Q: What can I expect by attending the ITP conference?
A: ITP Conference offers many opportunities to connect with ITP patients and their loved ones, medical experts, and others in the ITP community. You will have time to learn from the experts, ask questions, share individual journeys, and have fun!
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: You are welcome to dress casually and comfortably throughout the weekend. Purple is the color of ITP warriors, and you can expect to see many people wearing this color. All sessions are casual attire and will be held in the hotel meeting rooms, which are air-conditioned. It is often difficult to control temperatures in a hotel setting and we recommended bringing along a light jacket or sweater to wear in the session spaces.
Q: Will meals be provided?
A: As part of your conference registration, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday, and a Friday mixer are provided. A sponsored dinner program will take place Saturday evening and requires a separate registration.
Q: Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
A: While we do our best to offer a variety of food options at each meal, we cannot specifically cater to each dietary need. Please feel free to ask the hotel staff serving the meals for assistance in identifying available options for your special needs.
Q: This is my first time attending the conference. How can I connect with others?
A: First-time attendees will be assigned a Conference Ambassador – a previous attendee who will be available to help welcome you and serve as a friendly face and resource throughout the weekend. Details will be sent to first-time attendees in June.
Q: Are scholarships available to help offset the cost of registration and hotel?
A: Yes, PDSA offers partial conference scholarships. Learn more and apply here.
Q: Will there be an opportunity to hear about current ITP treatments and new treatments on the horizon?
A: Yes. We have scheduled time with our exhibitors so you can meet directly with the companies who are providing treatments and sponsoring clinical trials. You will also have the opportunity to hear from and ask your questions to PDSA’s Medical Advisors, who are some of the world’s foremost experts on ITP. We guarantee what you will learn about the nature of ITP, its diagnosis, treatment, and management will make a positive difference in your own or your loved one’s ITP journey.
Q: Do I need a ticket for admission into sessions and meals?
A: At the conference registration table, all attendees will receive a personalized name badge. These name badges must be worn at all times during the conference sessions and conference meals. Admission to these activities is restricted to badge holders only.
Q: What do I need to know about the Saturday Dinner Program?
A: A complimentary one-hour dinner program will take place on Saturday evening at 6:30pm, sponsored by one of our industry partners. While this dinner is free for all attendees and their families, a separate registration is required to attend the dinner. You will receive an email with information on how to register for the dinner prior to the start of the conference. On-site registration for the dinner may be available on a limited basis.
Q: Will I be able to ask questions of the speakers during conference sessions?
A: YES! There will be time at the end of each session to ask questions as well as during several small group sessions facilitated by our speakers.
Q: What is your COVID-19 policy?
A: COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged for participants, but not required. For the protection of those attending the conference who may be at risk of infection, we recommend that masks be worn at the meeting.
Q: Will there be any events off-site during the weekend?
A: YES! Please join us for a private narrated cruise of the San Antonio Riverwalk. Experience an enchanting journey through San Antonio’s rich history, culture, architecture, and timeless charm.
Q: I have registered children for the conference. Will there be planned activities for them?
A: YES! PDSA offers Kids Kamp for all registered conference attendees, ages 5-12. Kamp will take place during all sessions of the conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Children will go to meals and breaks with families. Light snacks and water will be provided during Kamp as well. If you have a child interested in attending Kids Kamp, please contact Jody Shy at jshy@pdsa.org to register.
Q: I have a teen attending the conference. Will there be sessions just for them?
A: YES! We have a special teen track on Friday and Saturday, which is facilitated by PDSA Medical Advisor and Pediatric Hematologist Michael Tarantino, MD, and his staff from the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute. Any teen or young adult registered for the conference is welcome and encouraged to participate in these sessions.
