TSA 2010 National Conference
April 15-18, 2010
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center - Alexandria, VA

Welcome to the 2010 TSA National Conference registration page! The Conference offers sessions for parents, individuals, and teens on a variety of topics that are grouped by track. We will also provide networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with one another to share information, stories, and inspiration.

Tuesday, April 13 to Thursday, April 15
Chapter Leadersip Conference
Youth Ambassador Leadership Training
Both events are invitation only.  TSA Chapter leaders and key volunteers and outstanding teen/parent teams from across the country will arrive in Alexandria, VA on the 13th for volunteer-facilitated information-sharing and skills building workshops that deliver practical “how to” tactics for improved TSA mission delivery.  The 13th is arrival day for participants, with an informal meet & greet in the evening.


Wednesday, April 14
Trip to the Hill Preparation & Dinner
This session is required for all who are attending the Trip to the Hill.  TSA’s Vice President of Public Policy will be presenting important information regarding Hill appointments, logistics, and the issues which will be addressed during the visits.  Registration fee of $75 for the Trip to the Hill experience (see below) includes this dinner and prep session, as well as lunch on the Hill, transportation to and from the Hill, and all materials.

Chapter Leadership Conference and Trip to the Hill are for TSA members only.  If you are not a member but are interested in participating in Trip to the Hill, you can easily join TSA when you register for the program!  There is a registration fee for Chapter Leadership; TSA will pay for one leader from each chapter.  Additional attendees (at invitation by chapter only) will pay $155.


Thursday, April 15
TSA'S Annual Trip to the Hill
The TSA facilitates an annual “Trip to the Hill” to give its members an opportunity to visit their Congressional Members on Capitol Hill. This event is an exciting and important part of our national conferences, gathering folks affected by TS from across the country to participate in Congressional meetings. Between 100-150 Congressional meetings will take place on Thursday, April 15th. Advocacy training is provided Wednesday, April 14th for all participants to ensure that they have productive and engaging meetings with their members of Congress. Hill appointments must be made in coordination with your local TSA Chapter and/or TSA’s Public Policy Department staff. Participants must attend Wednesday evening’s Trip to the Hill Prep Dinner. Registration Fee $75.  Registration includes Wednesday evening dinner, Thursday lunch on the Hill, transportation to and from Capitol Hill, and materials. (Breakfast Thursday is on your own.)

Newly Diagnosed Seminar
For recently diagnosed adults/young adults, the parents of a recently diagnosed child, or anyone attending the TSA National Conference for the first time, this all-day seminar is an exceptional pre-conference program lead by TSA Medical Advisory Board Chair, Dr. John Walkup.  Dr. Walkup has a special way of sharing insightful suggestions for helping you to understand Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.  He will also provide everyday coping strategies and behavioral management tools while putting living and coping with TS on a daily basis into perspective.  This seminar will also prepare you for processing, retaining, and applying the immense amount of information disseminated during the General Sessions. Registration Fee $90 for TSA members and $140 for non-members.
 
Conference Registration begins
Registration opens at 2:30pm for those attending the General Sessions conference April 16-18.  Please check in at the TSA registration area in the lower foyer area.
 

Thursday, April 15 to Sunday, April 18
National Conference General Sessions begin Friday morning with a plenary welcome breakfast with the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard Presentation of the Colors and opening remarks from TSA President Judit Ungar.

General Sessions on Friday and Saturday will include Medical & Behavioral, Education Advocacy, Adult/Young Adult, and Teen tracks addressing a variety of topics and issues. Sessions will be presented by leading professionals and inspiring speakers.

Session topics include Research Update; Impulse Control & Anger Issues; Diagnosis of Associated Disorders; Treatment Overviews; Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Tics; Diet, Exercise and Environmental Effects on TS and Associated Disorders; TS & Associated Disorders and Schooling; Current Issues Regarding IEPs and 504 Plans; Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Positive Intervention; Transitioning Through School and Beyond; Executive Function; Presenting to Schools; TS and Relationships; Professional Panel, Navigating the Teen Years, Self-Esteem; Life Beyond High School: Looking to the Future; TS & the Media; and much more.

Scheduled speakers include John Walkup, MD; Peter J. Hollenbeck, PhD; Douglas W. Woods, PhD; Kathy Giordano, Ellen Meyers; Nikki Burdine, Anchor/Producer, WHAG-NBC25; Frank Tortorici, Sarah Crowther, Mark Elliott, Matt Giordano, and Louis Centanni. More to be announced!

Additional Conference Events
Drum Circle for All Ages
Led by Matt Giordano, this no-pressure, fun gathering is meant to build community through rhythm and energy. Matt introduces a variety of percussion instruments and demonstrates how to play them. Participants learn different rhythms and how to play cooperatively, creating a drum symphony. The Drum Circle is open to everyone, and has been a favorite activity of Conference attendees for many years. Matt’s percussion studies began at age two and include eight years as a student under the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s lead percussionist. Over the years, Matt has won recognition for his skills through competitions and awards. Matt established Drum Echoes, Inc. to share his passion for percussion. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at a young age, Matt has a unique understanding of people with various abilities. Through his two passions, working with people and drumming, he demonstrates that success and fulfillment in life can be achieved by everyone.

