FAST Global Science Summit & Gala
The Largest Angelman Syndrome Science and Drug Development Event
Our global community gathers annually for an exciting weekend of insights, updates, community, and celebration. Summit presentations can be translated into most languages, so that both virtual and in-person attendees can read the captions or listen along in real time.
The Weekend Events
Day 1: A-BOM/TRS + Community Event
During the day, the FAST Angelman Syndrome Biomarkers and Outcome Measures (A-BOM) Consortium and Translational Research Symposium (TRS) Meeting takes place. This is a closed, invite-only forum dedicated to scientists, industry members, clinicians and regulators. If you are interested in attending, send us an email.
That evening, all registered guests are welcome to the Community Event to kick off the weekend, together.
Day 2: Global Science Summit
The Global Science Summit allows clinicians and researchers to present their most current research findings to the community at large, in a public forum that is meant to educate families on the incredible discoveries advancing translational research for Angelman syndrome. Additionally, families can hear directly from pharmaceutical companies about exciting updates on clinical trials. The Global Science Summit includes additional presentations on advocacy, regulatory affairs, genetics, and FAST Global efforts. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions directly to presenters, and participate in informative panel discussions.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor, send us an email.
Day 3: Global Science Summit & FAST Gala
The first half of the day is the conclusion of the Global Science Summit, which will wrap up around lunch time. Following the Summit, registered guests have free time to go to the FAST Beauty Room, relax, or explore the local area before the FAST Gala. The annual FAST Gala is an 18+, formal event filled with dinner, dancing and connection. It’s also FAST’s biggest fundraiser of the year where together, the community participates in the annual “paddle raise” generating critical research funds towards our mission.
Save the Date: 2027 FAST Global Science Summit & Gala
November 4-6, 2027
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Get notified when registration opens by subscribing to our newsletter
2026 Event Details
Thursday
- A-BOM/TRS Meeting (invitation only)
- 6:00pm-8:00pm Community Event
Friday
- 6:00am: Strength workout led by Rhian Adams, AS mom (Location: Upper pool deck, 4th floor of Tower 1)
- 7:30am: Coffee connect with Beth Phillips Synk, FAC Chair, AS mom (Location: Plaza Ballroom IJK)
- 5:00pm: Poster Reception for questions and engagement
- 6:00pm-7:30pm: Grandparent's Happy Hour (Location: Orlando Ballroom L)
Saturday
- 6:00am: Walk/Run for all ages and abilities led by Rhian Adams, AS mom (Location: Meet at hotel entrance)
- 7:30am: Coffee connect with Beth Phillips Synk, FAC Chair, AS mom (Location: Plaza Ballroom IJK)
- 6:00pm: Cocktail hour prior to the Gala which starts at 7pm
Does FAST offer scholarships for parents or professionals?
FAST is honored to offer both Global Science Summit & Gala Scholarships to parents and caregivers as well as A-BOM/TRS Meeting and FAST Global Science Summit Professionals’ Travel Awards to assist researchers and clinicians in attending the weekend events.
Applications for both typically open around June 1st each year.
A Note for International Guests
If you live outside of the United States and will need a visa to travel to the US and attend our annual event, please consider applying as soon as possible. If you would like FAST to write you a letter of invitation for you to enclose with your visa application, we are happy to do so. To request a letter of invitation, please email events@cureangelman.org and provide the full names of the people in your family who will attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I attend the event?
This weekend is for you.
The FAST Global Science Summit is your front-row seat to the latest research and clinical trial updates from the scientists and industry leaders working at the forefront of Angelman syndrome.
It’s the opportunity to be surrounded by people who understand your world, no explanations needed. For many families, this sense of connection is just as meaningful as the science.
It’s also a chance to let go a little at the FAST Gala—dress up, enjoy great food and music, and celebrate how far we have come, together.
You’ll walk away with answers, new connections, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.
What happens during the weekend?
