Join us for the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OI) National Conference on July 19-21, 2024!

More than 600 members of the OI community will come together for three days of specialized sessions on managing OI, free medical consultations, and fun social events for attendees of all ages! The entire conference will take place at the Hilton Omaha in Omaha, NE.

Online registration is now closed. Onsite registration will be available at the event, though space is limited!

Unable to attend in person? Click on the session titles below to register to attend virtually:

Opening Session (Friday, July 19, 2024 3:30 PM Central Time)
Research Update (Saturday, July 20, 2024 9:00 AM Central Time)
Plenary Session: Understanding and Managing Pain in OI (Sunday, Jul 21, 2024 9:00 AM Central Time)

 

CONFERENCE DETAILS

Adult (18 years old and older)
Adult Regular – $190

Child with childcare (12months to 12 years old)
Child Regular – $165

Child without childcare (3 to 17 years old)
Child Regular – $115

Infant without childcare (2 year and under)
Free

Online registration is now closed. Onsite registration will be available at the event, though space is limited!

 

Here at the OIF we do everything we can to keep conference fees as low as possible. Even with our fundraising efforts, we know attending the OIF National Conference can be a big expense for many people. Here are the current programs that can help with the costs:

  • Jeanie Coleman Impact Grants
    Applications are now closed
  • Kasper/Kendall Conference Scholarships
    Applications are now closed.

 

Help the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation raise awareness by joining members of the OI community at the OI Foundation’s National Unbreakable Spirit® Walk-n-Wheel in conjunction with the OI Foundation’s biennial National Conference on July 19, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska!

STEP 1
Register as an individual, start a new team or join an existing team and follow the prompts to register yourself as a participant. Sign up as a Team Captain and recruit everyone you know, come up with a fun name, and motivate each other!

STEP 2
Set your fundraising goal that you wish to reach by the walk-n-wheel on July 19, 2024. We’ve written a little bit to get you started, but you should take a moment to personalize your page with your story and a picture of yourself. Be sure to keep your page updated and share often!

STEP 3
Invite your friends and family to support you by joining your team or making a donation to help you meet your goal. We’ve created some template emails but telling your personal story will always have a greater impact! Share your page on social media and send out emails to all your family and friends to invite them to support you with a donation.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!

Hilton Omaha
1001 Cass St
Omaha, NE 68102

The full OIF Conference will take place at the Hilton Omaha. The hotel is offering registered conference attendees a discounted room rate of $129 per night.

To ensure everyone registered for the conference is able to take advantage of the discount, Conference attendees MUST be registered for the OIF National Conference in order to receive the discounted hotel room rate of $129 per night.

To request an accessible room this year, YOU MUST CONTACT THE OIF DIRECTLY. DO NOT REQUEST ADA ROOMS THROUGH THE HOTEL. The hotel is unable to guarantee an ADA reservation, they are only able to accept a ‘request’. The only way to guarantee an ADA room is through the OIF directly. Once you have registered, please email bonelink@oif.org or call 301-947-0083. ADA rooms will be assigned in order of request. To ensure that you receive an ADA room, please consider registering and submitting your request as early as possible.

Please remember that with every hotel, there are a limited number of ADA rooms available. Please be considerate to fellow attendees and only book an ADA room if a standard room cannot accommodate your needs. ADA rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis, and will sell out early! Remember, the hotel can provide you with certain items like hand-held shower heads and shower stools free of charge (but based on availability) to help make a standard room more accessible.

Guest Room measurements are as follows:

Standard Room
Exterior Door: 36”
Bathroom Door: 30”
Bathroom Vanity Height: 35 ¾”

ADA Room
Exterior Door Width – 36″
Bathroom Door Width – 34 1/2”
Bathroom Counter Height –  33”


Hotel Parking
$22 overnight or $3 per hour with a daily max of $25

Travel

The Hilton Omaha is located approximately 2 miles from OMA Omaha Eppley Airfield Airport.

