2008 Conference Information Print E-mail
EDNF Learning Conference 2008 websites maintained by Michele Hegler, Conference Director.

One of the most frustrating aspects of EDS is the lack of knowledge about this devastating disorder, the lack of skilled physicians who have experience with it, and the lack of empathy from family and friends. Our 2008 Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Houston , Texas , July 31-August 2, 2008 can change all that. 

That's right! We’re gearing up for another fabulous event with top-notch speakers, information-packed seminars, CEUs for nurses and physical therapists, vendors at your fingertips, and all your EDS friends. And the member price of the entire conference is only $250 and includes the opening reception, all meals--except Friday night––all attendee medical and enrichment sessions, all Kids and Teen Sessions, all CEU sessions, the GenTAC clinic, all the one-on-ones with physicians and other speakers, and the fabulous Awards Banquet with Bert Stratton. He is an awesome entertainer and has been with Princess Cruises for 15 years. To book a room, call the hotel at 713-629-1200 and ask for the EDNF rate of $109/night. If you want to plan a vacation around the Conference, you can get the same great rate of $109/night from July 29-August 4. If you have problems getting a room, call Michele Hegler at 281-486-5521.

Here's a quick overview:

Thursday, July 31

Group Leader Meetings (morning and afternoon) 
Parents of Children with EDS Forum (early morning)
 Ask the Doc Q&A session with Dr. Claire Francomano (early morning)
Social Security Disability presentation and one-on-ones (morning and afternoon) 
Social Security Disability Lawyer Presentation
Lunch with Dr. Claire Francomano
EDNF Communications (afternoon) 
Helping Your EDS Child (afternoon)
Care for Caregivers (afternoon)
Innovative Pain Descriptions for Children (afternoon)
Service Dogs (afternoon)

Opening Reception with Jazz Singer Brice Neville (evening)

Friday, August 1

Attendee Medical and Enrichment Presentations (all day)
One-on-ones with Speakers (all day)
Nursing and PT CEU sessions (all day)
Kids and Teens Program (all day)
GenTAC Clinic (all day)
Vendor booths (all day)
Dinner on Your Own (evening)
Kids & Teens Pizza Party ($5 cost per person)
Salsa Dancers (evening)

Saturday, August 2

Attendee Medical and Enrichment Presentations (all day)
Kids and Teens Program (all day)
GenTAC Clinic and National Registry (all day)
One-on-Ones with Speakers (all day)
Nursing and PT CEU Sessions (all day)
Vendor booths (all day)
Silent Auction
Awards Banquet and the Entertainment of Bert Stratton(evening)

You can register through the link below or contact Judy Sobel at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ready to book your hotel reservation? Just call the hotel at 713-629-1200 and ask for the EDNF rate of only $109/night. This rate is available for July 29-August 4, 2008 (but rooms are limited), if you want to plan a vacation around the Conference. We even have discount tickets to some local attractions.

As we confirm our speakers and other activities, we will update these pages, as well as provide information in Loose Connections and The Hinge. Questions? Contact our Conference Director, Michele Hegler, at 281-486-5521, if you have any questions.

Want to know more? Just follow the links below:

 

Opening Reception

 

An informal mixer on Thursday evening to meet old friends and make new ones while enjoying a panoramic view of Houston. Plenty of nibbles too.

 

EDNF Group Rep Meetings

 

For EDNF Group Reps and interested parties.

 

Speaker List

 

Top-notch and a diverse selection.

 

Kids & Teens Program

 

We are going to introduce our youngest members to the power of positive thinking and learning to be proactive in their lives. Sessions include EDS In The School Setting, Letting Our Voices Be Heard, Raising Awareness and The Power of Positive Thinking. In addition to these sessions, we will have a Q & A “On the Couch” with a doctor and a session geared for young people on Pain Management by our special guest Julie Nanos. For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Medical Sessions

 

Inspiring speakers and jam-packed with information. Tentative schedule only.

 

Enrichment and Family Sessions

 

Informative and helpful information, such as the Social Security Disability Process, Child Advocacy, EDS and Sports, Nutrition, and Care for the Caregiver.

 

Interactive Sessions

 

Ask the Doctors, Service Dogs, and Physicians Roundtable. (sorry, only docs here)

 

Nursing and PT CEUs

 

We have applied for 12-13 hours of certified sessions for nurses and PTs.  You can review the sessions from the 2006 Conference as a sample of the sessions. We also have many new sessions.

 

Vendor Booths

 

Products, information, services, and things to try. If you want to rent a booth, contact Gracie Berardini at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Raffles & Silent Auction 

 

A venue to raise funds and a way to get some great deals of items!

 


Awards Banquet

 


A festive banquet to celebrate another exciting conference. Did someone say Bert Stratton (Princess Cruises talented and hilarious pianist), Salsa Dancing, and All That Jazz?

 


Outside Activities in Houston

 

Turn your trip into a vacation. We have a great list of activities and some discount tickets.

 

Registration

2008 Auction Info and Form

2008 Welcome to Houston