Global Science Summit & Gala – FAQs

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. 

A lot. And it matters. The weekend is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate. 

• Thursday evening – A welcome community event, typically starting around 6pm local time. A chance to ease in, connect, and say hello.  

• 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, along with the latest updates on research. 

• Saturday morning – The Summit continues with insights from industry partners about what’s currently underway and what’s on the horizon.  

• Saturday evening - The FAST Gala (21+), a formal evening where we gather to honor the community, share stories, and raise funds that move science forward—highlighted by our annual paddle raise.  

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 a 21+, formal event so we encourage you to make arrangements ahead of time for younger family members who are joining you on the trip. 

For accessibility information for the 2025 event, visit the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld’s website. 

The Global Science Summit is free to attend for all ages. Our FAST Gala is a 21+, ticketed event.  Ticket prices for 2025 are $300 each.   

• 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. 

For primary parents and caregivers who need financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a Global Science Summit and Gala Scholarship. 

If possible, plan to arrive by Thursday afternoon in order to attend the community event at 6 pm. Most guests leave on Sunday – but please note that the Gala typically goes until midnight!  

For 2025, all FAST events will be held at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld and a dedicated hotel booking link will be available in August. Alternatively, families are welcome to stay anywhere that works best for their family.  Orlando has a multitude of hotel and rental options.   

Be sure to check the local weather forecast to help with packing. For 2025 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. 

• Thursday – the community event is casual and for 2025, will be held in an outdoor venue that is adjacent to the splashpad area where kids of all ages can have some fun!  Children should plan to bring swimsuits! 

• 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.  Check out photos from last year’s event for more insight. 

• Saturday – The FAST Gala is a 21+, formal event. Check out photos from last year’s event to get an idea of what people wear. 

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! 

FAST makes every effort to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. You will have an opportunity to enter this information during the registration process. If you have any questions about dietary restrictions, please email events@cureangelman.org. 

If you are interested in connecting with families prior to arriving in Orlando, we encourage you to: 

1. 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. 

2. 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! 

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media. Also, check out the Angelman Syndrome Drug Development Pipeline to understand the therapeutic landscape and click into each program to learn more.