2012 International Conference

7th International PRISMS Conference

2012 Conference LogoJune 28 - July 1, 2012
Denver Renaissance Hotel, Denver, CO

 

Update! Conference registration is now open! You can register online via the 2012 conference registration site. At the completion of registration, you will be asked to participate in a survey to gather some information about our SMS community and the special individuals in your lives. PRISMS sincerely appreciates your participation in this survey.

For more information about the conference, please see the information below, including the FAQ and child care & PRISMS Den registration.

Childcare Registration Update!

Childcare registration is now closed. You can still register for the PRISMS Den (ages 16 and up), but there are only a couple of slots remaining.

 

PRISMS is hosting the 7th International Conference on Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Families and professionals will attend the conference from all over the world to spend a few days immersed in all things "SMS," and most of all to celebrate those persons in our lives with SMS. This is a time to share, give and receive support and learn new information about SMS, and make lifelong friends.

The Renaissance Denver Hotel is located near major attractions:

Renaissance Hotel Information

The conference will be held at the Renaissance Denver Hotel, in Denver, CO.
* Please use the link below to reserve a room at the PRISMS discounted rate of $129.00 single/double, plus applicable taxes.
* Make your reservations prior to June 5, 2012, to receive the discounted rate.
* After June 5, 2012, the discounted rate may not be available.
* Click on the link below or call 1-800-468-3571 or 303-399-7500 to make your reservation.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/densa?groupCode=smssmsa&app=resvlink&fromDate=&toDate=

The conference will begin with a "meet and greet," in the Parent Connect session on Thursday afternoon. First time attendees will be able to meet with our "veteran" families, and our returning attendees will be able to reconnect with friends. Conference check-in will begin in the later afternoon, followed by a welcome reception, complete with a DJ, so bring your dancing shoes! Then we will spend the next two and a half days in the conference sessions; learning and sharing, and connecting. Don't forget about our fantastic Silent Auction, which will be running during the conference. We hope to see you at the conference!

Conference committee:
Nina Kelly & Shannon Jantzi: Conference co-chairs
Pat Brown, Nancy Cordrey, Margaret Miller, Amy Pereira
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Conference Sponsorship Information

Sponsors are needed for the upcoming 2012 conference. Sponsorship helps to defray the cost of the facility for our sessions, food, audio visual, childcare and related supplies, printed materials, and speaker costs. The registration fees for the conference are kept at the lowest possible cost and it is our desire to make it financially possible for as many families to attend the conference. PRISMS absorbs much of the costs associated with the conference, so sponsorship, at any level, is greatly appreciated.

If you, or your company, or other corporate connections that you may have, may be interested in sponsoring the PRISMS conference, please download the sponsorship form and return to PRISMS as directed on the form.

Schedule of Events

You can see the complete schedule of events and biographies of the speakers on the PRISMS website and registration page as the agenda is finalized. This is a brief overview, mainly to serve as a timeline of events. Please note: the schedule is subject to change.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

2:00pm - 4:00pm Parent Connect
4:00pm Conference check-in and registration begins
4:00pm Childcare check-in begins
5:00pm - 7:00pm Welcome reception with light hors d'oeuvres, (non-alcoholic drinks)

Friday, June 29th, 2012

7:00am - 8:00am Continental breakfast & silent auction opens
7:45am Corporate Kids childcare opens
8:00am - 5:00pm Conference sessions, (lunch break included)
7:30pm - 9:00pm Evening concurrent sessions, (NO childcare for evening sessions)

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

7:00am - 8:00am Continental breakfast & silent auction opens
7:45am Corporate Kids childcare opens
8:00am - 5:00pm Conference sessions, (lunch break included)

Sunday, July 1, 2012

8:00am - 11:00am Breakfast and conference sessions continue
11:00am Conference concludes

Child Care

Childcare registration is now closed!!

Special Event for our SMS adults, (ages 16 and up)

Only a couple of slots remain, so reserve a spot now!

This conference we are offering the PRISMS Den, for our SMS adult attendees and siblings, ages 16 and up. The PRISMS Den will take place on Saturday ONLY, June 30th, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Corporate Kids will also be providing the 1:2 supervision for the PRISMS Den. The PRISMS Den will be geared towards our adults and includes activities such as:

  • A Magic Show (integrated with kids)
  • Xbox Video Game Contest
  • Music Time (instrument play)
  • Craft Stations

The cost for the PRISMS Den is $33. You may register for both the childcare and the PRISMS Den if your child is between the ages of 16-18, but both fees will apply.

 To register a SMS adult (ages 16 and up), please visit the PRISMS Den registration site.