Getting to the Hilton Omaha

While the entire OIF National Conference will take place at the Hilton Omaha (located at 1001 Cass Street) attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the airport (approximately 2 miles) as well as any outings while there. Below is a list of transportation services in Omaha with their accessibility options:

  1. zTrip. A trip between Omaha’s Eppley Airfield (OMA) and the Hilton Omaha costs between $14-$28, depending on time of day and traffic. zTrip is aware of the OIF National Conference and is planning on having their fleet of accessible vehicles at the airport on Thursday, July 18th and Friday, July 19th. There will be signage in the airport directing attendees on where to go to pick up an accessible ride. If you are arriving on Wednesday, please go to the regular taxi cab stand (follow signs for parking shuttle and then turn right when you exit the door). If you are arriving on Thursday, the accessible vans will be in the parking garage (follow signs for Uber/Lyft/rideshare). If you are arriving on Saturday, July 20th, rides may be booked in advance online at https://www.ztrip.com/wheelchair-accessible-vehicles/ or by calling 402-510-5133. For return service from the Hilton Omaha to the airport on Sunday, July 21st or Monday, July 22nd, you can call to schedule your ride. If you have any issues, please email nebraska@ztrip.com.
  2. The Hilton Hotel shuttle. The Hilton Omaha has added a free accessible shuttle service to and from the airport Thursday July 18, Friday July 19 and the last day of the conference (Monday, July 22). Please note that the shuttle only has one wheelchair accessible space and due to the number of attendees, wait times may be increased. The Hilton Omaha does have a non-accessible shuttle and both shuttles will run on a loop every 30 minutes between the airport and hotel. There are signs in the airport directing passengers to the shuttle pick up location. For information on the hotel shuttle, please call the hotel front desk directly at 402-998-3400.
  3. Uber or Lyft. You may schedule a ride through the Uber or Lyft apps. Rides may be scheduled in advance, but it is not necessary to schedule in advance.

Please be aware that Omaha’s Eppley Airfield (OMA) airport is undergoing construction so some areas may be congested. The Omaha Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will have volunteers on hand on Thursday and Friday to help with baggage and to help direct OIF National Conference attendees to transportation options.

The airport has requested that travelers alert their airlines of their accessibility needs in advance so that the airlines can then alert the airport to make sure there is enough staff on hand. Because most conference attendees will be departing on Monday, July 22, please plan for extra time at the airport to go through TSA. TSA will require a detailed inspection of any mobility aids which could result in longer wait times. They have asked us to alert attendees to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours in advance of their boarding time.

Airport Security
For information about Federal regulations governing the use of oxygen and mobility aids in airports and on planes, visit the Transportation Safety Authority’s website at http://www.tsa.gov/travel

Traveling with Oxygen
For information about regulations governing the use of oxygen in airports and on planes, visit the Transportation Safety Authority’s website at http://www.tsa.gov/ and search for the word “oxygen.”

Resources for Travelers with Disabilities

Accessible Travel 101 Webinar

Wheelchair Travel Guide by Aaron Busch

Travel Agents – American Society of Travel Agents, or Accessible Journeys

Train- Amtrak’s Accessible Travel Services

Bus- Greyhound’s Customers with Disabilities page

Rental Vans- http://www.wheelchairgetaways.com/

Websites and vendors listed on this page should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation by the OI Foundation. They are offered for informational and comparison purposes only.

Welcome to Camp Unbreakable Spirit® sponsored by:

Once again, ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, Inc. has planned an exciting children’s activity center for the children (ages 12 months – 12 years) of conference attendees.

ACCENT is a nationally recognized professional childcare company organized to provide on-site children’s activities in a nurturing, safe and educational environment. Their staff will be trained in the special needs of children with OI and the childcare center will be conveniently located in the conference hotel.

Saturday, July 20 8:30am-5:30pm
Sunday, July 21 8:30am-5:30pm

To register your child for Childcare, you must first register yourself, then Add a Family Member and select Registration Type: “Child with Childcare.”

Space for Childcare is extremely limited so be sure to register early!

Once you have registered your child for Childcare, you must fill out the online waiver. Please be sure to register for both Saturday and Sunday if you plan to use childcare on both days. This is different than the OIF conference registration form and both registrations must be completed.

