" One of the most magical times for people with diabetes happens every year in July, with the annual Friends For Life® Conference hosted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. "
Join us in Orlando!

Feeling like you need to reconnect?

Missing your diabetes friends – your Friends for Life?

Looking for a refresh for your diabetes care?

In July 2022, Children with Diabetes will host our 23rd annual Friends for Life conference, taking place in Orlando, Florida! Join our dedicated group of world-renowned faculty, adults, children, and families with diabetes—including siblings and children of adults with type 1 diabetes—for a great weekend of education and support. Attend educational sessions with cutting-edge diabetes management ideas. Participate in discussion groups, share your story, and help motivate and support others who walk in similar shoes. Watch kids and teens, college students and professionals, young parents and grandparents, new and practiced diabetes clinicians, all make new and lifelong friendships.

Have Questions? We Have Answers!

Do you have questions about the conference? Not sure how it works? Visit our Friends for Life Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

If you've been to Disney World before, it might not look the same. Be sure to read these important messages from Disney. Note that Disney's guidelines and protocols change, so please keep up to date.

Disney's COVID
Protocols
Directions to set-up a My Disney Experience (MDX) Account
Know Before You Go:
Your Resort Hotel Stay
How to Make a Disney Park Pass Reservation
Friends for Life Ticket Store/Book a Room
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Join Us

Registration is open.

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Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers

Meet our world-renowned faculty, staff, and volunteers who make FFL happen

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Conference at a Glance

Learn the general flow of the conference, day by day

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Photo Gallery

Check out the photo gallery from FFL Orlando 2021 for a glimpse at the conference

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Registering for the Conference

Every conference participant needs to register for the conference

Registration is $210 per person for ages 6 and older, $60 per person for ages 0-5.

We will host on-site registration, based on space availability, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration costs will increase to $300 for ages 6+ and $100 for 5 and under at 12:00am on July 1, 2022. 

*Registering for the hotel only registers you for a hotel room and registering for the conference only registers you for the conference itself.

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Registration includes:

All sessions and session materials for adults and children
Kiddie Kove for children ages  0-5
Wednesday Grand Opening of the Exhibition Hall (light snacks and dessert)
Thursday breakfast, lunch, and snack breaks
Thursday Family and Friends Banquet (dinner)
Friday breakfast, lunch, and snack breaks
Friday Park Day (Animal Kingdom) for teens
Saturday social events
Sunday Farewell Breakfast
All of the various social events
One t-shirt per registered person

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Cancellation Policy:  Cancellations prior to June 1, 2022 will be refunded minus a $25 per person processing fee. After June 1, 2022, no refunds are available.

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What's the Grub at FFL?

You can find the Friends for Life Orlando menus at the link below. We work hard with our Disney team to make accommodations for allergies, provided we know ahead of time from your registration form. We’ve done our best to select nutritious and tasty menus. We are not able to offer substitutions. Carb counts will be available on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 and QR codes to download the information will be available at the buffet lines. No nuts or nut products are in any food served at the conference due to allergies; onions need to be identified but are not prohibited.

Virtual Conference Plans

For families who are unable to join us in person, we will live stream one session during each of the four time blocks on Thursday and Friday using Zoom. These sessions are free to access, but we do ask you to register so we can understand the broader needs of our community.

Kiddie Kove for our FFLs Ages 0-5

FFLs ages 0-5 and under will enjoy Kiddie Kove, a place to meet other kids and have a lot of fun. Parents need to sign up their kids before hand so we know how many Kiddie Kove staff to bring to Friends for Life Orlando. Use the link below to visit the Kiddie Kove online registration form.

Kiddie Kove is Full

Hotel Reservation Information

The room block for Friends for Life Orlando 2022 has now closed. If you wish to reserve a new room, or edit your current reservation, please call 407-939-4686. Please know that any new or updated bookings are not guaranteed.