Conference FAQ's

Q. What can I expect if I attend the PRISMS “Building Bridges of Hope” Conference?
Each conference, attendees from all over the world gather to listen and participate in presentations from our expert speakers; discuss concerns and issues; and meet other families. Attendees learn from educators, researchers and medical professionals, and each other. They strive to better understand their children and what they can do to help them. They gain knowledge, perspective and hope. And of course, they also have a lot of fun meeting new friends and catching up with old ones.

Q. Who may attend the conference?
Everyone is invited to attend the conference. This includes parents, their children, extended relatives, friends and professionals. Many siblings also look forward to attending conferences, especially this year when we will be having 2 sessions for siblings only. You do not need to be a member to attend, however, current members are offered a reduced rate.

Q. Will childcare be provided?
Yes, childcare is available for children from 4-18 years old and will be provided by Corporate Kids. The childcare is for children with SMS and their siblings. Space is limited, so please reserve your child's spot early. See the info under the Child Care heading above. A 1:2 ratio is provided in the childcare for added support and security.

Q. Is there any activity for the adults with SMS who cannot or do not want to be in the childcare room?
Yes. This year, we will be offering the PRISMS Den, for young adults and adults with SMS, (ages 16 and up), on Saturday, June 30, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. This is a new pilot program at the conference, so we are offering a four-hour time slot on Saturday only. Specific activities, geared towards the older individual, will be offered. This session will also be staffed by Corporate Kids. Please see the heading above, Special Event for our SMS adults, (ages 16 and up), for more information and cost, and registration.

Q. How old are the children in childcare?
There are children of all ages - from 4 to 18, in the childcare rooms. There are both typically developing children and children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. There will be three rooms used for childcare, including a "quiet room." Siblings are very welcome in the childcare and are often very helpful with their SMS sibs! Infants and very young babies are usually with their parents in the sessions, or the parents take turns attending sessions and taking care of the baby, (ages 4-18 in the childcare). Many times, families bring a relative or respite/caregiver person to help care for the child. Please note that we cannot and do not provide one-on-one childcare. If a child needs to be closely monitored, he/she will come into the sessions with the parents or stay with their relative or caregiver. Of course, they are always welcome in the childcare room with their caregiver.

Q. What is included in the price of registration?
PRISMS generously subsidizes the conference, along with the help of our conference sponsors. Each family is responsible for the cost of their hotel room at the Renaissance hotel. It is not a part of registration. The registration fee includes five meals and a reception: reception Thursday evening, continental breakfast each day, (3), and lunch on Friday and Saturday. The fee also covers the cost of the facility for our sessions, childcare and related supplies, printed materials, and speaker costs. The registration fees for the conference are kept at the lowest possible cost and it is our desire to make it financially possible for as many families to attend the conference. Parent volunteers staff the conference committee. The committee has generously donated their time over the past 20 months, to plan and organize the conference.

Q. Does PRISMS offer scholarships to help cover conference costs?
At this time, no additional financial assistance is available. We encourage families to seek funding through local resources such as; Developmental Disabilities Councils, The Shriners, (www.shriners.com), Knights of Columbus, (www.kofc.org), Lions Club International, (www.lionsclubs.org), Salvation Army, (www.salvationarmyusa.org).

Q. What topics are included in the sessions?
The conference schedule will be continually updated on the registration website, so please continue to check. The conference will includes sessions on:

Behavior supports Assistive Technology
Adult transition issues & adult life Pharmacological treatment of SMS
Sibling workshops, (for sibs only!) Genetics 101
Guardianship & special needs trusts Sleep & SMS
Dietary alternatives Advocacy & wellness
International Research Updates Education Supports
Sensory, OT & SMS Puberty/Sexuality
Caring for the Caregiver Newly Diagnosed

...and much more!

Q. Will you be offering a breakout session for siblings of a brother or sister with SMS?
Yes, we will be offering 2 sibling workshops, for "sibs only." The workshops will be offered for 2 different age categories: ages: 7 - 12 years & 13 and up.

For planning purposes, please let us know if your sibling will be attending. You will be asked this information when you register for the conference.

Q. How do I register for the conference?
The preferred method to register for the conference will be online via the PRISMS website. If you need a registration form sent to you, please call the PRISMS office at 972-231-0035. To receive the discounted rate, please register by JUNE 5th, 2012.

Q. What are the conference registration fees?

Registration Fees Up to 6/5/2012 After 6/5/2012
Adult (15 & up) $200 $250
Child (14 & under) $100 $125
SMS Individual $75 $100
Professional $275 $325
Professional in training $225 $275

Q. Do I have to stay at the same hotel as the conference?
We strongly encourage all attendees to stay at the Denver Renaissance Hotel to ensure the experience of camaraderie and fellowship with other attendees. Being together at the same hotel is so important and lends itself to the very purpose of our conference. Families spend these few days together and connect in a way that is life-long and supportive. Most people secure their hotel room first. We encourage you to do this early, as the hotel may be completely booked if you wait until the last minute. Remember, the early-bird rate for the hotel, conference and childcare is June 5th, 2012. We encourage you to make your accommodations as soon as possible. If you are planning on flying to attend the conference, airline costs are going up, so book early!

