EOS Connection 2023, APFED’s annual patient education conference for eosinophil-associated diseases, was held on Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1, 2023.

This hybrid event was in Denver, CO at the Hyatt Regency Aurora – Denver Conference Center and also streamed online for virtual participants. You can still participate and access recordings of conference sessions on-demand.

 

Thanks to the support of our Education Partners, we were able to offer onsite attendance for $50, plus travel grants.

While the live events have passed (June 30-July 1, 2023), you can still register to watch recordings of the presentations and explore the virtual Exhibit Hall and Poster Hall. The virtual conference environment will be available through December 2023.

 

APFED Members: You can register for free. The discount code was emailed in April and July 2023.

 

Not yet an APFED member? Visit apfed.org/membership to sign up. Your confirmation email will contain a discount code to waive the registration fee. 

 

If you have questions or can’t locate your discount code, please contact conference@apfed.org.

 

Registration price

  • Virtual attendees: $15

Schedule

  • Thursday, June 29: Pre-conference activities in Denver, CO
  • Friday, June 30: Hybrid conference sessions (in-person in Denver, plus streamed online) as well as socializing/networking opportunities
  • Saturday, July 1: Virtual conference sessions, plus an opportunity to go to the Downtown Aquarium in Denver (group rate tickets available, separate sign-up details coming soon)
  • July - December 2023: Watch virtual content on-demand!
 

What to expect

Everyone who registers for the conference can:

  • Meet and network with patients, families, and other community members
  • Learn about eosinophil-associated diseases and practical strategies from experts
  • Explore new research in our virtual Poster Hall
  • Learn about resources, products, and services in the virtual Exhibit Hall
  • Access session recordings on-demand for six months following the live events

APFED members are eligible for discounted registration, dependent on membership level. To become an APFED member, please visit apfed.org/membership.

Register



Event participants are expected to follow the conference Code of Conduct & Engagement Guidelines.

POSTER SUBMISSIONS

Researchers in academia (including students) and industry were invited to submit research posters for the virtual poster hall. The deadline to submit research has passed. You can now explore the virtual Poster Hall.

Pre-conference webinar about EoE and Inflammation

SPECIAL PRE-CONFERENCE WEBINAR

EoE & Inflammation: How EoE Works

June 14, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET

We held a special pre-conference webinar featuring Nathalie Nguyen, MD, of Children's Hospital Colorado to learn about eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and inflammation. During this webinar, she discussed the role eosinophils play in the body, how EoE works, and more.

Watch the recording

Thank you to Sanofi and Regeneron, our Presenting Level Education Partners for EOS Connection 2023, for their support of this webinar. 

SCHEDULE

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Denver, CO, on Thursday, June 29 - Saturday, July 1, or online for EOS Connection 2023 on Friday, June 30 - Saturday, July 1.

Concurrent activities for teens and kids were offered in Denver, CO, on Friday, June 30. View teen programming schedule

Agenda

time iconJune 29, 2023 03:45 pm

Lab Tour at Children's Hospital Colorado

Have you ever wanted to see how a research lab is set up? Here’s your chance! Children’s Hospital Colorado is offering lab tours for APFED conference registrants and their travel companions. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Long pants and closed toe shoes must be worn on the tour. We will meet in the Hyatt at the APFED Registration Desk at 3:45 p.m. and depart together as a group to the hospital. 

Space is limited to 16 participants; pre-registration is required. This tour is full as of June 26. 

time iconJune 29, 2023 05:00 pm

Research Poster Session & Welcome Reception

Co-hosted by APFED and Children's Hospital Colorado

  • 5:30 p.m. Opening remarks and guided poster tour and interaction with researchers (Conference Room VI)
  • 6:30 p.m. Youth activity (Conference Room VIII)
  • Dinner buffet served in the Foyer
  • Networking throughout in Cafe Lounge
  • Opportunity to meet conference attendees, speakers, and Education Partners
time iconJune 30, 2023 08:00 am

[Pre-Conference Webinar] EoE & Inflammation: How EoE Works

speaker headshot

Nathalie Nguyen, MD
Childrens Hospital Colorado

During this special pre-conference webinar featuring Nathalie Nguyen, MD, she discussed eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and inflammation, including the role eosinophils play in the body, how EoE works, and more.

