2024RNDS
October 18 – 20 2024, Hybrid Conference
A three-day hybrid (in-person and online) educational event for those with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), MOG antibody disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), optic neuritis (ON), and transverse myelitis (TM), as well as their families, care partners, and medical professionals.
Hosted by
Registration
Join us for a three-day hybrid conference!
Ticket fees*
Hybrid Ticket (in-person and online)
- SRNA Member: $75 ($55 Early Bird ticket until 7/31)
- Non-Member: $95 ($75 Early Bird ticket until 7/31)
Online Ticket Only
- SRNA Member: $30 ($25 Early Bird ticket until 7/31. Use EARLYBIRD promo code at checkout)
- Non-Member: $40 ($35 Early Bird ticket until 7/31. Use EARLYBIRD promo code at checkout)
Not a member? Become a member for free here.
* We are committed to making our educational programs accessible to everyone. If you can’t afford the registration fee, please contact us at [email protected].
About
The RNDS was created to bring together individuals diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders and clinicians and researchers that focus on these disorders. This event is the only one of its kind.
On October 18 – 20, 2024, we will host a hybrid event—participants can choose to attend either in-person, virtually via online streaming, or partly in-person and partly online.
We remain committed to hosting a conference that empowers our rare disease community to become better advocates for themselves and provides valuable resources to keep learning about these rare conditions.
Supported in part through education grants by
* The Executive Committee of SRNA with the medical and scientific council determines the content and topics of the event. Supporters are not able to influence the education program.
Schedule
You can find a program overview here (pdf)
© The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association, The University of Texas Southwestern and Children’s Medical Center CONQUER Program, and The Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center, and The Neuroimmunology Clinic and Research Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital take responsibility for the content of this education activity. This schedule is subject to change.
Venue
The 2024 RNDS will be held at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport
Hyatt Regency DFW Airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
2334 N International Pkwy
Dallas, TX 75261
To make a reservation for a hotel room, please book online by clicking here. Guests will need to provide a credit card to guarantee their reservation and can cancel up to 24 hours before arrival.
Accessible (with and without roll-in showers) and non-accessible rooms are available at a rate of $159 or $169/night.
Hotel Shuttles at DFW
There is a 24-hour courtesy accessible shuttle to and from DFW International Airport terminals.
Online Platform
To access the online talks:
1. We’ll be using Zoom Events
Please join us by clicking the “register for online event only” button above. Important Note: if you are registering for the Hybrid event (both in person and online), you will receive an invite to access the online platform closer to the event date).
2. Click on “Register”
3. Set up your profile
We recommend:
- Troubleshooting your internet before joining the conference to help prevent lag. We will be recording and if you are having trouble, you can access it at a later time.
- Using a profile image and short bio when creating your profile for people to easily recognize you. Be sure to add information in your bios like whether you are a person affected by a rare neuroimmune disorder, a caregiver, or a medical professional. This will let others know a little bit about you when connecting.
- Checking out the posted schedule on the platform and adding to your personal calendar so you do not miss any talks.
- Keeping a handy headphone set in case you have the opportunity to network/connect within the platform.
- Placing a light in front of you or switching on the lights above so people can clearly see you in video calls.
- Staying connected to a power source so your computer does not lose power.
Code of Conduct for online RNDS
Connecting and interacting virtually poses many different considerations, which is why we have put together a code of conduct to help attendees navigate this year’s event.
Leave space for true dialogue.
Allow time and space for everyone to share their thoughts during sessions or other small groups. While pauses in conversation can feel uncomfortable or unnatural for some, leaving space allows second-language speakers as well as introvert/introspective personalities to gather their thoughts.
Mute except when speaking.
When speaking, please use video if your connection allows as non-verbal communication can aid in inclusive communication between individuals.
Network respectfully and support others.
The platform provides private chat functionality for each individual to provide personal contact information within their profile for one-on-one communication.
Harassment will not be tolerated.
Harassment includes offensive verbal or written comments related to race, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, body size, physical appearance, national origin, or sexual orientation, intimidation, stalking or unwelcome sexual attention.
If you are being harassed or notice someone being harassed, please contact a member of the conference staff immediately by emailing [email protected].
Conference or SRNA staff will tell the offender to stop the defined harassing behavior. If the behavior continues, the offender will be expelled from the conference. The SRNA reserves the right to exclude the offender from future SRNA events.
Be mindful of differences.
Everyone does their best work when they can be themselves in an environment that fosters diversity, inclusion and respect. SRNA is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful working environment where every person regardless of background or individual experience can truly thrive and contribute.
Accessibility
Please email [email protected] as soon as possible so that we can collaborate on how best to provide accessibility for you throughout the 2024 RNDS.
Please take this time to fuel yourself mentally and physically.
Worried about missing out on the content? We’ll be recording as much of the 2024 RNDS talks as possible to share via our YouTube account over the coming weeks and months. During the conference, be sure to take breaks in order to care for yourself. Remove your headphones, and do a few stretches and a few breathing exercises to get your body and mind moving and stimulated.
Blind and Visually Impaired.
Our schedule is available in large print on the 2024 RNDS website as well as via PDF for physical printing/enlargement. Your feedback is incredibly valuable if you have any comments or suggestions.
General Help.
Throughout the 2024 RNDS, SRNA staff will be available in the chat for general help & questions, as well as virtual guidance and troubleshooting.
Additionally, SRNA Staff, as well as speakers, will be clearly identifiable via their virtual profiles.
Other Needs?
Making SRNA’s events more accessible and meaningful is an active, ongoing process. We welcome your suggestions and ideas and would like to learn from your experiences. Please contact us at [email protected]
* These guidelines have been modeled in part or in whole from MOZFEST. SRNA, a 501c3 nonprofit that advocates for those affected by rare neuroimmune disorders, is continually striving to improve the means by which we include and provide access to all individuals.
Become an Exhibitor
As an exhibitor, you will have a dedicated booth at the Expo both on-site as virtually. Attendees can visit the Expo Area and learn about your organization.
Learn more about our exhibitor levels and become an exhibitor below.