A lot. And it matters. The weekend is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate with the entire Angelman syndrome community. Below is a glance of the formal weekend schedule and woven in between will be opportunities to have conversations with others – sharing stories, joys, challenges, and resources with one another.
- Thursday evening – A community welcome event, typically starting around 6pm local time. A chance to ease in, connect, and say hello. In 2026, this event is generously sponsored by Ultragenyx.
- Friday (all day) – The Global Science Summit opens with a full day of sessions led by experts in the field. You’ll hear updates on Angelman syndrome research, FAST initiatives, and what’s coming next.
- Saturday morning – The Summit continues with insights from industry partners (pharmaceutical companies) about clinical trials are currently underway, and what’s on the horizon.
- Saturday evening – The FAST Gala (ages 18+), a formal evening where we gather to honor the community, share stories, and raise funds that move science forward. The highlight is our paddle raise, which is FAST’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Is this a family-friendly weekend?
The community event and Global Science Summit are open to all ages and include family-friendly activities!
FAST provides a goodie bag with activities for children attending the event, and there is a separate family viewing area for families to listen to the Global Science Summit presentations, outside of the main ballroom.
The FAST Gala is an 18+, formal event so we encourage you to make arrangements ahead of time for younger family members who are joining you on the trip.
How much does it cost to attend?
The Global Science Summit is free to attend for all ages. Our FAST Gala is an 18+, ticketed event and for 2026, Gala tickets were $250 USD each.
Parents and primary caregivers who need financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a Global Science Summit and Gala Scholarship or enter to win our Parent Ticket Giveaway for your chance to win up to two complimentary Gala tickets.
- Thursday – Dinner is included at the community event
- Friday – Breakfast and lunch, coffee and snacks are included
- Saturday – Breakfast, coffee, and snacks are included
- Saturday evening – Dinner is included with your Gala ticket
Additional expenses include, but are not limited to, lodging, transportation, and additional meals. Individual expenses vary per family.
What is the dress code?
Be sure to check the local weather forecast to help with packing. In Orlando, the average high temperature in November is 78°F (26°C), and the average low is around 58°F (15°C).
Here is information about our FAST events and some tips and insights. Feel free to check out photos of past events to get a sense of the weekend.
- Thursday – the community event is a casual, outdoor event
- Friday and Saturday – The Global Science Summit is held in the hotel ballroom and is business casual attire. Dress in layers because indoor ballrooms can be quite cold, despite the weather outside.
- Saturday – The FAST Gala is an 18+, formal event.
What is the paddle raise?
The Gala is FAST’s largest fundraiser of the year. A portion of the evening is dedicated to the paddle raise, which works like this:
- Guests provide their credit card number at gala check-in on Saturday evening.
- There will be a personalized paper “paddle” at your seat that is connected to your credit card number.
- Stand and raise your paddle when you hear a level that resonates with you, to indicate that you would like to make a gift. The highest amounts will be announced first, and the paddle raise will end with the lowest amount.
- Your credit card will not be charged unless you raise your paddle. You will automatically receive a receipt for your gift a few days after the event.
Guests are able to donate anonymously as well, either in person or virtually.
Every gift, no matter the amount, supports FAST’s relentless pursuit of a cure for Angelman syndrome. Your generosity is so appreciated!
How do I meet other families attending before and during?
If you are interested in connecting with families prior to arriving in Orlando, we encourage you to:
- Reach out to our Family Coordinator, Jena Berndt at jena@cureangelman.org and she can make introductions before and during the event to families from your geographic location, with similar genotypes, etc.
- Post on the Family & Friends Facebook group asking to meet up in-person or virtually with anyone.
Otherwise, we encourage you to attend the Thursday community event to meet new friends at the start of the weekend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I attend the event?
This weekend is for you.
The FAST Global Science Summit is your front-row seat to the latest research and clinical trial updates from the scientists and industry leaders working at the forefront of Angelman syndrome.
It’s the opportunity to be surrounded by people who understand your world, no explanations needed. For many families, this sense of connection is just as meaningful as the science.
