Upcoming Events
22q at the Zoo Awareness Day
SAVE THE DATE SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2026
22q at the Zoo – Worldwide Awareness Day® launched for the first time on May 22, 2011. It was originally planned as a Philadelphia (USA) event to promote friend raising and awareness. Thanks to families, professionals and other support organizations around the globe this “local” function morphed into a worldwide phenomenon where people gathered at their closet zoo for a day of fun and solidarity sporting our unique 22q at the Zoo T-shirts. While adults socialize, children enjoy the animals,. During all of this fun, teams of volunteers distribute fact sheets informing the public about 22q11.2 Deletion and Duplication Syndromes.
Further information to follow
Sleep in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Emerging Evidence and Practical Recommendations
Please note this is Central European Summer Time - Save the Date
Speaker: Dr. Corrado Sandini
Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 20:00–21:30 CET
This webinar will highlight new findings on the role of sleep disturbances—such as obstructive sleep apnea—in contributing to psychological and behavioral challenges in individuals with 22q11DS. The session will explore underlying mechanisms, discuss the downstream consequences of poor sleep, and offer practical guidance for screening and managing sleep disorders based on the latest research.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Corrado Sandini, MD, PhD, is Médecin Chef de Clinique at the Centre de consultation spécialisé en autisme (CCSA), Fondation Pôle Autisme in Geneva. He specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders and leads clinical and research efforts focused on autism and related conditions.
Who It’s For
Families and caregivers seeking to better understand the science behind 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Professionals looking to stay informed and connected with the latest developments
Advocates and associations working to improve quality of life across Europe
🎤 What to Expect
A 45-minute presentation by a leading researcher
A live Q&A session via chat
Topics that connect research with real-world challenges and practical recommendations
A welcoming, accessible format hosted on Zoom, scheduled in the evening to accommodate families
The 2026 International 22q11.2 Conference
Family Information: (see further down for professional information) Thank you for your interest in attending the 14th Biennial International 22q11.2 Conference. Please note that given 22q Europe now hosts an annual family meeting (most recently in Brussels in November 2025), the 22q11.2 Society conference does not have a family meeting component but rather organizes a retreat meeting focused on basic science and clinical research. That said, families and caregivers are most welcome to attend, especially those with a medical or scientific background/those who lead family organizations, but please know that the level of discussion will not be geared towards the lay public and there is no separate registration schedule for families. Those planning to attend the full scientific program should register as an “Attendee” at the following link:
https://chop.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=17022.
Individuals who do not plan to attend the lectures and instead wish to participate in the social program only - including the Welcome Reception, 22q Olympics and Sunset Social, Closing Dinner, and daily lunches - should register as an “Accompanying Person” but please note that accompanying person registration is an add-on only and must be booked at the time of a full attendee registration.
Please know that a meeting targeted specifically for families will be held in Philadelphia in September 2027 and the next 22q Europe Meeting will be held in November 2027.
Below please find all the necessary links for the upcoming biennial 22q Conference to be held at the beautiful Mirabello Bay Resort in Agios Nikolaos, Greece on the island of Crete (Havania 721 00, Agios Nikolaos Crete, Greece):
Click here for : 22q11.2 Society Meeting in Crete Abstract Hotel Fellowshp and Registration Details_January_6_2026_Final
Abstract Submission Portal
Closes at midnight EST on February 22, 2026. Please format your abstract/s as follows:
· Maximum 300 words – not including the title, authors and affiliations
· Type size: 12-point font
· Margins: 1/2"
· Text Alignment: Justified
· Typeface: Calibri
· Title: Bold, capitalize first word only, left justified; Institution/s: Italics
· Authors: Underline the name of the presenting author; Include all co-authors and their affiliations
o VERY IMPORTANT - Submitting authors are expected to present at the meeting in person
· Please save the file name as: “LastName_FirstName_22qAbstract2026”
· If submitting more than one abstract, please name as follows: ““LastName_FirstName_1_22qAbstract2026”, “LastName_FirstName_2_22qAbstract2026” and so on
Submit your abstract here: https://form.jotform.com/butlerca/22q-abstract-submission-2026
Please note: IF YOUR ABSTRACT IS NOT FORMATTED or SAVED CORRECTLY IT WILL BE RETURNED - IF YOU MISS THE DEADLINE AN EXTENSION IS NOT POSSIBLE
22q11.2 Society Fellowship Renewal or Initial Application
The title “Fellow of the 22q11.2 Society” indicates an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, scholarly activities, and advocacy for those affected by chromosome 22q11.2 CNVs and related conditions, as well as to families and populations of individuals with more common conditions informed by studies pertaining to chromosome 22q11.2 differences and or variants within the region.
