National Conferences
Mark your calendar!
Photo credit: Nathan Klok Courtesy Of Meet Minneapolis
The 23rd National Conference will held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June 2026!
FIRST hosts a 3-day national conference every two years. This is FIRST’s premier event open to all members of the Foundation. Traditionally the location for the conference moves across the country each time the conference is held.
National Conferences are a fantastic opportunity for affected individuals and their families to meet and network with other affected individuals and consult with leading medical experts. They connect those searching for information and support in living wih ichthyosis and related skin types.
National Conferences are a fantastic opportunity for affected individuals and their families to meet and network with other affected individuals and consult with leading medical experts. They connect those searching for information and support in living wih ichthyosis and related skin types.
Great Benefit and a Great Bargain
Attending a FIRST National Conference is a wonderful experience. Between the clinical visits, informative sessions, motivational speakers and opportunities to connect with others in the same boat, the conference is packed with great benefits.
But did you know it is also a great bargain? FIRST heavily subsidizes the cost of attendance to make the conference accessible to all. Financial aid is available to all that apply but even those who don’t receive aid are getting a value.
Conferences are an expensive proposition. Food, room rental, logistics, entertainment, presentations costs and extra staffing like childcare add up quickly. Below is a quick breakdown of a recent conference in Rhode Island.
But did you know it is also a great bargain? FIRST heavily subsidizes the cost of attendance to make the conference accessible to all. Financial aid is available to all that apply but even those who don’t receive aid are getting a value.
Conferences are an expensive proposition. Food, room rental, logistics, entertainment, presentations costs and extra staffing like childcare add up quickly. Below is a quick breakdown of a recent conference in Rhode Island.
| Total Conference Cost | $250,000 |
| Number of Registrants | 313 |
| Total Cost per Registrant | $798 |
| Average Fee Paid per Registrant | $225 |
| Savings per Person | $573 |
FIRST’s ability to keep the level of subsidy is dependent on support from the membership. This is particularly true now when the impact of inflation means our dollars buy less. Please consider supporting FIRST by becoming a donor member today
Register for the 23rd National Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June 2026!
Previous conferences: 2024 – Albuquerque, NM; 2022 – Providence, RI; 2018 – Nashville, TN; 2016 – San Diego, CA; 2014 – Indianapolis, IN; 2012 – Denver, CO; 2010 – Orlando, FL; 2008 – Chicago, IL; 2006 – Atlanta, GA; 2004 – Kansas City, MO; 2002 – Seattle, WA; 2000 – Philadelphia, PA; 1998 – Cherry Hill, NJ; 1995 – San Diego, CA; 1993 – Chicago, IL; 1991 – Williamsburg, VA; 1990 – Orlando, FL; 1988 – New Haven, CT; 1986 – New Orleans, LA; 1985 – Las Vegas, NV; 1984 – Washington, DC; 1983 – Chicago, IL
