The Alpha-1 National Conference is the largest annual gathering of Alphas, their families, leading healthcare professionals and industry in the world. It is a three day event with educational programs given by national experts and leaders in the Alpha-1 field. The conference provides attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to network and increase their understanding of Alpha-1 and COPD.
The Alpha-1 National Conference provides a unique opportunity to meet patients diagnosed with Alpha-1, their families, industry, and healthcare professionals such as respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, physicians and nurses.
The 29th Annual Alpha-1 National Conference will be held in Dallas, TX on June 26-28, 2020.
Stay tuned as more information becomes available about the 29th Annual Alpha-1 National Conference.
Scroll down for:
- General Conference Information
- Program
- Accommodations and Travel
- Things You Need to Know and FAQ’s
- Past Alpha-1 Conference Highlights
Conference Information
The 29th Annual Alpha-1 National Conference will take place at the:
Coming Soon
To reserve your hotel room with the conference discounted rate, please scroll down to Accommodations.
Venue Highlights
- coming soon
| Thursday, June 25th | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time TBA | Early Conference Registration | |
| Time TBA | CSL Behring’s 13th Walk for Breath Celebration | |
| Friday, June 26th | ||
| Conference Registration | ||
| Breakfast Sponsored by Takeda | ||
| Conference Orientation | Scientific Sessions | |
| Alpha-1 Lung 101 | ||
| Alpha-1 Liver 101 | ||
| Luncheon Sponsored by Grifols with guest speaker | ||
| Meet the Experts | ||
| Building Friends for a Cure Training | ||
| Alpha-1 Lung 101 [repeat session] | ||
| Alpha-1 Liver 101 [repeat session] | ||
| Friday Evening Dinner Reception | ||
| Saturday, June 27th | ||
| Breakfast | ||
| Keynote | ||
| General Sessions | ||
| Research Panel | ||
| Meet the Speakers and Lunch | ||
| Afternoon Breakout Sessions – 4 Tracks | ||
| Dinner and Awards Ceremony | ||
| Sunday, June 28th | ||
| Breakfast | ||
| Memorial Service | ||
Thursday, June 25th
CSL Behring’s 13th Walk for Breath Celebration
Location: TBA
Time: TBA
Registration: TBA
As space is limited, patients and caregivers who would like to participate are encouraged to come to the walk registration early to secure their spot. Due to state and federal laws, CSL Behring is unable to permit Healthcare Professionals to attend this event.
Friday, June 26th
Breakfast sponsored by Takeda
More information coming soon.
Luncheon sponsored by Grifols
More information coming soon.
The Alpha-1 Foundation and the National Conference Planning Committee are currently working to develop the conference agenda. Please check back at a later date.
The Alpha-1 Foundation and the National Conference Planning Committee are currently working determine the speakers for the conference. Please check back at a later date.
The Alpha-1 Foundation and the National Conference Planning Committee are currently working with the conference speakers to determine the session descriptions. Please check back at a later date.
- Accommodations
- Airport
- Shuttle
- Conference Parking
- Conference Sponsors
- Exhibit Hall
- Interested in Sponsorship and/or Exhibiting?
The Alpha-1 Foundation has secured a number of discounted hotel rooms at the venue for conference participants. Reservations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. As the hotel fills up very quickly, we strongly recommend that you complete your hotel reservation as soon as you register to attend the conference. Please be sure to do so within the Alpha-1 Foundation National Conference Room Block.
National Conference Room Block Details
Discounted Rate – TBA
Discounted Rate Deadline – TBA
Rate Availability
The discounted rate is available to conference participants three (3) days pre and post the official dates of the program, based on availability.
Reservation Instructions
To reserve your hotel room online, CLICK HERE to be directed to the unique web link for the Alpha 1 Foundation National Conference Block
To reserve your hotel room via phone, refer to group Alpha-1 Foundation National Conference when calling to make your reservations.
Arrival/Departure Details
Check-in Time – TBA
Check-out Time – TBA
Guests arriving before check-in time will be accommodated as rooms become available. Guest Service staff can arrange to check baggage for those arriving early when rooms are unavailable and for guests attending functions on their departure day.
A conference shuttle will be available to and from the airport for the Alpha-1 National Conference.