It’s also a chance to let go a little at the FAST Gala—dress up, enjoy great food and music, and celebrate how far we have come, together.
You’ll walk away with answers, new connections, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.
What happens during the weekend?
A lot. And it matters. The weekend is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate with the entire Angelman syndrome community. Below is a glance of the formal weekend schedule and woven in between will be opportunities to have conversations with others — sharing stories, joys, challenges, and resources with one another.
- Thursday evening – A community welcome event, typically starting around 6pm local time. A chance to ease in, connect, and say hello. In 2026, this event is generously sponsored by Ultragenyx.
- Friday (all day) – The Global Science Summit opens with a full day of sessions led by experts in the field. You’ll hear updates on Angelman syndrome research, FAST initiatives, and what’s coming next.
- Saturday morning – The Summit continues with insights from industry partners (pharmaceutical companies) about clinical trials currently underway, and what’s on the horizon.
- Saturday evening – The FAST Gala (ages 18+), a formal evening where we gather to honor the community, share stories, and raise funds that move science forward. The highlight is our paddle raise, which is FAST’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Is this a family-friendly weekend?
The community event and Global Science Summit are open to all ages and include family-friendly activities!
FAST provides a goodie bag with activities for children attending the event, and there is a separate family viewing area for families to listen to the Global Science Summit presentations, outside of the main ballroom.
The FAST Gala is an 18+, formal event so we encourage you to make arrangements ahead of time for younger family members who are joining you on the trip.
How much does it cost to attend?
The Global Science Summit is free to attend for all ages. Our FAST Gala is an 18+, ticketed event and for 2026, Gala tickets were $250 USD each.
Parents and primary caregivers who need financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a Global Science Summit and Gala Scholarship or enter to win our Parent Ticket Giveaway for your chance to win up to two complimentary Gala tickets.
- Thursday – Dinner is included at the community event
- Friday – Breakfast and lunch, coffee and snacks are included
- Saturday – Breakfast, coffee, and snacks are included
- Saturday evening – Dinner is included with your Gala ticket
Additional expenses include, but are not limited to, lodging, transportation, and additional meals. Individual expenses vary per family.
What is the dress code?
Be sure to check the local weather forecast to help with packing. In Orlando, the average high temperature in November is 78°F (26°C), and the average low is around 58°F (15°C).
Here is information about our FAST events and some tips and insights. Feel free to check out photos of past events to get a sense of the weekend.
- Thursday – the community event is a casual, outdoor event
- Friday and Saturday – The Global Science Summit is held in the hotel ballroom and is business casual attire. Dress in layers because indoor ballrooms can be quite cold, despite the weather outside.
- Saturday – The FAST Gala is an 18+, formal event.
What is the paddle raise?
The Gala is FAST’s largest fundraiser of the year. A portion of the evening is dedicated to the paddle raise, which works like this:
- Guests provide their credit card number at gala check-in on Saturday evening.
- There will be a personalized paper “paddle” at your seat that is connected to your credit card number.
- Stand and raise your paddle when you hear a level that resonates with you, to indicate that you would like to make a gift. The highest amounts will be announced first, and the paddle raise will end with the lowest amount of $100.
- Your credit card will not be charged unless you raise your paddle. You will automatically receive a receipt for your gift a few days after the event.
Guests are able to donate anonymously as well, either in person or virtually.
Every gift, no matter the amount, supports FAST’s relentless pursuit of a cure for Angelman syndrome. Your generosity is so appreciated!
How do I meet other families attending before and during?
If you are interested in connecting with families prior to arriving in Orlando, we encourage you to:
- Reach out to our Family Coordinator, Jena Berndt at jena@cureangelman.org and she can make introductions before and during the event to families from your geographic location, with similar genotypes, etc.
- Post on the Family & Friends Facebook group asking to meet up in-person or virtually with anyone.
Otherwise, we encourage you to attend the Thursday community event to meet new friends at the start of the weekend!