For questions or additional information, contact ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, Inc.
by email at registration@accentoca.com or by phone at (504) 524-0188

Join OI community members and OI experts to discuss Women’s Wellness topics in this forum. You can register for the OIF Women’s Wellness Forum while registering for the OIF National Conference.

The Women’s Wellness Forum is only available to attendees who are women with OI and are 18 and older. This requirement is in place to ensure that attendees have a comfortable space to discuss and disclose topics that relate to them personally as a woman with OI. If you are not a woman with OI (i.e., parent, spouse, friend, etc.) and are interested in learning more about women’s health, there is a women’s health session that will be held on Sunday, July 21, that can be attended by anyone. 

*Due to the full day of programming, and reception included with this forum, there is an additional charge of $40 to attend this event.

The OI Foundation Medical Consultation Day offers families and adults with OI the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with a physician or physical therapist who has extensive experience with OI. A consultation is a conversation, no exams can be given. It is the chance to get questions answered, to have a test or diagnostic letter explained or to get a second opinion about a treatment.
There are many medical consultants from a variety of specialized fields available to choose from. Each attendee may request up to three appointments with the specialists of their choice. Each appointment lasts 20 minutes. The program runs from 8:30am until 3pm on Friday, July 19th.

Important Information:

  • Appointments are free of charge
  • Each appointment is 20 minutes long
  • All appointments are held in the conference hotel ballroom
  • No examinations are allowed; only conversation
  • Appointments are limited – each person will receive time with one or two of the
    specialists depending on the number of people who submit a request
  • Adults and Parents must be registered for the National Conference by June 1st, 2024 to receive a priority appointment

Medical Consultation sign up is now closed. If you have not signed up but would like a Medical Consultation, please visit the registration table located outside Ballroom D/E on Friday, July 19 at 8:30am to see if there are any appointments available. 

Participate in a Hearing Study by HHS during the National Conference!

OIF Medical Advisory Council Chair, Dr. Cathleen Raggio and her research team at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have sponsored an ongoing research study to explore hearing loss in the OI population and investigate self-reported factors that may influence how frequently members of the OI community see a professional audiologist. To date, the study has recruited 97 participants through the OI Clinic at HSS as well as at OIF regional and national conferences. Preliminary results suggest that the majority of individuals with OI in in the study reported going to a professional audiologist for hearing testing less frequently than once every two years and just over half of people expressed that this was because they felt they had no issues with their hearing. Despite this, the same people who reported feeling that they had normal hearing often still exhibited some degree of hearing loss during their hearing screening. Overall, 71% of the participants in the study had at least one abnormal hearing threshold, while 43.4% of individuals had hearing loss considered to be “socially-significant” (a criterion which uses a cutoff based on words as opposed to a tone played in the ear).

The HSS team continues to be interested in investigating hearing loss within the OI community and will be hosting a booth at the upcoming OIF National Conference in Omaha on July 19-21. People will be able to sign up to participate in this study on-site at the National Conference! Any individuals who are age 6 and older with a diagnosis of OI are eligible to participate in the study and have a hearing screening performed on the spot with a portable audiometer!

Do your friends constantly tell you how much you rock at Karaoke? Do you love dancing along to your favorite songs? Can you do close-up magic? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you have another hidden talent you’d like to share with the Conference, then now’s your chance. Sign up today to participate in our 2024 National Conference Talent Show! Open to all ages, Individual or Groups are welcomed and encouraged – the sky’s the limit to what you can showcase. Whether it’s singing, dancing, reciting a poem, doing a stand-up routine, doing impressions, playing an instrument or simply reading a passage from your favorite novel, we want to see it all. The OI community has so many incredibly talented people in it, and we can’t wait to see what you can do. Sign up today for the Talent Show on Saturday, July 20th at 7:30PM. All participants will have a short, required rehearsal the day before to make sure the show runs smoothly. Please reach out to Sarah Hart at shart@oif.org if you have any other questions!

2024 National Conference Talent Show Flyer

➤ Click Here To Sign Up for the Talent Show!

Omaha is known for its pioneer history, museums and cultural centers.