time iconJune 30, 2023 08:10 am

Session 1

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Wendy Book, MD
APFED

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Nathalie Nguyen, MD
Childrens Hospital Colorado

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Amiko Uchida, MD
University of Utah School of Medicine

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Caitlin Burk, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children

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Glenn Furuta, MD
Children's Hospital Colorado

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Calies Menard-Katcher, MD, MSCS
Children's Hospital Colorado

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Salvatore Oliva, MD, PhD
Sapienza University of Rome

8:10 a.m. MT: Welcome

APFED and Children's Hospital Colorado Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

8:15 a.m. MT: EGID Diagnostics: Current and Pipeline

Nathalie Nguyen, MD

8:35 a.m. MT: EGID Treatments: Current and Pipeline

Calies Menard-Katcher, MD, MSCS

8:55 a.m. MT: CEGIR Research Update and CEGIR Scholar Presentations

Glenn Furuta, MD, Amiko Uchida, MD, Salvatore Oliva, MD, PhD, Caitlin Burk, MD

9:45 a.m. MT: Panel Q&A

time iconJune 30, 2023 10:50 am

Session 2

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Dan Atkins, MD
Children’s Hospital Colorado

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Maureen Bauer, MD
Children’s Hospital Colorado

10:50 a.m. MT: Role of the Allergist in Care

Dan Atkins, MD

11:10 a.m. MT: Role of Food and Environmental Triggers in EoE (including OIT)

Maureen Bauer, MD

11:30 a.m. MT: Panel Q&A

time iconJune 30, 2023 12:15 pm

[Lunch and Learn] Hunger Games: Thriving in the Grocery Store

speaker headshot

Raquel Durban, MS, RD, CSP, LD/N
Asthma & Allergy Specialists, PA (Charlotte, NC)

This session is presented courtesy of Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition

time iconJune 30, 2023 01:45 pm

Session 4

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Maureen Bauer, MD
Children’s Hospital Colorado

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Kelly Klaczkiewicz, RD, CSP
Children’s Hospital Colorado

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Taryn Van Brennan, RDN
Children’s Hospital Colorado

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Rebecca J. Doidge, MS, CCC-SLP
Children's Hospital Colorado

1:45 p.m. MT: Shared Decision Making + Q&A

Maureen Bauer, MD

This session is presented courtesy of Sanofi and Regeneron

2:15 p.m. MT: Dietary Strategies

Taryn Brennan, RDN, Kelly Klaczkiewicz, RD, CSP

2:40 p.m. MT: Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties

Becky Doidge, MS, CCC-SLP

3:00 p.m. MT Dietary Panel Discussion + Q&A

time iconJune 30, 2023 03:30 pm

Session 5

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Jane Robinson, PhD
Children’s Hospital of Colorado

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Wendy Book, MD
APFED

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Ryan Piansky
Patient Advocate

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Kaycee Bennett
Patient Advocate

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Heather & Jeric Silvestri
Patient Advocate

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Mary Jo Strobel
APFED

3:30 p.m. MT: Mental Health/Coping + Q&A

Jane Robinson, PhD

4:00 p.m. MT: Patient Panel

4:45 p.m. MT: APFED Updates and Adjourn

Sessions will conclude by approximately 5 p.m. MT. There will be a break before the evening social activity.

time iconJune 30, 2023 05:00 pm

Break

time iconJune 30, 2023 06:30 pm

Family-friendly Social + Game Night

Food will be served. Conference Room VI.

time iconJuly 1, 2023 09:00 am

Welcome + Patient Panel

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Wendy Book, MD
APFED

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Stacey Ivits
Patient Advocate

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Ryan Piansky
Patient Advocate

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Tina Singer
Patient Advocate

9:00 a.m. MT
Welcome

9:15 a.m. MT
Patient Panel Discussion

time iconJuly 1, 2023 10:00 am

Eosinophilic Asthma

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Njira Lucia Lugogo, MD
University of Michigan

Diagnostics, Treatments, and Future Directions + Q&A

time iconJuly 1, 2023 10:30 am

Eosinophilic Fasciitis

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Michael Rosenblum, MD, PhD
University of California San Francisco

Update on APFED-funded research

time iconJuly 1, 2023 11:00 am

Hypereosinophilic Syndromes (HES)

