2023 Global Learning Conference – Thank You For Joining Us!

The Global Learning Conference 2023

Thank you for an incredible Global Learning Conference in Dublin, Ireland! From August 2-5, 2023, The Ehlers-Danlos Society brought together a diverse community of advocates, medical professionals, and individuals impacted by Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), both in person and virtually from all around the world.

The conference theme was ‘Difficult Conversations in EDS and HSD’ covering topics that are often challenging for both patients and providers including neurodiversity, managing symptom flares, gastrointestinal issues, and effective communication for medical appointments.

WATCH THE EVENT RECORDINGS!

Throughout the conference, we were joined by 957 people in 43 countries, reaching 8 new countries this year including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Northern Ireland, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Wales. Of those, 40% were first-time attendees to an EDS Society conference! 

We were very proud to be joined by our incredible Partner Sponsors for this event, DM Orthotics and Body Braid, Collaborator Sponsor Lipedema Foundation, Non-Profit Sponsor Irish EDS and HSD Foundation, and our Supporter Sponsors Silver Ring Splint Company, Bionical Emas, and Zebra Splints. Scroll the #GLC2023 gallery to see our favorite pictures from the event! 

NB: We have shared images only featuring those who gave their permission to have their image shared. If you do not wish to appear in this gallery, please do contact [email protected] who will be happy to assist with this. 

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DUB 01
YOU ALL DID AN AMAZING JOB AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE CONFERENCE WAS SPECTACULAR - I WAS SO IMPRESSED. WELL DONE!!!!!
DUB 2
Did you learn anything new or valuable at this event? My learnings weren't so much clinical, but I learned a lot about myself and my topic in preparing to present. I learned how powerful and valuable it is to have both community and health professionals attending a conference simultaneously. And I learned how truly supportive this community is when it comes together.
DUB 03
I wanted to reach out to say thank you again for the kindness that you and your team have shown in understanding my situation in not being able to speak this year at the 2023 GLC, but WOW what a success!! I am so happy for you, the society, and myself as a patient and professional in this field. I not only want to congratulate you on your success of a massive program going so amazingly, but additionally need to thank you for what a large impact it has in countless ways. The fundraising, research, community, education… I can’t even begin to list it all. Your job is so important, and you do a wonderful job with these events. Congratulations & thank you ❤️.
DUB 04
What did your Junior Zebra enjoy most about the program? Validation of what they were feeling, and that they're not alone. Definitely a worthwhile event and a big thank you to the organizers.
DUB 05
What did you like best about this event? I loved how you facilitated virtual attendees to make sure we got the “full” conference experience, I think meeting people is a big part of a conference and the Whova app was a great way to do so.
DUB 06
What did you like best about this event? I was extremely greatful for my scholarship. I liked the app and being able to connect with others. It was very empowering and I really liked the emphasis on and acknowledgment of medical gaslighting and realistic ways fo adress it that is beneficial to patient and provider. I really enjoyed the emotional aspects of the event as well. I liked all of it really. I was greatful for the different cultural perspectives as well. The lectures were very validating and the whole presentation made me feel very at home.
DUB 07
Thank you so much for inviting me to present at the Dublin conference. I had a wonderful time and found it very useful. I wanted to share a kind note from one of the attendees who messaged me over Whova: She said that everyone at the conference was “so incredibly sensitive and supportive of everyone else’s needs.” And she wanted me to pass along that she applauds you both for your hard work in creating such a comforting and comfortable environment.
DUB 08
I wanted to say a HUGE ‘ thank you” to you all for making me feel so welcome and accepted because it was the first time I'd met any of you in person. Everyone was so kind to me. Thank you.
DUB 10
Thank you so much to all of you for letting me be a part of such a wonderful event. What you all do is amazing and I am blown away with the organisation of it and the community that you have created is unlike anything I’ve seen. Thank you again and I was thrilled to see the work you do up close.
DUB 11
What did you like best about this event? It was great to see so many other health professionals, many of whom have EDS/HSD themselves, passionate about this work. There were several in my local area that I have connected with and hope to stay in touch with beyond the conference.
DUB 12
What did you like best about this event? I think the best thing about the event was the passion and spirit. I have been to conferences, but I was BLOWN AWAY by the enthusiasm at this event of everyone and the feeling of community. It made me more fired up and now I want to try and learn and read more!

Join Us At Our Next Global Learning Conference!

July 17-21, 2024

The Ehlers-Danlos Society is delighted to announce our 2024 Global Learning Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA! We will be hosting this exciting hybrid event, both in-person and virtually. Join individuals and families with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) for three days of learning, collaboration, and networking.

The conference theme is “EDS and HSD: From Head to Toe” and will feature presentations, case studies, and panel discussions led by experts on the management of symptoms and comorbidities from head to toe in EDS and HSD. The event is suitable for community members and their friends and families, as well as healthcare professionals.

Registration is now open. Click here to register and be one of the first to get your ticket!

Get your ticket for the Global Learning Conference 2024!

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