Things to do in Omaha, NE:

Gene Leahy Mall
A longtime and iconic feature of downtown Omaha, Gene Leahy Mall is the most urban of The RiverFront’s three parks, spanning from 13th to 8th streets between Douglas and Farnam streets. The entire area was redesigned in 2019 adding over 40,000 square feet of lawn space in the heart of Omaha’s urban core. Along with the preservation of park artifacts, The RiverFront renovations also added a number of new features including a performance pavilion for live music, a sculpture garden filled with interesting works of art, a state-of-the-art playground and a modern dog park.

Kiewet Luminarium
With more than 100 interactive exhibits, a kaleidoscope of engaging programs, and weekly special events, there will always be more to explore at Kiewit Luminarium.

Heartland of America Park
Located at the corner of 8th and Farnam Street, in the newly renovated Heartland of America Park, the Skate Ribbon offers year-round skating options for the community. Roller Skating is open and free to anyone bringing their own equipment. Use the link above to access your skate waiver before arriving. Make sure to check in at the Skate Kiosk prior to entering the Skate Ribbon to verify the skate waiver has been completed.

Skate Rentals are available. For adults, skates can be rented for $5 while children 12 and under can rent skates for $4.

Henry Doorly Zoo
Unleash your sense of wonder across 160 acres of plants, animals and unique habitats from around the world right here in Omaha, Nebraska.

Show your Badge Program
Event attendees can show their event badge and receive exclusive discounts at participating Omaha restaurants, spas, entertainment venues, and more. Use the link below to learn more about the program and participating organizations.
Learn more

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

  • 10:00am - 4:00pm

    Women's Wellness Forum

    Join OI community members and OI experts to discuss Women's Wellness topics in this forum. You can register for the OIF Women's Wellness Forum while registering for the OIF National Conference.

    Note: The Women’s Health Forum is only available to attendees who are women with OI and are 18 and older. This requirement is in place to ensure that attendees have a comfortable space to discuss and disclose topics that relate to them personally as a woman with OI. If you are not a woman with OI (i.e., parent, spouse, friend, etc.) and are interested in learning more about women’s health, there is a women’s health session that will be held on Sunday, July 21, that can be attended by anyone. 


  • *Program is subject to change and will be updated regularly


  • 8:30am - 3:00pm

    Medical Consultations

    The OI Foundation Medical Consultation Day offers families and adults who have OI the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with a physician or physical therapist who has extensive experience with OI. It is the chance to get questions answered, to have a test or diagnostic letter explained or to get a second opinion about a treatment.
    There are many medical consultants from a variety of specialized fields available to choose from. Each attendee may request up to three appointments with the specialists of their choice. Each appointment lasts 20 minutes.

    Appointments will be assigned in the spring.


  • 2:00pm - 3:00pm

    The Basics of OI

    This session is an introduction to osteogenesis imperfecta for individuals and families with a new diagnosis, for first-timers to the OIF National Conference, and for those who want a refresher on the basic facts about OI.


  • 3:30pm - 5:00pm

    Opening Session

    Welcome to the 2024 OIF National Conference. Join OI Foundation CEO, Tracy Hart as we celebrate being "Together Again!"
    (closed captioning)


    ➤ Click Here For Registration
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm

    National Unbreakable Spirit Walk-n-Wheel

    Join your fellow National Conference attendees at the Lewis & Clark Landing to walk or wheel along Omaha's famous waterfront.


  • 8:00pm - 9:00pm

    Teen Room Ice Breaker

    Get to know your fellow teens in the teen room with an evening of ice breaker activities.


  • *Program is subject to change and will be updated regularly


  • 7:00am - 8:00am

    Movement Moment

    Join OI Community member, Tony Jacobsen to get start your day with some fun stretch and movement exercises.


  • 7:00am - 9:00am

    Breakfast

    Complimentary continental breakfast for all registered Conference attendees


  • 9:00am - 10:30am

    Research Update

    Hear about the latest research priorities including an update from Brittle Bone Disorders Consortium, pain study, adult health & transition, and clinical trials.
    (closed captioning)


    ➤ Click Here For Registration
  • 10:45am - 12:30pm

    Pediatric and Adult Physician Panels

    Attendees can choose one of two large group panel sessions featuring OI experts discussing pediatric issue with OI or adult issues with OI.


