Our staff, researchers, and members of our Board of Directors have just returned from the Canada FASD Conference, and we’re still buzzing with energy and inspiration. From thought-provoking keynote panels to moving films and meaningful networking moments, this conference was a true celebration of learning, collaboration, and community.
Keynote panels
This year’s keynotes set the tone for deep reflection and bold action. The Right to Thrive: FASD, Equity, and Human Rights in Canada opened the conference with a strong call to action: we don’t talk enough about human rights and FASD. The panel unpacked how equity, systemic change, and human rights intersect – and why they’re essential for ensuring every person with FASD has the opportunity to thrive.
Think It’s All Trauma? Think Again! explored how individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure experience adversity and trauma – and how our understanding of those impacts needs to evolve. Panellists shared cutting-edge research and called for collaborative, cross-sector approaches to create more effective and compassionate interventions.
A standout finale, Navigating Self-Care and Recovery with the Pinkifying of Alcohol Marketing examined how the alcohol industry has “pinkified” products to target women – and how many are pushing back. Experts and advocates shared insights into alcohol use in pregnancy, the factors that influence it, and the empowering movements women are leading toward low- or no-alcohol lifestyles.
Film Festival
New this year, the Film Festival shone a spotlight on creativity, storytelling, and lived experience. The films celebrated the voices and journeys of individuals with FASD, their families, and their communities – highlighting the immense strength and resilience that define this community. A huge congratulations to FASD United, whose film “FASD & My Search for Compassion” was the winner! If you missed the event, don’t worry – several of the submitted films will soon be available on our YouTube channel so you can watch (and be inspired) from home.
Presentations
One of the best things about this conference? Connection. We brought together researchers, service providers, and individuals with lived experience – side by side – to share insights and stories that grounded the science in real-life impact. From sessions on diagnosis, prevention, and the legal system, there was something for everyone. Many attendees said their biggest challenge was deciding which session to attend next!
By the numbers
The response was beyond our expectations – and the numbers speak for themselves:
- 590+ tickets sold
- 130+ presentations
- 190+ presenters
- 56 sessions
- 16 exhibitors
- 15 posters
Attendees from across Canada – and around the world, including Australia and New Zealand! The networking event was a highlight, buzzing with laughter, collaboration, and the joy of seeing friends and colleagues in person again.
Thank you!
To every attendee, presenter, volunteer, exhibitor, and sponsor – thank you! Your energy, expertise, and passion brought this conference to life, making it truly unforgettable. The ideas sparked and connections made will continue to strengthen the FASD community far beyond the final session.
Even though the conference has wrapped up, your journey of learning and connecting doesn’t have to end! Keep the momentum going by:
- Exploring our online courses – grow your FASD knowledge and skills at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
- Becoming a CanFASD member – join a trusted, research-driven community and gain access to exclusive events, resources, updates, and opportunities to engage directly with experts, individuals with FASD, and their families.
We’re already counting down to the next Canada FASD Conference in 2027 – and we can’t wait to see you there! Until then, let’s keep learning, sharing, and working together to create brighter outcomes for individuals with FASD.