Hypersomnia Foundation Conference
2015 Building our Future Together
Featuring Special Guest Speakers
Dr. Isabelle Arnulf
Dr. David Plante
Kate Pece, M.Ed., Educational Consultant
Julie Flygare, JD, Founder of Project Sleep
Alanna Wong, Founder of Alannawonglife.com
Gigi Whiteside, Ed.S., Assistive Technology Specialist
David Rye, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology
Lynn Marie Trotti, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Neurology
Dr. Trotti is a leading hypersomnia researcher and is focused on patients with primary hypersomnia. She recently lead two clinical trials evaluating novel treatments for hypersomnia.
Andrew Jenkins, PhD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
Dr. Jenkins is a scientist devoted to understanding how drugs and chemicals make us feel sleepy, or cause us to become unconscious. With a background in anesthesia he is an expert on GABA receptors.
Anjel F. Burgess, Attorney - Social Security Disability
Ms. Burgess received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and her Master's degree in Gerontology from the University of South Florida. After receiving her law degree from Georgia State University, Ms. Burgess practiced civil litigation with an emphasis on insurance defense. Ms. Burgess now focuses her practice on Social Security Disability. She is a member of the Georgia & Cobb County Bar Associations as well as the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives (NOSSCR).
Amanda A. H. Freeman, PhD, Instructor, Neurology
Shonda Lyons-Golden, Ed.S., Assistive Technology Specialist
Join us for the 2015 Hypersomnia Foundation Conference!
We are pleased to announce that this year we will have Keynotes, Round Tables, and Breakout Sessions. Your choice of Breakout Sessions this year includes; hearing from a Social Security Disability Attorney, learning about free assistive technology tools available to help you with computer work, young adult groups, supporter groups, and much, much more! You will be able to attend the sessions that interest you the most.
Our session strands are consistent with our Foundation mission and include; Education, Advocacy, Resources, and Support. You could choose to follow sessions based on a specific strand, sessions based on a specific format, or you could mix and match for a well-rounded conference experience.
Conference ticket price includes access to this special event, continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, as well as a buffet dinner. Additionally, enjoy coffee, tea, sodas, bottled water and snacks throughout the conference day. FREE Wi-Fi is also included in all meeting rooms, as well as guest rooms for those staying at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. FREE on-site parking is also included for conference attendees.
This year, we are offering 3 event options which may be purchased separately or together as a discounted package, called the "Full Conference Experience".
1.) Friday 07/17/15 - Trip to the Georgia Aquarium 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST
2.) Saturday 07/18/15 - Conference Event 8:00 am - 6:30 pm EST
3.) Saturday 07/18/15 - Pajama Party 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm EST
Consider purchasing a ticket to the Full Conference Experience!
Do you want the full conference experience? Grab the Full Conference Experience ticket to experience the Friday afternoon trip to the Georgia Aquarium, the Saturday conference event, and the Saturday evening Pajama Party. This 10% discounted rate gives you access to everything available on conference weekend. Make sure you are a part of it all! This ticket does not include lodging at the hotel. Be sure you grab this ticket soon - as limited quantities are available. This ticket type will close when it sells out or on March 31, 2015 - whichever comes sooner.
FAQs
What is included in my conference ticket price?
Conference ticket price includes access to this special event, continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, as well as a buffet dinner. Additionally, enjoy coffee, tea, sodas, bottled water and snacks throughout the conference day. FREE Wi-Fi is also included in all meeting rooms, as well as guest rooms for those staying at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. FREE on-site parking is also included for conference attendees.
Who is speaking at the 2015 Hypersomnia Conference?
Click on the link to see a list of confirmed speakers. Keep checking back! As more speakers are confirmed, the list will be updated. http://bit.ly/2015Speakers
Who should attend?
The Hypersomnia Foundation Annual Conference offers the latest information on research, treatments, challenges, and issues facing people with Hypersomnia today. This conference is open to:
- People with Idiopathic Hypersomnia/Major Somnolence Disorder
- People with Narcolepsy (with and without cataplexy)
- People with Kleine-Levin Syndrome
- Supporters of people with Hypersomnia/Narcolepsy/KLS
- Medical Professionals
- Scientists
- Educators
- Advocates
Are there any scholarship opportunities to help me attend the conference?
Providing scholarships are a future goal of the HSF but, being a newly formed nonprofit, we do not yet have the funds to provide scholarships.
If I volunteer to help at the conference, can I get a free ticket?
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and the Hypersomnia Foundation needs volunteers to help the event run smoothly for everyone. As it turns out, the conference ticket price is equivalent to the per person cost of the event. In other words, the Hypersomnia Foundation is not profiting off of conference ticket sales and is therefore unable to offer free tickets for volunteers. Even the Hypersomnia Foundation Board Members are purchasing their own tickets and hotel rooms. With that said, if you plan to attend the conference and feel called to give back by volunteering, we welcome you. That warm, fuzzy feeling you get by volunteering and being a part of such a wonderful event is priceless!
Will a DVD of the 2015 Hypersomnia Conference become available post conference?
For various reasons we will not be able to provide a DVD for this meeting.