Q. If I am unable to attend the full conference, can I pay a reduced registration fee?
No. PRISMS cannot prorate registration fees for days not attended. The registration fee remains the same whether you attend the conference for one, two, or three days.

Q. May I receive a refund if I am unable to attend the conference?
Under most circumstances, there will be no refund. If the conditions are extremely serious, feel free to contact the office to discuss the issue.

Q. Do I register and pay for my infant/toddler that I am bringing to the conference?
If your infant/toddler will NOT be going to daycare and/or will NOT be eating food provided at the conference, it is not necessary to register or pay for them to attend. However, if they go just once to daycare or eat one meal, then you are expected to pay for them to attend. You are welcome to bring your infant with you to the sessions; however, please respect others in the group by taking your infant out if he or she is causing a distraction.

Q. A family member/caregiver is coming to help with our child(ren). Does he/she pay the registration fee?
Does he/she plan to join us for meals? Yes, they pay.
Does he/she want to sit in on one session? Yes, they pay.
Will he/she join us for the reception on Thursday evening? Yes, they pay.
Do they want to socialize with other families in the conference setting? Yes, they pay.

Q. I am a teacher/therapist/professional that works with a child with Smith-Magenis Syndrome and I would like to attend the conference. What is my fee?
All professionals are expected to pay the full registration fee of $275.

Q. If I am not a current PRISMS member, or have not paid 2012 dues, do I pay a different registration fee?
Yes. If you are not a current 2012 PRISMS member, you will be charged $30 per family, or $50 per professional, due at conference check-in. Remember, we are a small, non-profit organization that relies on dues to keep programs, like the conference viable. Thank you for your support!

Q. Will I be able to talk to doctors and specialists about my child’s condition?
Many of our speakers are professionals in their field and very willing to chat with you about your child and discuss general aspects of current research. But, please remember that this is not a clinical setting and they cannot dispense individual medical care. We will have a Q&A with many of our speakers and we hope they can address many questions in a broad setting.

Q. Will you be having the Silent Auction?
Yes. We will be having our successful Silent Auction again, and are asking for Silent Auction donations. Your help is greatly needed. Please let us know what you've obtained or can obtain for the auction so we can put it on our list.

Call for Silent Auction items! Please read the letter from Kelly Cooney for more information about the silent auction and to see how you can help support this great fundraiser to be held at the 2012 conference.

For questions about the Silent Auction or to offer donations or help, please contact the Silent Auction committee: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Q. Will there be a hospitality suite for families to socialize in the evening?
Yes. PRISMS will be providing a hospitality suite/meeting room for the conference attendees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7:00pm - 10:00pm.

Q. Who do I contact with additional questions?
Please visit the PRISMS website for more information. Or you may email the conference committee: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you need help with registration, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For speakers who have any questions about their session, presentation or other questions, please email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Transportation

Airlines serving Denver International Airport: http://flydenver.com/airlines.

Ground Transportation from the Renaissance- every 30 minutes. Denver International Airport (DEN) is 17miles from the Renaissance Hotel. The Renaissance has a complimentary airport shuttle to and from the airport. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes. The shuttle pick-up and drop-off is from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 3, outside doors 511 (east side) and 506 (west side).

Renaissance Denver - be sure to use the link below to reserve a room at the conference hotel, the Renaissance Denver, and receive the PRISMS discounted rate of $129.00 single/double per night, plus applicable taxes. Make your reservations prior to June 5, 2012. After that date, the discounted rate will not be available. To book a guest room, please click on the link below or call: 1-800-468-3571.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/densa?groupCode=smssmsa&app=resvlink&fromDate=&toDate=

Midpoint from Denver International Airport and the downtown area, the Renaissance Denver Hotel is located in the largest urban redevelopment project in the world; the hotel offers easy access shopping and dining options just minutes away. Hotel services include: Vivace! Restaurant; Elevate Bar; Fitness Center-indoor and outdoor pools; full service business center with free computers and WiFi. Parking is free for conference attendees.

Nearby attractions: Downtown Denver, 16th Street Mall, Denver Zoo, Pepsi Center, Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, Coors Field, Larimer Square, Elitch Gardens, Downtown Aquarium, Denver Art Museum and Museum of Nature and Science, US Mint and Capital Building.

The Renaissance offers complimentary shuttle service to Northfield Shopping Complex, Quebec Square, 29th Street, Stapleton, Denver Zoo; Museum of Nature and Science.

For those of you with questions regarding the higher altitude of the Denver area, please download the High Altitude Tips guide, provided by the Renaissance Denver hotel.

If you have additional registration questions, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .