Conference theme: Shared Voices, Shared Strength
We are delighted to announce that this year’s theme is Shared Voices, Shared Strength. Join us for an unforgettable day of learning, connection, and shared experiences as we strengthen our community through the power of every voice. Our conference is a warm and inclusive space for adults and young people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, as well as their families, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. We look forward to warmly welcoming you and sharing an enriching experience together.
New features
Members’ voices
Participants at last year’s conference told us that they particularly valued the members’ panel discussion and the opportunity to hear about other people’s experiences. With that feedback in mind, we have designed this year’s adults’ programme to place members’ voices at its heart, reflecting our conference theme, Shared Voices, Shared Strength. Much of the programme will feature short panel discussions with MDI members on a variety of themes, together with opportunities for participant Q&A, creating space for shared learning, reflection and discussion, while highlighting the strength that comes from sharing experiences and perspectives.
Discovery and Wellness Zone
This year, we are introducing a Discovery and Wellness Zone in a dedicated space where participants can visit information stands from a range of organisations and learn about supports, activities and treatment developments. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet members of the MDI team and find out more about our services at MDI’s information and fundraising stands.
The zone will also offer opportunities to book short therapeutic treatments, such as hand massages, and to try out mobility equipment, including MDI-supported powerchairs used in football.
As not all presentations in the main conference auditorium will be relevant to every participant, attendees are welcome to drop into the Discovery and Wellness Zone at any time throughout the day as an alternative to the conference sessions.
Coffee and Connect
During the coffee breaks, we will provide opportunities for participants to connect with others in a relaxed and informal setting. These optional gatherings will include a Dads' Coffee Break, Mams' Coffee Break, and Young Adults' Coffee Break, offering a chance to meet people with shared experiences and make new connections.
Conference speakers
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Eoghan Clifford
MDI fundraiser
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Claire Ellis
MDI fundraiser
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Tommie and Adam Thornton
MDI fundraisers
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Helena Fogarty
MDI member
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Stephen Myall
MDI member
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Rachel O’Reilly
MDI member and parent
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Smitha Samuel
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
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Danielle Furlong
Senior Occupational Therapist
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Róisín Vance
Clinical Specialist in Physiotherapy in Neurology
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Cormac Walsh
Description goes here -
Amayo Côte
Siel Bleu Team
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Caitlin McAuley
Sibling
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Ella O’Reilly
Sibling
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Karen Thompson
Advocate, Time is Muscle campaign
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Dr Aoife McNicholl
Advocate, SMA Treatments for All campaign
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Dr Laura Gallagher
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
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Bindu Nair
MDI Chairperson
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Alan Breathnach
MDI CEO
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Patrick Flanagan
MDI Vice-Chairperson and conference host
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Emer O’ Sullivan
MDI Board Member and conference host
What people valued about our 2025 and 2024 conferences:
Ticket Information
Secure your place at our conference by booking across our three programmes: the adults' programme, the youth programme for young people aged 8–17 years, and the children's programme for children aged 5–7 years. We also welcome children under 5 years old in the company of their parents/guardians, who will be responsible for their supervision throughout the day.
Refundable booking fee
To help us plan more accurately and make the best use of conference resources, we are introducing a refundable booking fee for this year’s event. The fee is €10 per adult or €20 per family. This amount will be fully refunded following the conference to those who attend. For family bookings, the refund will be issued where all attendees included in the family booking attend the event. Refunds will also be provided where a booking is cancelled by 16 November 2026. Please note that a non-refundable booking fee of approximately €2.50 will be charged by the booking platform at checkout.
The deadline for cancelling your ticket is Monday, 16 November, in accordance with the venue’s requirement to confirm final catering numbers. If you cancel your ticket by this deadline, you will receive a full refund of your booking fee.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Choose from two ticket types:
1. Individual Adult Ticket
2. Family Ticket
1. Individual Adult Ticket (€10 refundable)
For adults attending WITHOUT A FAMILY BOOKING. Select one ticket for each adult booking.
No need to book a ticket for your PA. We'll collect their details in your booking form.
A refundable fee of €10 per adult booking applies and will be refunded after the conference to those who attend. Refunds will also be provided to those who cancel their booking by 16 November 2026. A small non-refundable booking fee charged by the booking platform will be added at checkout.
2. Family Ticket (€20 refundable fee)
You, as primary adult, select one Family Ticket. Then, BEFORE SELECTING THE CHECK OUT BUTTON, SCROLL DOWN to select a free place for each additional family member attending from the options listed below and complete ALL their attendee details:
Another Adult Attendee (€0) No need to book a place for your PA.
Youth Programme (€0)
Children's Programme (€0).
A refundable fee of €20 per family applies and will be refunded after the conference to those who attend. Refunds will also be provided to those who cancel their booking by 16 November 2026. For family bookings, the refund will be issued where all attendees included in the family booking attend the event. A small non-refundable booking fee charged by the booking platform will be added at checkout.
MDI acknowledges the financial support of the HSE. The event is also kindly supported by independent grants from Biogen, Novartis and Roche who have had no editorial influence over the content.
