2009 Conference
The 2009 Angelman Syndrome Foundation 11th Biennial Conference, Reaching New Horizons, brought the ASF back full-circle to the first ASF Conference in 1991, which was also held in Orlando. Much has changed since that first conference. As an organization now in its 20th year the ASF has grown leaps and bounds in its membership, with over 1,200 family and individual memberships world-wide, serving nearly 4,000 people.
The 2009 ASF Biennial Conference saw its largest conference attendance in our history. Over 820 attendees, including parents, individuals with AS, speakers and volunteers participated in this phenomenal educational conference. Attendees represented 41 US states, as well as 12 foreign countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Spain and Uruguay.
Since 1996 the ASF has led the way as the leading funder of Angelman-specific research, funding 51 research projects in over $2.5 million in research grants. With 19 research proposals currently under consideration by the ASF Scientific Advisory Committee the ASF remains the leading funder of AS-specific research and discovery. This was no more evident than in the world-class scientific symposium on Tuesday, July 28, where six invited scientists discussed the synapse, its function and role in Angelman Syndrome. An additional 14 speakers on Wednesday, July 29, discussed their current work in AS research, capping an exciting two day symposium, leaving scientists and attendees excited about the 2010 scientific symposium in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina.
Whether you were a first-time attendee or conference veteran, the ASF Biennial Conference provided attendees the opportunity to learn from each other and from world-class speakers, scientists and researchers. Bonds and friendships were made that will stand the test of time. Over 50 conference sessions offered deeply enriching and thought-provoking information. Of particular excitement and importance was the presentation of the ASF Scientific Roadmap and the ASF ATRI—Angelman Treatment and Research Institute. Read and hear more about this announcement by clicking here for the presentation and endorsements by world-class researchers.
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation staff and volunteers worked hard and tirelessly to bring attendees a spectacular program filled with information to help attendees address the needs of raising an individual with Angelman Syndrome. We are glad our attendees, speakers and volunteers were a part of this phenomenal conference. If you were not able to attend the conference this year you can still benefit from the knowledge and information that was shared at the conference by purchasing conference recordings of the sessions. In addition, we encourage you to begin planning now for the 2011 ASF Biennial Conference in Salt Lake City, UT, July 26 – 30, 2011.