I was approached in June by the board of the FOXG1 Research Foundation to assist in planning for their very first symposium for scientists. It would be taking place in San Diego in November of this year, and well as a Canadian, the words November and California, it didn’t take much convincing to jump on the planning committee. This foundation newly formed in early fall of 2017, has been making waves in the rare disease community for raising over 1.5 million in its first year, and with the Society of Neuroscience Conference attracting 30,000 delegates from around the world in San Diego, it made sense to be there and be seen and host scientists from all over the world to share their research concerning the most important gene for brain development.
Planning via skype with a committee from Oregon, California, New York , Connecticut and the UK we arranged for 13 high level speakers to present at a one evening symposium. Collecting bios, topic titles and descriptions, the final agenda was impressive representing a diverse and enthusiastic group from China, Japan, Australia, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, USA, South America, that met to discuss their research into the complex FOXG1 gene.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt was a fabulous host, delivering beyond exceptional service. This is one of the largest hotel conference centres i have planned in, and the team onsite was readily available to ensure every need was met. Within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center, it was a perfect fit for our delegates to move back and forth from.
Poster boards and a delicious taco buffet rounded out our evening program.
And well San Diego itself did not disappoint, warm and balmy, lots of sunshine and one of the cleanest cities I have ever visited, with an airport located downtown making commuting super simple! I recommend it for your next meeting.