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Thanai Pongdee, MD
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Diagnostics, Treatments, and Future Directions + Q&A

time iconJuly 1, 2023 11:30 am

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)

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Paneez Khoury, MD
National Institutes of Health

Diagnostics, Treatments, & Future Directions + Q&A

time iconJuly 1, 2023 12:00 pm

Conference Takeaways & Continuing the Conversation

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Holly Knotowicz, MS, CCC-SLP
Picky Eaters Anonymous

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Ryan Piansky
Patient Advocate

Conversation with APFED's Podcast Co-hosts

time iconJuly 1, 2023 01:00 pm

Group Activity: Downtown Aquarium in Denver

Virtual sessions will conclude at approximately 12:00 p.m. MT.

Optional in-person offsite family-friendly activities will be available in Denver, CO, on Saturday, July 1, additional fees may apply. 

Group ticket sales for the Downtown Aquarium closed on Friday, June 23. You may still purchase individual tickets directly from the aquarium.

SPEAKERS

OurSpeakers

Nathalie Nguyen, MD

Childrens Hospital Colorado

Glenn Furuta, MD

Children's Hospital Colorado

Salvatore Oliva, MD, PhD

Sapienza University of Rome

Taryn Van Brennan, RDN

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Calies Menard-Katcher, MD, MSCS

Children's Hospital Colorado

Caitlin Burk, MD

Massachusetts General Hospital for Children

Amiko Uchida, MD

University of Utah School of Medicine

Dan Atkins, MD

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Maureen Bauer, MD

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Raquel Durban, MS, RD, CSP, LD/N

Asthma & Allergy Specialists, PA (Charlotte, NC)

Kelly Klaczkiewicz, RD, CSP

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Rebecca J. Doidge, MS, CCC-SLP

Children's Hospital Colorado

Jane Robinson, PhD

Children’s Hospital of Colorado

Njira Lucia Lugogo, MD

University of Michigan

Michael Rosenblum, MD, PhD

University of California San Francisco

Thanai Pongdee, MD

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Ryan Piansky

Patient Advocate

Holly Knotowicz, MS, CCC-SLP

Picky Eaters Anonymous

Tina Singer

Patient Advocate

Wendy Book, MD

APFED

Paneez Khoury, MD

National Institutes of Health

Mary Jo Strobel

APFED

Heather & Jeric Silvestri

Patient Advocate

Kaycee Bennett

Patient Advocate

Stacey Ivits

Patient Advocate
TRAVEL DETAILS

Travel grants

A limited number of travel grants were available on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible applicants.

Hotel

Hyatt Regency Aurora – Denver Conference Center
13200 East 14th Place
Aurora, CO 80011

Group room rate: $210 per night + applicable taxes. The hotel group rate is available from June 28-July 1, 2023. Rooms must be booked by June 6, 2023. You may make your hotel reservations online. If you call the hotel directly for reservations, mention you are with the APFED conference to get the special rate.

Check-in is at 3 PM and checkout is at 12 PM.

Transportation options

Conference attendees were responsible for their own transportation.

Airport. The hotel is approximately 15 miles (~20-minute drive) from Denver International Airport. The hotel does not provide a shuttle service.

Train. The hotel is ~14 miles from Amtrak Denver Union Station.

Public transportation. The closest bus station is Colfax, which is about 1 mile from the hotel.

Conference FAQs

If you have questions not answered below, please contact conference@apfed.org.

Please review all applicable state and local COVID-19 travel restrictions, guidance, and resources before traveling to participate onsite at our event. APFED is closely monitoring COVID-19 protocols and may make adjustments as required by local and federal guidelines. If you experience symptoms of COVID, or feel ill, please do not attend the event and expose other attendees who may be more at risk for COVID infection.

Please complete this form in order to:

  • Confirm your boxed lunch choice for Friday, June 30
  • Express interest in being a panelist during the conference
  • Sign up for a lab tour at Children's Hospital Colorado on Thursday, June 29 (max 16 people) -- Full as of June 26
  • Purchase tickets to the Downtown Aquarium on Saturday, July 1 (must be purchased by Friday, June 23, transportation not included) -- Sales closed June 23

You may also find this denver area information helpful, it includes information about attractions in the area.