The Alpha-1 National Conference Exhibit Hall provides conference participants the opportunity to meet directly with exhibitors and learn about their products and services. It is the central conference location for networking; where valuable connections and friendships can be made.
Exhibit Hall Hours
Friday, June 21st
Saturday, June 22nd
What is the Alpha-1 National Conference?
The Alpha-1 National Conference is the largest annual gathering of Alphas, their families, leading healthcare professionals and industry in the world. It is a three day event with educational programs given by national experts and leaders in the Alpha-1 field. The conference provides attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to network and increase their understanding of Alpha-1 and COPD.
Who are the attendees?
The Alpha-1 National Conference provides a unique opportunity to meet patients diagnosed with Alpha-1/COPD, their families, industry, and healthcare professionals such as respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, physicians and nurses. Attendees include Alpha-1 patients and their families who are looking for information and services on a wide range of topics such as medical updates, current research and support issues, as well as information and products to improve their health and enhance their lives.
Why exhibit at the Alpha-1 National Conference?
- Show your commitment to education, research and support for individuals affected by Alpha-1/COPD.
- Dedicated exhibit time, providing face to face interaction with more than 500 individuals affected by Alpha-1/COPD and their families with the ability to promote your brand and introduce your products and/or services.
- Ample opportunity for networking (refreshments and light fare included) through breaks and meals.
- Access to the latest education sessions with leaders in the Alpha-1 field.
If you are interested in joining our Alpha-1 National Conference as a sponsor and/or exhibitor, please contact:
Alexis Artiles Ojeda
Director of Marketing and Events
aartiles@alpha1.org
Please note: All persons who are employed by an industry company must register to attend as an exhibitor even if they will not be participating in the exhibit booth, including MSLs and healthcare providers.
- General Participation
- Registration Hours
- Online Viewing and Participation
- Kids and Teens
- Nurses
- Oxygen
- Cancellation Policy
- FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Dress Code
Dress is casual for the meetings, sessions and dinners. You may want to bring a sweater or light jacket, as the meeting rooms in the hotel may be cool.
Name Badges
All conference attendees must wear the official National Conference name badge at all times in order to enter the exhibit hall and attend sessions and meals. Anyone not wearing an official conference name badge may be asked to leave the conference area. Supplementing badges with business cards or altering, adding to or defacing the official conference badge is not permitted. Company badges may also be worn, but will not be accepted as a replacement of the official conference badges.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
We ask that you please silence your cell phones and other electronic communication devices during the general and breakout sessions.
Participate in Research
Representatives of Alpha-1 research studies will be attending the conference and exhibiting to enroll those individuals interested in participating in Alpha-1 research.
Photography/Video/Audio Release
The Alpha-1 Foundation has official photographers and videographers at this event. Photos, videos, and audio taken may be used in the future by A1F in marketing, advertising, and publications. By registering for this event, you automatically agree to allow the A1F the possible use of your likeness – in all media formats worldwide. The 29th Annual Alpha-1 National Conference is held in a public space and, therefore, we cannot prohibit participants, exhibitors, sponsors, or news organizations from photographing or video-taping. Thus, you also agree to hold the Alpha-1 Foundation harmless if photos, video and audio are used that include your likeness on social media and/or future marketing materials.
The conference registration desk will be open the following hours for attendees, exhibitors and industry:
Thursday, June 25th
Friday, June 26th
Saturday, June 27th
All the conference sessions on Saturday will be available to view from any location on a laptop, cell phone, tablet or television as long as you have an internet connection. Links to these live videos will be distributed by email and Facebook when the conference begins.
Be sure to join our Facebook event to keep up-to-date on the latest!
Please note: continuous internet access is required to watch the conference online.
There will be a Meet & Greet on Friday from 5 PM – 6 PM for anyone utilizing the Alpha-1 Kids or Teen Room. Parents must sign a release form and show proper ID.
Kids’ Activities
The Alpha-1 Kids program will be sponsoring activities for children attending the conference on Saturday. The Alpha-1 Kids room hours will be from 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM and from 1:45 PM – 5:15 PM. The room will be closed from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM for lunch. We invite children up to 12 years of age to participate. Volunteers are staffing the Kids Room. A volunteer art teacher will assist the children with an art project on Saturday morning.