What are my lodging options?
Guest rooms are available at the Emory Conference Center Hotel at a discounted rate of $109/night. In order to ensure you receive this discounted rate, you must reserve your room prior to Friday, June 19, 2015, as long as space is available. Emory Conference Center Hotel will also honor this discounted rate for those coming in early (2-3 days) or staying late (2-3 days) for doctor appointments, etc. Be sure to book your room early to ensure space is available. Visit this link to book your guest room for the conference. Free Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms at the Emory Conference Center Hotel and the conference event will take place on site. There is a restaurant available in the hotel and there are also plenty of shopping and food options within walking distance at Emory Point. A map of Emory Point can be found here.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
FREE parking is available in a parking deck, on-site. Looking for transportation for Hartsfield Jackson Airport? Atlanta Superior Shuttle operates from Stalls Green 5 & 6 at the airport. It costs $50.00 per person, roundtrip from the airport to the Emory Conference Center Hotel. For reservations call (770) 457-4794.
What if I have special dietary needs?
When you purchase your ticket, you will have the opportunity to state any special dietary needs you have (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.). If you mention a special dietary need when purchasing your conference ticket, your need will be communicated to event organization staff and the chef. Just check in with one of the conference volunteers during meal times and they will be happy to help you.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
You are encouraged to bring your own devices (BYOD) to the conference! There will be FREE Wi-Fi in your guest room and in all meeting rooms available for conference attendees to use throughout the conference day. There will also be plenty of places to plug your device in if you need a little more juice in your battery. You are also encouraged to dress in layers so you can self-adjust to room temperature as needed. Be sure to dress comfortably.
Is there an official conference T-shirt?
Order your official 2015 HSF Conference T-shirt which displays a beautiful graphic created by a person with Hypersomnia & sports the 2015 "Building our Future Together" conference logo. Read more about the artist and her design in the Artist Spotlight here. The T-shirt sells for $15 and can be purchased at the same time you purchase your conference ticket. Join us in wearing your conference T-Shirt during the event!
If I order a conference T-Shirt, how and when will I receive it?
If you order a conference T-Shirt now, it will be included in your attendee packet that you will pick up at the registration table at the event. The registration table will be open Friday, July 17, 2015 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm and again on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 8:00 am - 9:00 am. Join us in wearing your conference T-Shirt during the event!
If I don't order a conference T-Shirt now, will there be T-shirts on sale at the conference?
There will be a limited amount of T-Shirts on sale at the conference. If you want to ensure that you get your conference T-Shirt for the best price and in the size you want, consider ordering your conference T-Shirt now. Join us in wearing your conference T-Shirt during the event.
Is my ticket transferable?
No. You may not transfer your ticket to another person. If you find that you are not able to attend the conference, follow the procedure for requesting a refund below.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No. There is no need for paper tickets or to print the confirmation email. Your name will be on an attendee list at the registration table. Be sure to check in at the registration table. It will be open Friday, July 17, 2015 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 8:00 am - 9:00 am.
What is the refund policy?
If you find that you are unable to attend the conference, GA Aquarium trip, and/or Saturday Pajama Party for any reason, you may request a refund through Sunday, May 17, 2015. Sunday May 17th will be the last day a refund request will be honored as we must provide final numbers of event attendees 60 days out from the event date. Email conference@hypersomniafoundation.org to request a refund. ALL cancellations are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
Can I switch my ticket type?
No. All ticket type selections are final. If, for example, you selected the Early Bird Conference Ticket, and later decide you also want a ticket to the Aquarium trip and the Pajama Party, you will not be able to switch to the Early Bird Full Conference Experience but rather will have to order and add these tickets on separately. Be sure to read each ticket type carefully so that you understand what it includes and excludes before making your final selection.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
First, be sure to read all of the information available for you here. If you have read through everything and your question still has not been answered, email conference@hypersomniafoundation.org and a member of the conference committee will respond to you.
Call for Presenters!
The Hypersomnia Foundation already has many high-interest and exciting sessions booked for the conference. However, we are always interested in offering conference sessions that are cutting edge, innovative, and of the highest quality and interest for conference attendees. Therefore, the Call for Presenters is now open. If you know a medical professional, scientist, or other person who would be a good fit to present or facilitate a breakout session, please encourage them to submit a presentation proposal here.
If you have read the FAQ and still have a question about the conference that was not answered, please contact conference@hypersomniafoundation.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
Hypersomnia Foundation Conference 2015 - Building our Future Together
Friday, Jul 17, 2015, 12:00 PM
Emory Conference Center Hotel, 1615 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Agenda
9:00 - 10:00: Opening Session
10:00 - 12:00: Breakout Sessions 1 & 2
12:00 - 1:00: Buffet Lunch
1:00 - 4:00: Breakout Sessions 3, 4, & 5
4:00 - 5:30: Closing Session
5:30 - 7:00: Buffet Dinner
7:00 - 10:00: Pajama Party (tickets sold separately)
Visit our website for more information!
Email: conference@hypersomniafoundation.org
Website: www.hypersomniafoundation.org
Facebook: facebook.com/hypersomniafoundation
Twitter: @HypersomniaNews