The 2026 MDF & MDC Regional Conference in Montréal brought the myotonic dystrophy community together for a day of learning, connection, and support.
2026 MDF & MDC Regional Conference in Montréal
Montréal, Canada | May 30, 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 MDF & MDC Regional Conference in Montréal! Hosted in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), this one-day, in-person conference brought together people living with myotonic dystrophy (DM), caregivers and family members, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and industry partners for a day of learning, connection, and community.
The 2026 MDF & MDC Regional Conference in Montréal welcomed more than 143 attendees from across 22 states, provinces, and territories. Built for the DM community, the conference featured sessions from leading experts, updates on the latest research, community discussion, and opportunities to connect across borders with others who understand life with DM.
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Program Highlights
The conference offered a robust, full-day program that included general sessions, breakout sessions, French-language offerings, JOA programming, and a reception, dance party, and networking to close the day.
Session topics included highlights from the International Myotonic Dystrophy Consortium (IDMC-15), clinical trials and emerging treatments, DM1 and DM2 overview, occupational therapy, exercise, mental health, dietary needs and swallowing, and navigating the Canadian health system. The program also featured community favorites like Life Hacks, Stump the Doctor, and a Movement Moment. Select activities were offered in French, and live French subtitles were available for English-language sessions.
The conference also included a dedicated Juvenile-onset Adult (JOA) lounge and program, with sessions and activities designed specifically for JOAs. These included ice-breakers, exercise, a JOA focus group, a JOA community panel, Stump the Doctor: JOA, and games and karaoke.
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In Partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada
MDF was proud to partner with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) for this special regional conference in Montréal. As described in the program, Canada and particularly Québec hold a unique and internationally recognized leadership role in the myotonic dystrophy community, with Québec experiencing one of the highest prevalence rates of DM1 in the world. Canada has also played a major role in advancing global understanding of DM through research, clinical expertise, registries, and patient engagement.
The Montréal conference reflected the strength of collaboration across the myotonic dystrophy community. The CEO welcome letter emphasized the value of bringing the Canadian and U.S. communities together in a uniquely meaningful location tied to global DM research, clinical care, and patient engagement. The event also followed IDMC-15, helping connect community members with key takeaways and momentum from the international scientific meeting.
MDC’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected by neuromuscular disorders by providing ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for cures through well-funded research. The program also highlights MDC’s work in advocacy, research funding, clinical trial awareness, equipment support, education, and community connection across Canada.
Access and Support
MDF and MDC worked to make the conference as welcoming and accessible as possible for the DM community. Registration was priced at $20 USD, and tickets included conference sessions, meals, and other activities throughout the day.
To help reduce barriers to attendance, MDF offered financial aid for community members attending in person. This reflects a goal of the regional conference model: making it easier for individuals and families to participate, ask questions, and connect in person.
MDF and MDC also supported a range of attendee needs. Dietary needs were collected in advance. In-person registration included breakfast, lunch, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and all-day coffee and tea. The conference also offered bilingual access through French-language sessions, French subtitles for English-language sessions, and some materials and resources in both English and French. MDF also arranged a mobility device discount and parking support for day attendees traveling to the conference.
Sponsors
Special thanks to our conference sponsors for helping make this event possible!
Lead Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Supporter Sponsors