VERY IMPORTANT: Booking a room at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort does not mean that you are registered for the conference.

Reserve your room online at www.mydisneygroup.com/cwdffl22. You can also order discounted park tickets there.

A few things to note in regard to this online room registration process:

  • Disney’s Online booking site is available for booking, modifying and canceling reservations 24/7. Should you need assistance while booking your reservation, please contact Group Reservations by calling 407-939-4686 during business hours – Monday - Friday.
  • The dates offered on the site for room reservations are those dates that CWD has contracted. If you would like to book hotel nights before or after that, you will need to contact the Housing office to inquire about availability. The room rate is $185/night plus tax.
  • Please put the names and ages for any children in your group under the “other information” section of the guest information landing page.
  • Note that the cut off for reserving a room in the CWD room block is June 15, 2022. After that, the price of the room will go up.

For more conference information, including sponsorship and exhibitor information, contact Laura Billetdeaux at 734-353-9294 or [email protected].

Transportation From MCO to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Round-trip transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is available to book through Mears Connect at $32 per adult and $27 per child. We encourage you to book your airport transportation, after your flight details have been arranged, at www.mearsconnect.com. Please know that Mears Connect is the replacement service for Disney's Magical Express, which ended on December 31, 2021.

Conference Scholarships

Children with Diabetes offers scholarships for families and young adults.

The scholarship process for FFL Orlando 2022 is now closed.

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Exhibitor Application

All exhibitors must register and complete a COVID and General waiver.

The exhibition hall is closed. For last minute exhibitor inquiries, please email [email protected].

Read reports from Orlando 2021 and Orlando 2019 to see what the in-person conference is all about

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Our Excursion Guides will help you get the most out of your FFL Adventure.

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Device Trials and Screenings

Diabetes care device companies offering trials are shown below. These opportunities are by appointment only. Appointments will fill up quickly, so please sign up as soon as you can. Saline pump trials require a prescription for "Saline Pump Trial" from your diabetes care team. Be sure to bring that with you.

Omnipod
Wednesday and Thursday in Toluca A
Sign up online at cwd.is/PodTrial

Tandem
Wednesday through Friday in Toluca B
Sign up online at cwd.is/tslimTrial

Medtronic InPen
Wednesday through Friday in Sonora B
Sign up online at cwd.is/InPenDemo

TrialNet Screening

A TrialNet team will be on site performing screenings beginning on Tuesday and continuing through Friday in Coronado Q. Family members who do not have type 1 diabetes can be screened for risk factors and can participate in important clinical trials. For more information about this important study, visit the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet web site.

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Should I Attend?

"At this conference, dreams come true. It’s where, for one week out of the year, diabetes kids are the cool kids." - Alice Morgan

LeighFickling2019TR

"FFL is always important to everyone but now, even more than before, it’s “essential.” We need our community and we need normalcy. FFL in July is normalcy. We can’t let COVID take that from us, too. It may look different but it will still be the same for so many of us."

Leigh Fickling
CWD Mom
LeilaBlue2020TR

"FFL is the place where our T1D found his place. Where he stopped looking for people that GOT him and that understood him.  For our family, it has been like looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection of all that we fight for, believe in, love through and dream of. FFL is the rainbow that keeps our T1D family smiling through it all."

Leila Blue
CWD Mom
AmyBevan2015TR

"How can you not feel good about managing diabetes when you’re in that environment, soaking in the newest research, getting the chance to see cutting-edge technology up close, and connecting with new friends and old who just get it?"

Amy Beven
CWD Mom
I'm a T1 and a Friend for Life

" Sometimes, when days are kind of rough, I’ll put on a green bracelet to remind myself that I am not alone. "

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Is this just for children and their families?

In 2021, even with reduced capacity due to COVID, over 950 people came from 41 states (plus DC and PR) and two other countries, including 299 first-timers.