  • 2:00pm - 3:15pm

    Breakout Sessions

    Rodding Surgery for Children Living with OI
    Genetics and You
    Physical Therapy
    Mental Health, Stress Management, and Living with a Chronic Disorder (closed captioning)


  • 2:00pm - 4:00 pm

    Mild OI Forum

    Hear from a panel of OI community members and physicians about their experiences with mild OI.


  • 3:30pm - 4:45pm

    Breakout Sessions

    Cardiopulmonary Health in Children and Adults with OI
    Medical Management


  • 3:30pm - 5:30pm

    Peer to Peer Sessions

    Break into small groups of your peers to ask for advice and discuss your experiences.

    Peer groups may include: parents, siblings, young adults, men, etc. If you would like to guide a peer group, please contact bonelink@oif.org


  • 5:30pm - 7:30pm

    Adult Happy Hour

    Gather with your fellow adults, 21-years and older in the hotel lobby bar. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own drinks and snacks.


  • 7:30pm - 9:00pm

    OIF Talent Show and After Party

    Sign up today to participate in our 2024 National Conference Talent Show! Open to all ages, Individual or Groups are welcomed and encouraged - the sky's the limit to what you can showcase. Whether it's singing, dancing, reciting a poem, doing a stand-up routine, doing impressions, playing an instrument or simply reading a passage from your favorite novel, we want to see it all. The OI community has so many incredibly talented people in it, and we can't wait to see what you can do. All participants will have a short, required rehearsal the day before to make sure the show runs smoothly. Please reach out to Sarah Hart at shart@oif.org if you have any other questions!


    ➤ Click Here For Registration
  • 9:00pm - 11:00pm

    Movie Sing Along

    If you don't want the night to end, join fellow conference attendees for a casual movie sing along.


  • 9:00pm - 11:00pm

    Teen Room After-Hours


  • 9:00pm - 11:00pm

    Relationships and Dating


  • *Program is subject to change and will be updated regularly


  • 7:00am - 8:00am

    Morning Meditation


  • 7:00am - 9:00am

    Breakfast

    Complimentary continental breakfast for all registered Conference attendees


  • 9:00am - 10:15am

    Plenary Session: Understanding and Managing Pain in OI

    (closed captioning)


    ➤ Click Here For Registration
  • 10:30am - 11:30am

    Breakout Sessions

    Dental Issues in OI (closed captioning)
    Women's Health
    Fitness and OI


  • 2:00pm - 3:00pm

    Breakout Sessions

    Hearing Loss: Prevention and Treatments (closed captioning)
    Nutrition
    Parent Panel: Growing up with OI
    Independent Living Strategies


  • 3:15pm - 4:15pm

    Breakout Sessions

    Aging with OI(closed captioning)
    Peer to Peer Session: Break into small groups of your peers to ask for advice and discuss your experiences.

    Peer groups may include: parents, siblings, young adults, men, etc. If you would like to guide a peer group, please contact bonelink@oif.org


  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

    Fashion Photography

    Prepare to dazzle at the OIF Fashion Shoot! It's your time to take center stage and show off your unique style. Join us for a joyful and inclusive experience encouraging empowerment, self-confidence, and authenticity with a professional photographer!

    *A sign-up form will be available at the Registration and Information Desk


  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm

    Closing Dinner and Dance

    (closed captioning)


  • *Program is subject to change and will be updated regularly


SPONSORS

Titanium Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Exhibit Sponsors

Clinic Sponsors

For more information about Sponsorship or Exhibiting, contact mbonardi@oif.org

Are you Ready for OIF Conference?

Walk-n-Wheel with the OIF!

Help the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation raise awareness by joining members of the OI community at the OI Foundation’s National Unbreakable Spirit® Walk-n-Wheel in conjunction with the OI Foundation’s biennial National Conference on July 19, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska!

Sign Up Today!

Accessible Travel 101 Webinar

With the OIF National Conference 2024 happening this summer, the OI Foundation invited OI community members to attend a webinar on accessible travel. Speakers Aaron Busch and Joshua Werner shared information about research, planning, and commencing a trip for the wheelchair-dependent traveler.

Watch the Recording Now

EVENTS