National Conference

The Alpha-1 National Conference is the largest annual gathering of the Alpha-1 community, providing opportunities for learning, networking, advocacy, and industry publicity. Over the course of three days, attendees have access to topical sessions, in-person meet-and-greets, and Q&A sessions with Alpha-1 experts.

This annual conference provides Alpha-1 patients and their families the opportunity to meet others affected by Alpha-1, learn important information, network with Alpha-1 experts and industry members, and take home resources about living with Alpha-1.

Educational sessions include topics on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency 101: Lung, Liver and Pediatrics, genetics and family testing, transplantation, caregiving, Alpha-1 children, updates on current Alpha-1 research and initiatives, how to participate in Alpha-1 research, public policy, and how to advocate for Alphas around the world. 

The 2024 Alpha-1 National Conference is taking place June 7-9, 2024 in Miami, FL.

Agenda coming soon!

2024 Alpha-1 National Conference Details

Conference Hotel

Hilton Miami Downtown
1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Fl 33132

Patients and Family Members Hotel Room Reservations

A1F has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate of $159/night plus taxes and fees for patient conference attendees. Please book directly via our reservation link below.

To book via phone, call the central reservations center at (800) 445-8667 (available 24 hours a day) or the hotel directly at (305) 374-0000 from 9:00 am ET to 5:30 pm ET and request to be transferred to the in-house reservations department. Let them know you are attending the 2024 Alpha-1 National Conference.

  • The deadline to make a reservation at the Hilton with the discounted rate is May 10, 2024.
  • Please contact the hotel directly with any ADA needs or special accommodation requests.

In an effort to keep attendee expenses for the conference as low as possible, A1F has negotiated the best possible hotel rate and we encourage all attendees to book your hotel within our room block.

Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Transportation

In lieu of an airport shuttle, a $50 Uber voucher will be provided to attendees who are flying to help cover roundtrip travel costs to and from Miami International Airport (MIA) and the conference hotel.

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.

To register as an Industry Member or Exhibitor, please contact Angela McBride at amcbride@alpha1.org.

Conference Registration Desk Hours of Operation

Visit the conference registration desk on the Ballroom Level to pick up your conference name badge, registration bag and materials.

Thursday, June 6th: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Friday, June 7th: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 8th: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Hours

Friday, June 7th: 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 8th: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Alpha-1 Kids Room will be open on Saturday, June 8th.

Alpha-1 Kids Room Hours
8:30 am – 12:30 pm (closed during lunch)
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgement

For those planning to attend in person, please read the COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgment – Event Liability Waiver and Release of Claims.

Official Conference Name Badges

All conference attendees must wear the official Alpha-1 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.

Patient Confidentiality

Because of the sensitivity of health information, we encourage you to make an informed choice about whether to provide your personal information to the various organizations exhibiting at this event.

Photography

Please be advised that the Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) is taking photos throughout the conference. All photos taken by the official photographer may be used in A1F publications or reproduced to be used for newsletters, promotional materials, inclusion on websites or any other purpose. You release the A1F from any liability connected with the taking of photographs. If you do not wish to have your picture used in any publication, please let the A1F know in writing.

Special Dietary Requests

The conference can reasonably accommodate special dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Please indicate if you will need a special accommodation at the time of registration. 

The hotel will clearly indicate allergens at buffets, if applicable. Meals provided with your registration may contain certain allergens. During plated meals, it is the responsibility of the attendee to ask hotel staff if there is a question about any ingredients.

Participants who have made a special dietary request will have it noted on their name badge in the bottom right hand corner. Please make sure to let the banquet server know that you need a special meal and show them your name badge.

Cell Phones/Electronics

Please silence cell phones and other electronic communication devices during the general and breakout sessions.

Dress Code

Dress is casual for all conference meetings, sessions and dinners.
You may want to bring a sweater or light jacket, as the hotel ballrooms may be cold.
Please avoid wearing perfumes, colognes or other scented items. This can trigger a serious asthma attack for some Alphas.

Will the educational sessions be recorded and available for later viewing?

Yes, sessions will be recorded and available to view on-demand on the virtual environment (VE) for one month following the conference. The VE will close on Sunday, July 7th. Educational sessions will be available to watch in the A1F Video Library on Monday, July 8th.

The Alpha-1 National Conference offers a virtual option on the Alpha-1 Foundation’s virtual environment for those who are unable to attend in person.

Sessions on Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th will be available to view live.

For general questions about the Alpha-1 National Conference, email nationalconference@alpha1.org.

For questions about conference registration:
Kim Caraballo, Patient Outreach Manager
1-877-228-7321, Ext. 323
kcaraballo@alpha1.org

Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities:
Alexis Artiles Ojeda, Senior Director of Marketing and Patient Programs
aojeda@alpha1.org

Dates to Keep In Mind
  • February 15, 2024 – Registration Opens
  • April 15, 2024 – Early Bird Registration Deadline*
  • May 10, 2024 - Hotel Reservation Deadline
  • May 15, 2024 – In-Person Conference Registration Deadline [Virtual registrations continue through June 6th]
  • July 7, 2024 – Virtual Environment (VE) on-demand viewing closes
  • July 8, 2024 – Educational sessions made available online in the A1F video library

*Register by this date to guarantee a conference bag or virtual registration package

View educational sessions from past Alpha-1 National Conferences.

View photos from the 2023 Alpha-1 National Conference