00 pm 1:00-2:30 pm 2:30-4:00 pm 4 pm | Registration Clinical Screening/Genetics Study Opening/Welcome Lunch Kids Camp (ages 1—12) Teen workshop Workshop 1 (adults) Workshop 2 (adults) On Your Own – Have fun | 7:00-8:45 am 8:45-12:00 pm 9:00-10:45 am 11:00-12:00 pm 12:00-1:00 pm 12:45-5:30 pm 1:00-5:30 pm 1:00-2:15 pm 2:30-5:30 pm 6:30-10:30 pm | Breakfast Kids Camp (ages1-12) Adult/Teen Sessions Workshop 3 (adults) Lunch Kids Camp (ages 1-12) Teens offsite field trip Panel Discussions Group Networking Dinner/Dance Party | 7:00-8:45 am 8:45-12:00 pm 9:00-11:30 am 11:45-12:00 pm 12:00-2:00 pm | Breakfast Kids Camp (ages 1-12) Workshops 4 (Focus Groups) Closing Farewell Lunch |
*subject to change
click here to print out the complete conference program
Conference Raffle
We are gathering items for the raffle that takes place on Saturday evening at the conference. A huge effort is underway to solicit items from national and Colorado businesses. If you would like to donate an item for the conference raffle, please contact Chris Wassel at the FIRST office. Thank you!
We hope to see you there! Our 2010 conference in Orlando was a fantastic success! We anticipate that this summer's conference to be even better.
