DCC FAQ

The debra Care Conference (formerly known as the Patient Care Conference) is a national conference specifically designed for the Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Community and is held every two years in different cities across the US. debra of America invites those with EB as well as their families, advocates, and care providers to listen to, meet with, and learn from leading medical professionals as well as academic researchers and organizations who are conducting research into treatments and a cure for EB. Bandage manufacturers and distributors also attend and demonstrate their products and services. 

Most importantly, the conference allows those impacted by EB to meet new families and reconnect with others from around the country. debra of America also organizes playrooms and fun activities for the children, as well as socializing time for the whole family. 

It is anticipated that 700 people may attend this conference!  

The debra Care Conference (DCC) benefits the entire EB Community and offers learning opportunities for individuals and families as well as medical professionals interested in learning more about EB care. Sessions cover topics that aid in the overall health and well-being of an individual with EB. There is also time built-in to network, connect and have fun with peers! Whether you and your family are attending for the first time, or have attended many of our conferences in the past, you will find the DCC rewarding.

The 2024 debra Care Conference will be held July 28-31st (with hotel stays until August 1st) at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. 

The hotel's address is 190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Our conference is typically held in July to accommodate different school start/end dates nationwide and the location is chosen to be easily accessible and cost-effective for all attendees. This venue is an all indoor, temperature-controlled hotel and conference center.

Our conference registration includes hotel stay. For more information about the venue, please click here to visit the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park's website.

Registration is open! Click here for more information.

As long as you are comfortable, we are happy! There is no specific dress code for the conference. Please be sure to avoid attire with any inappropriate language or images. Check out the debra Online Shop if you would like to order EB awareness related apparel prior to the conference.

Visit the debra Shop 
 

Registration may be completed online at debra.org/DCC or by calling 718-290-0026 beginning on February 1, 2024. 

This year, we've implemented a tiered pricing structure that is in line with the policies of our venue, the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park. They charge more for larger groups to accommodate additional resources. Thus, our pricing structure reflects this approach. Each hotel room can accommodate a maximum of four individuals, except in cases where a family or group may have an infant with them.

Registration fee for families/groups of 3 or fewer with a member in their household with EB is $250 a night.

Registration fee for families/groups of 4 with a member in their household with EB is $275 a night.

Registration fee for general attendees (those without a member in their household with EB) is $400 a night.

Registration covers your hotel stay (for up to 4 people*) and all-entry passes to the full conference for each member of your party, which includes: 

• Educational sessions from global EB experts   

• Cutting-edge research updates  

• In-depth discussions addressing the multifaceted challenges of EB, including navigating transitions, managing financial aspects, and finding crucial emotional support 

• Exhibitors, including top wound care manufacturers, ready to assist you 

• Family-friendly functions and evening entertainment  

• Complimentary meals (stay tuned for specifics) 

• Mobile app and printed materials  

• Designated playrooms and live shows for the kids during the span of the conference 

• Opportunity to meet other families and individuals who share the common bond of EB and make life-long connections 

debra of America strives to make this conference accessible for as many families as possible. The registration fee charged to attendees is for the hotel stay only (and it is less than the full amount the hotel charges). debra of America helps cover a significant portion of each hotel room's cost, as well as all conference activities, complete with educational sessions, entertainment, meals and play rooms all made possible in thanks to our incredible sponsors and donors. 

If you live locally and do not need a hotel room, a small daily fee (for those that do not have EB) is required for each day you attend. Registration for all is mandatory. Please contact DCC@debra.org or 212-868-1573, 104 to begin your registration process.

There is valet parking on site at the hotel for a fee. For more information, visit the hotel's web page on valet parking here.

Any fees incurred for parking are **NOT** included in our conference registration package. This is a separate cost that the hotel will charge you for directly.

As an alternative, there are self-parking lots/garages in the area that the Omni provides information on, here. These lots are not affiliated with the Omni or debra of America.

We are currently in the process of finalizing the meal arrangements for this year's conference. We will provide clear information on details of meal coverage as soon as possible.

In order for us to properly assist and serve all those attending our conference, every member of your party must be registered. Registration allows us to plan the conference sessions appropriately, pay for provided meals and other associated events, and track conference attendance.

Registration for each member of your party is mandatory. Each attendee will receive their all-entry pass (conference badge) to the conference and related activities upon check-in at the DCC. Conference badges will be required to be worn at the conference at all times.
 

You will be required to submit credit card information and pay in full via the online registration form.

For attendees who are unable to pay in full immediately, you may register over the phone and create a payment plan. Please call 718-290-0026 or email jason@debra.org for more information on payment plans and to begin registration. 

Please note, all payments must be made in full by June 10, 2024 or your registration will be cancelled. 