There are multiple ways to get around Denver, including:

  • Hotel shuttle – complimentary within a 3-mile radius, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily, based on availability
  • A Line Commuter Train – offers transportation from Denver airport ($10.50 per day/person), drop at Peoria station which is roughly 10 minutes from hotel
  • Bus stops located on Colfax (runs behind CHC)
  • Uber/Lyft

You may also find this denver area information helpful, it includes tips for getting around the area.

Wear what is comfortable for you! The conference rooms may be a little cool, so you may want to bring a sweater.

Unless a conference activity is specifically listed for children under age 11 or advertised as “family friendly” or “attendees of all ages” welcome, children under age 11 will not be permitted into sessions.

We do have conference program and activities planned that are appropriate for children ages 5 and up. These will be clearly listed on the final agenda.

Children must have a chaperone at these activities. APFED does not provide childcare services, but as a courtesy, can provide information upon request about local childcare services available.

You may also find this denver area information helpful, it includes local childcare options and area attractions.

The conference is open to anyone wishing to learn more about EGIDs. Health care providers, allied health care professionals, and others who are interested in EGIDs will find the sessions beneficial. CME/CEU credits are not offered, however, we will produce a certificate of participation, if requested.

Onsite conference registration includes four (4) meals: a buffet at Thursday's reception, plus breakfast, a boxed lunch, and a buffet at the family social on Friday.

We are also working with the Hyatt to offer special APFED menus for in-room dining and at the onsite Borealis restaurant.

In addition, you may find this denver area information helpful, it includes grocery stores and restaurants near the hotel.

Onsite conference registration includes four (4) meals: a buffet at Thursday's reception, plus breakfast, a boxed lunch, and a buffet at the family social on Friday. Foods are served with restricted diets in mind.

APFED works with the catering staff to educate them on how to avoid cross-contact and provides ingredient substitution and specialty food recommendations. We work to ensure catering staff labels all ingredients carefully, and that buffet items are separated with designated serving utensils. Please be cautious, read all food labels, and be aware that some foods may contain ingredients that you should avoid.

To provide for conference attendees who have formula or other dietary needs, we will provide a Hospitality Suite for food storage and preparation. The suite includes a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, sink, dish soap, paper towels, and disposable tableware. This room will be staffed and open during posted hours, Thursday-Sunday. Conference attendees can gain access to this suite outside of the posted hours. More information will be provided onsite at check-in. Guest rooms are also equipped with mini refrigerators.

We are also working with the Hyatt to offer special APFED menus for in-room dining and at the onsite Borealis restaurant.

In addition, you may find this denver area information helpful, it includes grocery stores and restaurants near the hotel.

Yes! Our conferences are a success thanks to the generosity of our volunteers! We often have tasks leading up to the conference, and onsite at the conference during that weekend. To add your name to our volunteer list, please contact Cara Schmitt at cschmitt@apfed.org. We may not have something to assign you right away, but we will keep your contact information handy. Please note that we cannot waive conference fees for volunteers.

A limited number of travel grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible applicants. Learn more and apply.

If you would like to attend onsite but the registration fee poses a hardship, please email conference@apfed.org stating your need and a request for waived conference registration.

Cancellations must be received in writing mail@apfed.org by 5 p.m. ET on June 22, 2023. to receive a full refund of registration fees. After that time, no refunds will be issued. We will ship conference materials and email a link to recorded sessions to paid registrants who are unable to attend. Hotel cancellations must be made separately. Charges may be incurred if reservations are not cancelled.

COLLABORATING PARTNER

Thank you to Children's Colorado for collaborating with APFED on EOS Connection 2023.

 

Children's Colorado

CEGIR

 

EDUCATION PARTNERS

Thank you to our Education Partners for supporting EOS Connection 2023.

Presenting Education Partner

 

Platinum Education Partners

Abbott
AstraZeneca

Ellodi

Reckkit Mead Johnson Nutrition

 

Silver Education Partners

Ajinomoto Cambrooke
Bristol Myers Squibb
EnteroTrack
EvoEndo
GSK
Nutricia

Supporting Education Partner

Allakos
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Let the learning continue ... Watch session recordings on-demand, and explore the virtual Exhibit and Poster Halls through December 2023!