Thank You
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Annual SMA Conference at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Hotel in Orlando, Florida! It was an impactful weekend of opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun.
We’re thrilled to share that over 2,700 attendees joined us, hosting the most adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) attendees on record! It was an honor to have individuals with SMA, their families and care teams, clinicians, industry partners, and researchers attend the conference from over 30 countries across the globe.
For those who could not attend, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages in the coming months to view the conference photos! You can also watch the recording of the Opening General Session and It’s a Wonderful Life Session on Instagram.
Conference Overview
The conference kicked off on Thursday evening with our Toy Story themed Meet & Greet and Annual Relay Race, welcoming attendees as we came together to celebrate another year of coming together. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with games and activities for children and families, colorful balloons, and visits from beloved Disney characters. The highlight of the evening was the Annual Relay Race, where researchers and clinicians raced in manual wheelchairs alongside their opponents with SMA, while enthusiastic cheers and applause filled the room. This cherished tradition is a special way to begin the weekend, bringing our community together and setting the tone for the days ahead.
Friday morning began with a flurry of activity as the exhibit hall opened, workshops got underway, and the Children’s Program launched into full swing. Attendees also gathered for the Opening General Session, officially welcoming everyone to the conference.
Throughout the weekend, attendees explored 19 educational and interactive exhibits featuring knowledgeable vendors who showcased their products, provided support, and offered hands-on demonstrations. The exhibit hall remained a vibrant hub of activity from start to finish!
At the heart of the conference were more than 65 diverse workshops offered throughout Friday and Saturday. Led by experts and community members alike, these sessions covered a wide range of topics, including medical care, research, advocacy, and daily living with SMA. We are deeply grateful to every presenter who generously shared their time and expertise.
This first day of the conference concluded with the Family Friendly Researcher Poster Session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with researchers and clinicians presenting 35 posters that highlighted their latest findings. Mickey and Minnie joined in on the fun, greeting and taking memorable photos with guests!
Saturday featured another full day of workshops, where attendees connected and learned together through educational presentations, collaborative activities, and meaningful conversations. Meanwhile, the Children’s Program was filled with entertainers, arts and crafts, games, and nonstop fun. Thanks to our incredible volunteers, children enjoyed endless exciting activities while adults participated in workshops. The day concluded with the PJ Party & Movie Night, where attendees gathered for a cozy evening with popcorn, refreshments, and a screening of Toy Story 4.
The many opportunities for connection are what make the Annual SMA Conference so special. Mom’s Night Out and Dad’s Night Out gave parents a chance to unwind and reconnect with refreshments, activities, and great company. Cure SMA also hosted an Adults with SMA Reception featuring DJ Brave, an Adults with SMA Networking Event with trivia, a Teen Social with trivia, and a Teen Networking Event with a fun scavenger hunt throughout the conference center. The Adults with SMA Lounge and Teen Lounge were also open throughout the weekend, providing welcoming spaces to relax, meet new friends, and enjoy activities together.
On Sunday, attendees gathered for the closing session, It's a Wonderful Life, where a panel of adults with SMA shared their personal experiences and reflected on the perseverance, joy, challenges, and growth that have shaped their lives. The dates and location for the 2027 Annual SMA Conference were also announced: It will take place from Thursday, June 17 – Sunday, June 20, 2027, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. We hope to see you there!
2026 Annual Cure SMA Research & Clinical Care Meeting
The Annual SMA Research & Clinical Care Meeting was hosted from June 24 -26 in Orlando, FL. It offered a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and network among the more than 500 researchers and health care providers in attendance. The meeting also furthered research and care by building productive collaborations—including cross-disciplinary dialogue, partnerships, and the integration of new researchers, health care professionals, and drug companies. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with other members of the SMA community, including persons with SMA, families, and caregivers through joint events such as the Meet & Greet and Family Friendly Researcher Poster Session.
The research sessions of the meeting included: the Basic Research Session on Wednesday, June 24, the Clinical Research Session on Thursday, June 25, and the Clinical Therapeutic Development Session on Friday, June 26.
The Clinical Care Session focused on advancing multidisciplinary care for individuals with SMA through expert-led education and discussion. This year's program featured sessions on updates in SMA treatment and care, gastrointestinal and metabolic complications, neurofilament, and mental health. The afternoon program combined clinical and research audiences for joint sessions on neurodevelopment and therapeutic strategies, fostering collaboration and the translation of emerging research into clinical practice. Attendees were eligible to receive 5.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Thank You
The Annual SMA Conference would not have been possible without the assistance of our fantastic volunteers. From setting up decor, working in the Children's Program, preparing and running games at the Meet & Greet, to many other tasks, our volunteers were amazing once again.
We extend our gratitude to all of the wonderful sponsors and exhibitors who supported the 2026 Annual SMA Conference. A special thanks to Biogen, Genentech, Novartis, and Scholar Rock for their generosity as the Presenting Sponsors of this year’s conference.