Half of the people with diabetes were adults

Friends for Life® began when our amazing Laura Billetdeaux asked CWD families if they wanted to vacation together. That annual gathering turned into the conference it is today, and includes T1 adults, grandparents teens, tweens and toddlers, and siblings of people with diabetes.

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Families & Individuals

with type 1 diabetes including toddlers, tweens, teens and young adults, as well as siblings

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Adult Living with T1D

their partners and spouses, and their children and friends

FFL Orlando 2018 sisters

Siblings and Children

who, even though they don't have diabetes, they still live with diabetes

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Grandparents and Other Caregivers

who are supporting their family members with type 1 diabetes

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Health Care Professionals

who work with people living with type 1 diabetes (CEUs are not offered)

Why Friends for Life matters ...

"So many green bracelets symbolized those of us living with diabetes. Our loved ones wore orange. And everywhere I turned I didn’t feel the need to explain when I started to beep."  - Cara Richardson

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Conference Schedule at a Glance

Monday 7/4

MONDAY, JULY 4 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Move-in day for Registration. Lots of families will be on site already. Wear an old Friends for Life t-shirt and find some FFL families at the Big Dig pool or enjoy a theme park! Retinal screening day for staff with T1.

Tuesday 7/5

TUESDAY, JULY 5 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Registration is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, so pick up your name badge, conference t-shirt, and green/orange bracelets nice and early! TrialNet screening begins. Pump Trials begin. It's very easy to find other FFLs – look for the bracelets and conference tees! Discussion groups and informal social get togethers will be held to help people meet each other. Enjoy the resort or a theme park with friends. For Youth Program Staff, training is from noon to 5 p.m. Staff dinner and team-building event in the evening at Splitsville. 

Wednesday 7/6

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

First Timers Orientation begins at 9 a.m. (this is for adults; children are invited to participate in their age group activities down the hall). Focus groups, discussion groups, and presentations will be held all day. Drop-In Youth Program activities for elementary age kids (6-8) and tweens (9-12) are offered in Fiesta 5 and Fiesta 6. Kiddie Kove for little ones ages 0-5 is in Monterrey. The Teen program is a full day of activities in Coronado L. Retinal Screening begins for conference attendees. TrialNet Screenings continue. Pump Trials continue. The Exhibit Hall opens at 6:00 p.m., in conjunction with a Grand Opening Reception.

Thursday 7/7

THURSDAY, JULY 7 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Sessions for adults and children begin at 9:00 am and run all day. Carb counted Opening Keynote Breakfast and lunch buffet will keep you well fed. Screenings and Pump Trials continue. The Exhibit Hall is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The Family and Friends Banquet begins at 6:30 with an FFL Safari theme.

Friday 7/8

FRIDAY, JULY 8 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Sessions for adults and children all day. Teens head to Animal Kingdom for breakfast and a day in the park. Screenings continue. Pump Trials continue. The Exhibit Hall is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Family Movie Night begins at 7:00 pm. Adult social event begins at 8:00 pm. Dessert and Posters with the Faculty runs from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. 

Saturday 7/9

SATURDAY, JULY 9 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Inaugural Children with Diabetes – Friends for Life Golf Outing. Enjoy a day at the resort or a theme park with your new Fiffles. Family Carnival Night: Veracruz Porte-Cochere and Veracruz ABC, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join us for old-style carnival games, music, and delicious carnival snacks!

Sunday, 7/10

SUNDAY, JULY 10 - 8:00AM - 10:00AM

Join us for the Farewell Breakfast with character meet-n-greets as we wind down Friends for Life Orlando 2022.

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Can you show what life with diabetes is really like in 60 seconds or less?
Share a glimpse in your diabetes life - highlight the funny, the serious, the insightful, the inspiring …
whatever feels right. Use your cell phone, movie camera, or iPad to record. You’re the director!
Videos are due by July 1, 2022

Wednesday's Focus Groups and Sessions

Wednesday is a special day at Friends for Life Orlando. You get a chance to participate in focus groups, where you can help shape the future of diabetes care products and services, as well as attend special product theaters and symposia. While many focus groups are open to anyone, the focus groups below require pre-registration. Be sure to sign up early - many fill up.