Full payment is due by June 10, 2024.

Registration for the conference includes hotel stay, so your hotel room will be paid for when you check-in. The hotel will still request your personal credit card to be presented during check-in. This credit card number is put on file only for any possible incidentals charges you make during your stay, such as room service or long-distance phone calls. Therefore, you must bring a personal credit card to the hotel for these standard purposes.

debra of America is able to cancel your registration and provide a refund up until June 10, 2024 (credit card charges incurred for cancellation process will be charged). Beyond that date, we are unable to give refunds because costs relating to hotel stays, meals, and other conference-related expenses have already been incurred.  

debra of America strives to make this conference accessible for as many families as possible. The registration fee charged to attendees is for a portion of the full cost of the hotel stay only. debra of America covers a significant portion of each hotel room's cost, as well as all conference activities, complete with educational sessions, entertainment, meals and play rooms all made possible in thanks to our incredible sponsors and donors. 

We understand that attending the DCC can be a significant commitment. Thanks to the incredible efforts and generosity of various organizations, financial aid is available through these groups to families in need.

If you require financial assistance to join us at the DCC, email DCC@debra.org with the following information:

Name of person(s) with EB and your relationship to them

Birthdate(s) of person(s) with EB

Location

EB Type

Previous attendance at DCC (if any)

Our team will work diligently to connect you with potential sponsoring organizations that you match criteria with, and we will share their contact information with you. Please note, funds are limited, however we will keep you informed of any additional assistance that becomes available.

Located in the Centennial Park District, Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, GA. Guest rooms and suites provide uninterrupted views of the skyline, with Centennial Olympic Park and Atlanta’s cultural attractions nearby. After a meeting or day exploring, take a dip in the heated pool or hot tub or enjoy a Peloton workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center of our downtown Atlanta hotel. In fact, the hotel houses the CNN Center, and puts you close to many Atlanta attractions: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, the new World of Coca-Cola Museum and more, all located in the Centennial Park District.

For more information about the hotel and venue, please click here to visit the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park website.

This hotel allows up to 4 people per one hotel room (a fifth person is allowed ONLY if they are an infant that will be sleeping in a crib).

After you register, please email dcc@debra.org to let us know you’d like adjoining rooms and the names of the primary registrant of each room, and we will submit your request. The hotel will do their best to accommodate this request.

debra of America’s discounted conference rate only applies from July 28-August 1.  If you require rooms earlier or later than the dates included in our room block, please be aware that regular hotel rates may apply though we will request discounted rates for you. Please contact dcc@debra.org to coordinate your longer stay. 

There is valet-parking at the hotel which is not included as part of your DCC registration fee. Please see here for more information about valet-parking from the Omni.

As an alternative, there are self-parking lots/garages in the area that the Omni provides information on, here. These lots are not affiliated with the Omni or debra of America.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the closest airport, which is approximately 12 miles from the hotel.

Options from the Airport

• Taxi Service: Approximately $30 + per way 
• Limo Service: Approximately $90 – $110 plus tax per way 
• Sedan Service: Approximately $70 – $75 plus taxes and gratuities 
• MARTA: Approximately $2.75 each way. Take the train north to the Five Points Station. Take the westbound train 1 stop to CNN/GWCC Station. Take the escalator or elevator up and walk through the CNN building to hotel entrance.

These are estimates provided by the Omni Hotel and are not included as part of your conference registration fee. Arrangements for travel to/from airport must be made independently.

The hotel does not offer shuttle service, but recommends utilizing Uber and similar car service options available at the airport. 

The conference agenda and related activities are currently being finalized.  The 2024 line-up of speakers sessions, entertainment and activities will be posted on this website and announced via our Facebook page and e-newsletter as soon as it becomes available. 

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We are finalizing the list of top medical professionals and researchers who will be presenting at this year’s debra Care Conference. Speaker bios will be posted on our website soon!

Please email DCC@debra.org if you are interested in presenting or speaking at the conference.

We welcome exhibiting partners from a wide variety of areas within the EB space.

Review our 2024 debra Care Conference “Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities”

This conference would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. 

Review our 2024 debra Care Conference “Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities”

Definitely! Merchandise from the debra Shop will be available for purchase on-site at the conference.

Purchase debra Shop items now

Yes! Our conference would not be possible without the support of our generous donors.

Make a donation 
 

Absolutely! Our conference would not be possible without the generous contribution of volunteer time and talents. Visit the debra.org/DCC Guide for more information. Please note, we cannot offer discounted registration rates, free hotel rooms or travel aid for volunteers. 

Use our special hashtags #debraCareConference and #WeFightEB when you’re sharing your comments, questions, photos, and stories about the conference on social media.  

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