Teen Room
The Alpha-1 Foundation is providing a Teen Room on Saturday as a gathering place for teens attending the conference. No adult supervision will be provided.
Free Educational Program for Nurses
AlphaNet is pleased to offer a free educational program for nurses. Three (3) CEU credits will be offered for nurses participating in this program. For more information about this program and to register, contact Teresa A. Kitchen, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager at (888) 553-0093.
The conference will not be able to provide EMERGENCY SUPPLIES OF LIQUID OXYGEN this year. If you require liquid oxygen, you MUST bring adequate supplies.
Please bring a current prescription for oxygen in the event you require other forms of emergency oxygen supplies.
Oxygen Travel Fund
The Oxygen Travel Fund provides oxygen and equipment for Alphas in financial need to travel to Alpha-1 educational events. To apply, please call (877) 228-7321 ext 251 or email jcollins@alpha1.org with at least 30 days notice.
Participants unable to attend the 29th Annual National Conference will receive a refund equivalent to 100% of their paid registration fee, provided that the Alpha-1 Foundation registration department is advised of the cancellation in writing prior to June 20th, 2020.
All cancellation requests must be submitted via email or fax to kcaraballo@alpha1.org by June 20th, 2020 to receive a full refund.
Registration or Cancellation Questions?
Kim Caraballo, Community Outreach Coordinator
(877) 228-7321, Ext. 323
Fax: (305) 503-4629
kcaraballo@alpha1.org
I noted a special dietary request on my registration. How do I let the hotel know?
Participants who have made a special dietary request will have it noted on their name badge in the bottom right hand corner with the following letters: VN = vegan; G = gluten free; VEG = vegetarian. Please make sure to let your server know that you need a special meal and show them your name badge.
I am industry and/or an exhibitor. Where do I pick up my registration materials?
Exhibitors and members of industry should pick up their registration materials at the conference registration desk labeled during normal onsite conference registration hours.
I’m planning to go on the CSL Walk. Where do I go?
The Walk for Breath is open to patients and caregivers attending the conference. There will be open registration onsite. We encourage everyone to come to registration early to secure their spot. You must register to attend the walk directly with CSL Behring on Thursday. Due to state and federal laws, CSL Behring is unable to permit healthcare professionals to attend this event.
I am a first-time conference attendee. What should I attend?
Be sure to attend:
- The Conference Orientation on Friday where the speaker will give a detailed overview of the conference and agenda.
- The Alpha-1 101 sessions on Friday will provide introductory patient-oriented talks about Alpha-1 in the lungs and liver.
Have a question not answered above? Contact us.
General Questions and Registration:
Kim Caraballo, Community Outreach Coordinator
(877) 228-7321, Ext. 323
Fax: (305) 503-4629
kcaraballo@alpha1.org
Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities:
Alexis Artiles Ojeda, Director of Marketing and Events
(877) 228-7321 ext. 331
aartiles@alpha1.org
- 2018 National Education Conference Highlights
- 2017 National Education Conference Highlights
- 2016 National Education Conference Highlights
- 2015 National Education Conference Highlights
The 27th National Education Conference opens with a panel on the latest Alpha-1 findings
The 27th Annual National Education Conference will be streaming online
View the 2018 conference agenda as a pdf.
All of the 2018 conference presentations will be available to view online at your convenience by August 24th.
The Alpha-1 Foundation would like to thank all of the sponsors for participating in this year’s conference.
Thank you to our 2018 Platinum Sponsors:
- AlphaNet
- CSL Behring
- Grifols
- Shire
Thank you to our 2018 Gold Sponsor:
- Dohmen Life Science Services
Thank you to our 2018 Silver Sponsors:
- Accredo
- Coram
- Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group
Thank you to our 2018 Bronze Sponsors:
- Advanced Aeromedical
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
- Adverum Biotechnologies
- Insmed
- Philips RespirTech
Thank you to our 2018 Non-profit Sponsors:
- COPD Foundation
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- Patient Services, Inc (PSI)
- Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)
- University of Florida Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Research Program
The Alpha-1 Foundation’s Annual National Education Conference is a unique opportunity for many newly diagnosed Alphas and their families to receive answers to their questions and meet others like them. The 26th annual conference in Chicago, IL was no exception. After final review, 652 attendees from 45 states and 5 countries gathered on June 24 – 26 to speak to leading experts on Alpha-1, network with peers, and get involved in the Alpha-1 community through local support groups, research, awareness activities and fundraising.