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Dexcom Focus Groups

11:00 am and 1:30 pm in Fiesta 2

Dexcom would like to learn from you and your child about the ways you track meals and activities. Do you log meals? Events? Times of exercise? How does this help you manage diabetes? What is most important about tracking meals and activities today and in the future? Join us for an engaging discussion!

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Omnipod Focus Groups

11:00 am and 1:30 pm in Coronado M

Help us better understand your unique needs as parents and/or caregivers of children living with diabetes and what you – and they – are looking for to simplify life with diabetes. Participants do not need to be current Omnipod® users.

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Tandem Diabetes Care Focus Groups
Devices & Desires

9:00 am in Coronado CD

We are seeking newly diagnosed (within the last 12 months) type 1 teenagers (13-18 y.o.) to participate in a focus group to discuss a next-generation insulin delivery device concept. We will ask about your preferences and desires for an insulin delivery system as well as seek feedback on a development concept.

Devices & Wearability

1:30 pm in Coronado CD

Tandem is seeking type 1 children, ages 6-12 on insulin pumps, (with one guardian) to participate in a focus group to discuss wearability for insulin delivery devices as well as mobile applications. We will seek your feedback on how when and how mobile applications are utilized for diabetes management as well as seek feedback on wearability accessory concepts.

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Real Life Prep: College, Work, and Independence with Diabetes

1:30 pm in Yucatan

This session is for parents, caregivers, teenagers, 20-somethings and anyone else interested in the exciting transition from home to independence with diabetes. We will inform attendees about available resources, share how to get involved with a campus-based CDN Chapter and provide an open discussion around topics related to college, work, living away from home, and relationships.

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Diabeloop Focus Group: Putting People First

9:00 am in Coronado EF

The Diabeloop team is looking for people aged 18 and older with diabetes that are using a CGM and MDI to participate in a focus group. We want to better understand your needs and what is most important to you in future insulin delivery systems.

Please complete this registration form if you are interested in participating. We will select qualified applicants on a first-come first-served basis. Participants will be compensated with a $50 Amazon gift card upon full completion of the meeting.

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embecta Focus Groups
New and Emerging Technologies

9:00 am in Fiesta 2

In this focus group, we would like to explore what pain points exist with advanced technologies (e.g. insulin pumps) as well as discuss new and emerging technologies and some of the potential advantages and disadvantages. We will share information regarding a new technology in the insulin pump space and would like to understand your thoughts and perspectives on some new and emerging brands in the insulin pump space. In addition, we would like to understand your opinions on connected insulin pens and how they might compare to your current insulin delivery device(s).

Optimizing the Injection Experience

3:30 pm in Coronado CD

In this focus group, we will discuss challenges and opportunities and ideas around improving the insulin injection process for those using injection devices. For those who choose to stay with injections vs. moving to a pump we will explore what pain points still exist, what could make the injection experience better for you, and in what ways can we as a manufacturer better support you. We will also share some new packaging designs to gather feedback from the participants as embecta looks to transition its pen needle and insulin syringe products in the market to the new embecta brand.

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Provention Bio Focus Group: T1D TRIVIA: IT’S GAME ON!

3:30 pm in Coronado EF

What’s more fun than a little friendly competition? Now’s your chance to put your T1D knowledge to the test, learn something new, and win a prize. T1D trivia topics will include:

  • Debunking common T1D myths and misconceptions
  • T1D stats and facts
  • Information around early screening for T1D
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University of Florida Diabetes Institute Reception

3:30 pm in Durango

Five distinguished University of Florida faculty will share their journey to the field of type 1 diabetes research, scientific contributions to the field, as well as exciting projects in the pipeline. Space is limited -- register now.