Yoga Relaxation
Friday evening, enjoy relaxing with yoga as a free optional activity. Two sessions (early and late) will be offered. All are welcome, whether you’re a curious beginner wanting to try yoga for the first time or a regular practitioner.

Sight-Seeing Tour of Washington D.C. with Anthony Pitch
Organized by TSA Greater Washington DC Chapter for Friday evening, this guided tour will bring you to some of the area's notable spots.  Click here to view downloadable flyer.  Departing the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center at 6:30pm and returning at 10:30pm, this tour by one of Washington's most acclaimed specialist tour guides is $35. All proceeds benefit the TSA Greater Washington DC Chapter.  To sign up for the tour, contact the chapter at tsagw@aol.com, toll free at 877-295-2148 or 301-681-4133 local.

Off-Site Youth Program
(For children ages 7-14): Offered Friday & Saturday by the Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization (TSCO). On Friday, April 16, 2010, TSCO will visit the Ford Nature Center (near the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center) for programming and lunch. The group will return to the hotel in the early afternoon. On Saturday, April 17, 2010, TSCO will start the day with a tour of Washington DC. In the afternoon, the group will be back at the Hilton Hotel for various programs. Lunch will be provided on both days.

The program will be staffed by members of TSCO’s volunteer camp staff which consist mainly of high school and college students, and young adults who have Tourette Syndrome or who have worked with children with TS and associated disorders. Please note that TSCO cannot handle or administer any medications. However, TSCO will return children to the Hotel on both days by early afternoon.

There is a separate fee of $225 charged by TSCO to register for the youth program, and a limit of 50 children. TSCO may be able to offer some limited financial assistance. To register your child(ren) for this program, or for more information, visit www.tourettecamp.com or contact Scott Loeff at scott63@prodigy.net. The Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization dedicated to promoting camping opportunities for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its associated disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). The information about the TSCO program is provided as a convenience to Conference registrants; TSA is in no way affiliated with TSCO.

TSA Awards Banquet
Join us Saturday, April 17th for a wonderful evening of dinner and entertainment at which we will present the Viktoria Holm Kramer Volunteer Recognition Award, the Wendy Anne Ochsman Award for Distinguished Achievement and Advancement of Tourette Syndrome Medical Treatment and Science, the Zak Hollis Youth Award, as well as other Educator, Public Policy, and Youth Ambassador Awards. The Awards Banquet is open to all who register for the full conference or Saturday with Banquet day rate.

Exhibitors
Exhibit space is available for those interested in full or half table-top displays, or would like to provide material at a general information table. Click here for our downloadable Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertising brochure. Exhibit space must be ordered no later than Wednesday, March 31. Contact Sandra Holland at 718-224-2999, Ext.251, or email her for more information.

Advertising in the Conference Brochure
Advertising space is available in the Conference brochure at $65 for a half page, or $100 for a full page. Click here for our downloadable Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertising brochure. Advertising space must be ordered no later than Wednesday, March 31. Contact Sandra Holland at 718-224-2999, Ext.251, or email her for more information.

And More!


Help Support a Conference Scholarship
These stressful financial times have taken a toll on many of our families. While TSA has made a commitment not to increase Conference prices this year, we know that many with TS, or their family members, won't be able to afford to attend. The benefits from attending a TSA National Conference can be life-changing for those affected by TS, and your help by contributing towards a scholarship can make a great impact on someone.  Even just a few dollars can make a difference!  On the Registration form, the last item before the total is an opportunity to contribute to a Conference Scholarship. Please help to share your conference experience.
 

Hotel
Hotel reservations must be made separately from Conference registration. Please contact the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22311 online at www://hilton.com or phone: 703-845-1010 or 1-800-HILTONS. TSA block rates are $159 single/double; $179 triple, and $199 for quadruple occupancy. In order to be guaranteed a room from the TSA block, you must make your hotel reservation prior to March 26, 2010. Transportation: Free hotel shuttle from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, The Pentagon, Pentagon City Mall and the Metro Subway System. Conference attendees can arrive starting April 8 or extend their stay to April 22 and still take advantage of TSA’s group rate.

Conference Pricing;

If you are not already a member of TSA, join today to take advantage of lower member registration prices! You will have an opportunity to join on the Conference Registration form. TSA membership rates are:

$45 for Individual
$60 for Family (will cover membership conference rates for you and any additional family member!)
$60 for Allied Professional
$100 for Physcians
$5,000 for Lifetime

CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
Applications are now available for:
Youths ages 7-14 (via TSCO) at http://www.tourettecamp.com/
Teens ages 14-17 click here
Young Adults ages 18-25 click here, and
Adults ages 25 and up click here
Applications are due in to the TSA national office by Friday March 12 and applicants will be notified by Friday, March 19th if they are to receive any funds.

Grants may be Available to Attend Conference through State Disability Councils - The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities administer empowerment programs that support individuals who wish to attend educational conferences such as ours. Contact your State Disability Council to find out if resources are available to help offset the cost of attending the TSA Conference. Click here for State Disability contact information.

Click here for Registration Information

We look forward to seeing you there!