View the 2017 Conference Agenda as a PDF here.
All of the 2017 conference presentations are available to view online at your convenience.
Thank you to our 2017 Platinum Sponsors:
AlphaNet
CSL Behring
Grifols
Shire
Thank you to our 2017 Gold Sponsor:
Dohmen Life Science Services
Thank you to our 2017 Silver Sponsors:
Accredo
Coram
Diplomat
Thank you to our 2017 Bronze Sponsors:
Advanced Aeromedical
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
Thank you to our 2017 Non-profit Sponsors:
COPD Foundation
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Patient Services, Inc
Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)
The Alpha-1 Foundation’s Annual National Education Conference is a unique opportunity for many newly diagnosed Alphas and their families to receive answers to their questions and meet others like them. The 25th annual conference in Miami, FL was no exception. After final review, 610 attendees from 45 states and 5 countries gathered on June 24 – 26 to speak to leading experts on Alpha-1, network with peers, and get involved in the Alpha-1 community through local support groups, research, awareness activities and fundraising.
View the 2016 Conference Agenda as a PDF here.
All of the 2016 conference presentations are available to view online at your convenience.
One of the highlights Friday afternoon was the Community Forum, which offered attendees an opportunity to meet with community leaders and discuss ways they can participate in shaping the future of Alpha-1. This was especially fitting with this year’s theme “Without YOU There Is No Solution.” Further weaving the theme throughout the weekend was the Foundation’s exhibit booth, which featured a quiz entitled “What is Your Alpha-1 Personality?” Over 40 percent of attendees took the quiz and were given one of four results: advocacy, fundraising, research or support. Take the Alpha-1 quiz and share your results with the Foundation on social media!
For the second year, the conference offered Meet the Experts, an opportunity for Alphas, their caregivers and families to have “15-minute conversations” with Alpha-1 Clinical Resource Center physicians and ask their questions face-to-face. Over 45 Alphas and their guests took advantage of this opportunity and met with six doctors and the Alpha-1 Genetic Counselor.
The Foundation took time over the weekend to honor the many contributions and achievements that members of the Alpha-1 community have made. Friday evening at the Building Friends for a Cure (BFC) awards, attendees heard the Starfish Story about helping to save one beach-stranded starfish at a time, to make the point that “regardless of how insignificant it may seem to the eyes of others, we can all make a difference.” Read about this year’s many creative and inspired fundraisers.
Presented jointly by the Foundation and AlphaNet, the Advancement of Research Award was given to Mark Brantly, MD on Saturday evening for his dedication and determination to finding a cure for Alpha-1. The Foundation presented six more honorees with awards including the Dennis Pollock Spirit of Advocacy Award and the Inspirational Award. Read more.
THANK YOU to our 2016 Presenting Sponsors:
- AlphaNet
- Baxalta
- CSL Behring
- Grifols
Thank you to our 2016 Lead Sponsor:
Dohmen Life Science Services
Thank you to our 2016 Exhibitors:
- Accredo
- BioRx
- Coram
Thank you to our 2016 Partners, Exhibitors, Non-profit Partners, and Research Studies:
Adult Liver Study
Advanced Aeromedical
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
COPD Foundation
Heritage Biologics
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Patient Services, Inc.
Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)
REACH
State of Florida Detection Program
University of Florida
View the full 2015 Conference Agenda here.
Thank you to our 2015 Presenting Sponsors:
AlphaNet Baxalta CSL Behring Grifols
Thank you to our 2015 Lead Sponsor:
Dohmen Life Science Services
Thank you to our 2015 Exhibitors:
Accredo BioRx Coram
Thank you to our 2015 Partners, Exhibitors, Non-profit Partners, and Research Studies:
Advanced Aeromedical
COPD Foundation
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Patient Services, Inc.
Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)
REACH
University of Florida Clinical Trials
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Adult Clinical and Genetic Linkage Study
Arrowhead Research Corporation
