Team Telomere Community Summit 2026: A River Runs Through Advocacy and Research

Team Telomere invites you to the Team Telomere Community Summit 2026: A River Runs Through Advocacy and Research, taking place July 7 to 10, 2026, in Missoula, Montana. This community experience centered on connection, education, and time together. Open to all community members, including people with TBDs, their families, care partners, and bereaved.

Attendees can expect:

  • Education and Advocacy: Engage with TBD experts during community-centered morning educational sessions, and attend the Research Poster Session where current and emerging work across telomere biology will be shared in an accessible format for the community.
  • Community Support: Create meaningful connections with individuals and families impacted by Telomere Biology Disorders.
  • Activities: Join fellow community members to enjoy shared experiences in and around Missoula. Once developed, optional group activities may include river walks, yoga, fly fishing, art and cultural excursions, visits to local attractions, downtown strolls, and other opportunities to explore the scenic surroundings of Western Montana. Activity options will be available for selection during registration.
  • Celebration: Celebrate our community’s strength and accomplishments while honoring pioneers in this field during the Boots & Genes gala on Thursday evening.

Registration

Registration for an individual includes:

  • Meals during the Summit (see schedule for details)
  • 3 nights of lodging accommodations
  • Access to morning educational sessions
  • Participation in afternoon activity programming
  • 1:1 meetings with TBD medical experts
  • Research Poster Session – one hour of beverages, appetizers, and research education
  • Ticket to the Community Celebration & Award Ceremony on Thursday evening
  • Summit Swag 

Note: All attendees under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the Summit.

The Community Summit is free for community members. Tickets are valued at $900 per person. Donations are appreciated but not required.

Registration closed as capacity has been reached. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email us at meetings@teamtelomere.org.

Lodging & Travel Information

The Community Summit will be held in Missoula, Montana, with lodging provided at the Tapestry by Hilton Hotel Missoula – Edgewater.

Team Telomere will cover lodging, some meals, and special activity expenses. The registration form contains questions to ensure the appropriate lodging accommodations are reserved for each attendee. We will do our best to accommodate everyone.

Attendees should fly into Missoula Montana Airport (MSO). Shuttles to and from the airport and hotel will be provided by Team Telomere. More details will be provided to registered attendees.

Accessibility

Detailed venue and activity accessibility information will be forthcoming.

Please reach out to meetings@teamtelomere.org for questions pertaining to any access needs for the event.

Sponsors

Team Telomere greatly thanks our generous partners for their support of the Community Summit.

River Guide Sponsor

Compass Sponsor

Fly Reel Sponsor

Community Scholarship Fund Sponsor

Opening Night Sponsor

Scientific Summit Networking Event

Interested in sponsoring the Community Summit?

Connect with our team at meetings@teamtelomere.org and view our sponsorship packet below.

View Sponsorship Packet

Join us!

Here is what participants in Team Telomere’s previous community gatherings have said:

“We really enjoyed connecting and sharing experiences… Through knowledge of [other’s] experiences, we are able to be made stronger. Sharing stories… provided insight and comfort as well as reminded us that we are not alone.” — Parents of a child with a TBD

After our Team Telomere Day in Rochester, MN, one individual impacted by a TBD told her mom, “I think this is just what we needed mum.”

This Community Summit truly is a testament to a favorite saying in our community “We are better together!” We look forward to having you join us and creating lasting memories together.