2026 MDA conference to focus on ‘innovation driving us forward’
Agenda highlighting disease-modifying and gene therapies now set for meeting
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has announced the agenda for its 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference — slated for March 8-11 in Orlando, Florida — and the focus, the nonprofit says, is on “groundbreaking research and clinical achievements.”
The annual event, held in a different locale each year, brings together scientists, clinicians, affiliated healthcare providers, industry leaders, and advocates — all of whom share the latest advances in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) research and treatment and discuss key issues.
Patients and caregivers may participate at a discounted rate in person and at no cost virtually. For 2026, the event will take place at the Hilton Orlando.
“The 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference reflects the remarkable momentum of our field as treatments for neuromuscular diseases rapidly advance,” Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, the MDA’s president and CEO, said in an organization press release. “This year’s agenda highlights the innovation driving us forward — from gene therapies and disease-modifying drugs to transformative approaches in clinical care.”
Multiple NMDs will be in the spotlight, including muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Conference sessions will cover a wide range of topics, from disease mechanisms and care trends to therapeutic strategy and drug development considerations.
Barry Byrne, MD, PhD, the MDA’s chief medical advisor and a board member, said the conference is “a cornerstone for sharing the most current scientific discoveries and clinical strategies in neuromuscular disease.” Byrne, also associate chair of pediatrics and director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center at the University of Florida, added that “each year, the agenda grows to reflect the pace of innovation, from new trial results to advances in our delivery of care for patients that improve quality of life.”
“I look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world to Orlando as we learn from each other and build on our shared commitment to better outcomes for the neuromuscularagenda community,” Byrne said.
Registration for MDA annual conference is open
Conference registration is now open. Patients, caregivers, and MDA volunteers need to fill out a specific form to register. Fees include on-demand access to content for six months after the event.
Abstract submission also is open, and all qualify for poster presentations, according to the MDA. For those who would like to be considered for oral presentations, the deadline is Dec. 31, with priority given to abstracts submitted by Nov. 14.
The 2026 agenda is a testament to [our combined] strength — scientists pushing boundaries, clinicians redefining standards of care, industry partners sharing cutting-edge clinical trial results, and advocates ensuring no voice is left behind.
Angela Lek, PhD, MDA’s interim chief research officer, said that “every year, this conference reminds us just how powerful this community is when we come together.”
“The 2026 agenda is a testament to that strength — scientists pushing boundaries, clinicians redefining standards of care, industry partners sharing cutting-edge clinical trial results, and advocates ensuring no voice is left behind,” she added
The 2025 conference took place in Dallas, with more than 2,000 participants, both in person and virtually, from 41 countries. More than 200 speakers took part, with more than 230 posters presented.
“By uniting researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and advocacy organizations, we strengthen our ability to advance public policy solutions that expand care, accelerate approvals, and protect the independence of people living with neuromuscular diseases,” added Paul Melmeyer, the MDA’s executive vice president of public policy and advocacy.
Updates and more information will be shared by the MDA in the coming months on its social media channels using #MDAconference.
Holiday Retail Campaign kicks off with $750K goal
In parallel, the MDA has also launched its annual Holiday Retail Campaign, which will involve thousands of U.S. businesses and runs from November through January. Retail partners include GPM Investments, Circle K, and Florida Turnpike Services, which will invite customers to donate at checkout, round up their purchases, or contribute online.
The goal is to raise $750,000 to support research, advancements in clinical care, and advocacy efforts for families affected by NMDs. GPM Investments will invite customers to round up purchases or donate at more than 1,500 locations. Customers will receive buy one, get one free coupons for some products, and pinups will be available for one month from Nov. 15 at participating stores.
Circle K will participate throughout November at more than 400 locations across North Florida and Central/South Georgia, while Florida Turnpike Services will run a scan sheet program at eight locations between Nov. 21 and Jan. 5.
“For 75 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has built a legacy of impact through the generosity of our partners and supporters,” Ruth Ann Dailey, MDA’s chief development officer, said in a separate press release. “That support has helped lead to more than 25 FDA-approved treatments, giving families living with neuromuscular diseases the chance to live longer, more independent lives.”
MDA will be sharing campaign highlights on social media, using the hashtags #GiveStrength, #HappyHolidays, and #MDA75. The nonprofit is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
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