A REDUCED MEETING REGISTRATION RATE FOR FELLOWS OF THE 22q11.2 SOCIETY WILL BE OFFERED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE APPLICATION FORM AND PAID DUES PRIOR TO REGISTRATION
Renew or apply to become a 22q11.2 Society Fellow here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVr7NmkF82
Meeting Registration, Important Dates, and Social Program
A scientific retreat in its purist form, the 2026 meeting will kick-off on the morning of Tuesday, July 14th and adjourn on the afternoon of Friday, July 17th
Please Note that an Extra Day Has Been Added to Support the Growing Number of Outstanding Abstracts
· To take full advantage of the outstanding pre-conference, scientific, and social program, plan to arrive on Sunday, July 12th and depart on Saturday, July 18th
As has been the case since our meeting in Mallorca in 2014, the IBBC-G2MH pre-conference dialogue will occur on Monday morning, July 13th followed by our “Complex Case” discussion on Monday afternoon, July 13th. Please note that a separate registration is required for both sessions
· Our outstanding Social Program includes:
o Our Signature Welcome Reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres on Tuesday evening, July 14th
o The 22q Olympics and Sunset Social, back by popular demand and featuring Greek pizza, on Wednesday evening, July 15th – so be sure to sport your nation’s colors
o Our Closing Dinner on Thursday evening, July 16th – so remember to pack your dancing shoes, singing voice, and party attire
· As always, accompanying persons are welcome and encouraged to attend but a separate registration is required to cover our costs
· PLEASE NOTE that EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS ON MARCH 22, 2026
Register for the meeting here: https://chop.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=17022
Hotel Reservations
Reserve your accommodations now at the breathtakingly beautiful Mirabello Bay Resort in Agios Nikolaos, Greece on the lovely island of Crete – the largest of the Greek islands!
· A world-class beach resort, also known as the Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay this retreat venue features a private beach, multiple pools, an indoor heated pool and spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, water activities such as paddle boarding, and family-friendly facilities including a kids' club and an amazing water park
· The meeting venue features guestrooms with private terraces or balconies with views of the Atlantic Ocean or the beautiful 18-hole championship golf course and gardens
· Rich in points of interest and only 65 kilometers from the Heraklion International Airport (HER), this amazing venue features magnificent views of the mountains meeting the Mediterranean
· Just 10 minutes by car, the small town of Agios Nikolaos was “discovered” by filmmakers in the 1960s, but it still feels like there’s room for adventure – with the legend-rich Lake Voulismeni as the centerpiece and surrounded by pedestrian-friendly walkways, tavernas, cafés, and shopping
· Beyond the city center, and only minutes away, millennia-old archaeological ruins and traditional villages await
Reserve your hotel here: https://mirabellobay.reserve-online.net/?checkin=2026-07-12&nights=1&rooms=1&adults=1&bkcode=PHHO¤cy=EUR
Please Note that the Hotel Price per Night Includes Buffet Breakfast, Vat and Local Taxes
To extend your reservation at the meeting rate, up to three days prior and/or three days following the conference, please contact central reservations at 1-506-638-4899 or 877-999-3223 within the US or Canada. To contact the hotel directly please dial +30 2841 028400
Questions? Please don’t hesitate to ask. We look forward to seeing your best work in the abstract portal soon and welcoming your smiling faces to our 14th Biennial Meeting!
Cheers,
Erik and Donna
Erik Boot
Program Chair
Donna M. McDonald-McGinn
22q11.2 Society Chair
22qsociety.org
Scottish families 22q family camp. Wiston Lodge
Outdoor Learning and Education Centre
Our 4th year hosting the Wiston Lodge Max Appeal family camping event.
At present this is only available to families living in Scotland.
Suggested age range; 5 - 25 years.
Ten places available (with one accompanying parent / carer).
All accommodation is within the building.. Meals provided.
Activities. Instructor led, all equipment provided, using the outdoors with the opportunity to experience of wide range of activities for fun, confidence building, working in teams. Meet other children and families affected by 22q11.
Some of the activities may include such things as archery, shelter building, out door cooking, grass sledging, traverse wall, team games, dam building, Explorers walk, air rifles and challenge course but these will be confirmed nearer the date.
A small charge for each child £65 and accompanying parent £10. You will need a sleeping bag and suitable clothes for the outdoors, a suggested kit list will be provided.
The theme of the weekend is building confidence and self-esteem, working in teams and having fun. We are providing activities for all abilities in a safe environment.
Click here for more information of the site.
Click here to complete the booking form.
Great North Run 2026
Lace up, smile big, and join Max Appeal for the Great North Run on 13 September 2026!
Every mile you run helps support children, adults, and families living with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who only runs when the kettle boils, this iconic half marathon is your chance to do something amazing.
Sign up, train with purpose, and become part of a community that’s full of heart, hope, and determination.
Let’s run, have fun, and make a difference together!
Email Paul@maxappeal.org.uk and complete the attached form
Entry fee £30.00, minimum sponsorship target £350.00. We have 35 guaranteed charity places, please return your completed form to paul@maxappeal.org.uk.