Conference Highlights
The PRISMS community joined together for our biannual conference on July 30 – August 1 in Minneapolis, MN at the Hilton DoubleTree Minneapolis South. It was amazing to see so many SMS families, researchers, clinicians, educators, and advocates come together for three meaningful days of education, connection, and collaboration.
This year’s conference included:
- 430 Conference Attendees
- 167 First-Time Attendees
- 63 Sessions
- 45 Presenters
- 60 SMS Individuals
- 51 Siblings
- 22 Family Scholarship Recipients
- 13 Teacher and Support Staff Scholarship Recipients
Our community gathered from across the country and from around the world to learn, share experiences, and support each other. Families came from the US, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Brazil, and Iceland.
It was amazing to see so many of you dancing to the music at the welcome reception, making conversation in between sessions, and sharing stories over ice cream at the end of the ice cream social.
Come to the 2028 Conference!
We played a special video announcing the PRISMS 14th International Conference, which will be held at the downtown Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 20-22, 2028.
Thank you Presenting Sponsor!
And thanks to all other sponsors and donors whose generous donations made the conference possible.
Thank You, Professional Advisory Board!
Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to the Smith-Magenis syndrome community played such an important role in making our conference a success. From sharing your knowledge and research to answering questions, connecting with families, and helping us move the mission of PRISMS forward—they made a lasting impact.
We are so grateful for the time, talent, and passion they give to our community. Thank you for helping us continue to Shine a Light and Ignite Hope for everyone affected by SMS.
Our Amazing Keynote Speakers
Rick Guidotti
Founder and director of Positive Exposure
Dr. Nate Noble
Medical Director of the Anna Blank Developmental Center and Woodward Resource Center
Dr. Ann C.M. Smith
MA, DSc (Hon), CGC, co-discovered Smith-Magenis Syndrome
Volunteer Award Recipients
An Outstanding Volunteer Award and Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to PRISMS.
Without the contribution of these volunteers, PRISMS would not have been able to achieve and sustain the level of impact we have had in our community. These awards recognize the tireless efforts of our volunteers in community leadership and fundraising.
PRISMS Merchandise Store
New merchandise was available for purchase throughout the conference.
If you were not able to attend in person, you can purchase items in our online store.
SMS Radio
Children, teens, and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome were invited to join a recorded conversation at the SMS Radio booth during the conference. This fun research study aims to analyze language samples to better describe how individuals with SMS across the lifespan formulate language and engage in social interaction.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Christine Brennan, PhD CCC-SLP
University of Colorado Boulder
CU Boulder IRB #26-0064
Regional Representative Meeting
Some PRISMS Regional Representatives who attended the conference met to discuss the upcoming year and how they can best support families in their region. Regional Rep Chair Denien Rasmussen worked the PRISMS Pathway table to share more about the regional Rep program.
PRISMS Pathway
We provided a “Passport to PRISMS” card for our families at registration as an exhibit hall dedicated to PRISMS resources for our families and caregivers. When families visited each of the 12 resource tables, they received a stamp for visiting. When the passports were completed, they were turned in at the merchandise table to receive a gift, and their completed passport was entered into a drawing for a grand prize.
The goal of the PRISMS Pathway was to be a place to ask questions, get more information, and make contacts. Information on our clinics, volunteering, the Board of Directors, research, and more was available.
PRISMS Pack Program
New this year was our PRISMS Pack program, which offered individuals SMS (ages 16+), an opportunity to mingle with their peers. We designed educational sessions and fun activities specifically for this group! Some activities included a trip to Dairy Queen, Music Therapy, Trivia, a visit from a fire truck, and a silent disco party!
Light Up the Night Fundraising Gala
The Light Up the Night Conference Fundraiser was an incredible night of celebration, generosity, and hope.
We raised critical funds to support our mission and ensure we can continue making a meaningful difference for the families and individuals we serve. Every guest, sponsor, donor, volunteer, auction bidder, and supporter helped make this evening an overwhelming success.
The night was filled with dancing, fun, laughter, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future. It was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when a community comes together with purpose and compassion.
A special shout-out to Vanda Pharmaceuticals, which sponsored the event.
Fun at the Minnesota Twins Game
Some PRISMS conference attendees had an incredible time cheering on the Minnesota Twins while proudly raising awareness and showing our support for the Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) community prior to the opening night of the conference in Minneapolis. Thank you to everyone who joined us – it was a homerun!
