DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium

Save the date! The 2026 DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium provides an interdisciplinary forum for sharing of knowledge and experiences related to the clinical care of individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan, clinical research related to Down syndrome, and the development of Down syndrome clinics. Next year's symposium will be held July 23-25 in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Signia. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Down syndrome experts from around the world to share ideas, ask questions, participate in meaningful discussions and network.

Jump To:
Poster Presentations | Scholarships | Supporters | Hotel | Visa Information

 

Submissions for Poster Presentations

The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG-USA®) Annual Symposium will be in person on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Signia by Hilton in Orlando, FL. You must register if you are planning to display a poster. Registration will open in late March 2026. This year, we are thrilled to announce that Posters will be physically displayed in-person again and there will be a live poster viewing!

Submit an Abstract/Poster Here

You may wish to consider submitting: 

  • Original clinical research findings
  • A case presentation that is particularly instructive
  • An informational poster about a new program initiative or update
  • An Adult health review. For a recap of how to get your poster started, check out the recording here. Although the dates are different this year, the process remains the same. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

Submissions are due at Noon ET on Monday, April 20, 2026. If you are interested in submitting an abstract/poster you will need to submit the following: 

  • Abstract Limit 250 words
  • Abstracts should be attached as a Word document
  • Title your Word file as Abstract DSMIG 2026 "2-3-word title," last name – of corresponding author (ex. DSMIG 2026 XXX Patel)
  • Provide full names of all authors, and corresponding authors names

The Poster Review Team will review and send acceptance by Monday, May 18, 2026. 

If your abstract is selected, in addition to printing and bringing your physical poster to the Symposium, you will also be required to submit your poster as an ePoster PowerPoint slide AND an accompanying 2-3-minute-long Video Poster Presentation. These will both be due by Noon ET on Monday, June 8, 2026. Please make this recording using Zoom. We are asking that you please keep your video ON during the recording, so that viewers can see you and your poster/poster slides. A link to a tutorial on how to make the recording can be found here. 

Top poster submissions will be notified by Monday, June 29, 2026. 

During the poster viewing times, we expect you to be at your poster and available to answer questions. 

Submit an Abstract/Poster Here

 

Scholarships

The goal of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG-USA) Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance for recipients to attend the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. The number of scholarships awarded each year will depend on available funding. This year, DSMIG-USA is once again offering scholarships in 2 categories: Rising Star and Financial Need. For a full explanation of available scholarships and criteria, click the link below. Any application for the Rising Star Scholarship is automatically considered for the Financial Need Scholarship as well. Scholarship applications are due on March 29, 2026, at 11:59pm ET. 

LEARN MORE

 

Scholarship Donations

DSMIG-USA is committed to supporting healthcare professionals who serve individuals with Down syndrome. One of the ways that we do this is by offering health professionals the opportunity to connect with peers to improve their practices and care. Please consider a donation to DSMIG-USA to help support the Annual Symposium Scholarship Program and provide financial assistance to those who will experience undue expense to participate in the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. 

DONATE TODAY

 

Annual Symposium Support Opportunities

Your support matters to DSMIG-USA! Organizations that support the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium highlight their support for the optimal health care and wellness of individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan. Your support will help us achieve our goals to:

  • Educate professionals and trainees on the latest research and comprehensive care regarding Down syndrome
  • Facilitate a network of health professionals caring for individuals with Down syndrome
  • Support the development of Down syndrome clinics
  • Identify and disseminate the best practices of care. 
Support Opportunities

 

Hotel

Signia by Hilton Orlando is the host site for the 2026 DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. An Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, this newly renovated resort will offer you an elevated experience for your time at the Symposium. You will be welcomed by a brand new lobby, elevated guest rooms, signature dining, and close proximity the best shopping and entertainment that Orlando has to offer. 

 

Visa Requirements

Do I need a Visa?
Most conference participants outside of the US will travel on a B-1 (Business Visitor) or B-2 (Tourism/Visitor) visa, or may qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). We strongly recommend that all international attendees: 

  • Review visa requirements early
  • Apply as soon as possible due to potential processing delay

Official U.S. visa information is available from the U.S. Department of State. 

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. for short stays without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they obtain an approved ESTA authorization prior to travel. 

Invitation Letter
If you require a formal Letter of Invitation for visa purposes, please contact [email protected]. 

Official Resources