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Registration deadlines

Early Bird - Expired

Talk Submission - Expired

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Conference Details

Conference Manager

Jack Peters

Jack Peters

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Report

Overview

Professors Rocky S. Tuan and Catherine K. Kuo co-chaired the first Fusion Conference on Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration (MDR) in Cancun, Mexico. The conference began the afternoon of February 6, and concluded mid-day on February 9, 2015. Special events for the conference included a group tour to Tulum one afternoon (not included in registration), and also a gala dinner (and live band) for all registered attendees. A particularly unique aspect of the conference was a merged session the morning of February 7, 2015, with the Fusion Conference on Fibroblast Growth Factor (chaired by Professors David Ornitz and Saverio Bellusci) in the same venue.

Conference Theme

The theme of the conference was Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration (MDR), indicated by the conference title. Seven sessions included (by order of first to last): Injury and Healing; Repair and Reconstruction Strategies; Skeletal Development (joint session with FGF conference); Developmental and Degenerative Diseases; Experimental Models; Stem Cells: Biology and Engineering 1 and 2. One or two plenary speakers were invited for each session, followed by invited and submitted shorter abstract talks. (Please see attached for the conference program and abstracts.)

Plenary Speakers

Stuart Goodman, Stanford University
Robert Guldberg, Georgia Institute of Technology
Suzanne Maher, Hospital for Special Surgery
Maria Siemionow, University of Illinois
Vicki Rosen, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Maurizio Pacifici, University of Pennsylvania
Veronique Lefebvre, Cleveland Clinic
Linda Sandell, Washington University
Jennifer Westendorf, May Clinic
Catherine K. Kuo, Tufts University
Johnny Huard, University of Pittsburgh
Farshid Guilak, Duke University
Rocky S. Tuan, University of Pittsburgh

Conference Format

The conference was held at the Fiesta Americana Condesa in Cancun, Mexico. Lodging and all meals were included with the registration fee at the all-inclusive resort. The format of the conference was morning and afternoon sessions, with lunch and leisure time between the two sessions. Out of 45 registered attendees, 36 talks including plenary (45 min) and invited (30 min) and submitted (15 min) abstract talks were delivered. Additionally, more than 30 posters were presented on abstracts accepted for podium or poster presentations. Poster sessions were ongoing during refreshment breaks and two different hour-long scheduled sessions. Poster awards with cash prizes funded by the Fusion Conference were given for the top three posters, judged by the conference co-chairs. Invited plenary speakers were asked to chair various sessions throughout the conference. The organizers and attendees found the Fusion Conference staff to be highly professional, organized and attentive. Jack Peters was excellent throughout the entire process.

Attendee Feedback

Feedback regarding the conference was outstanding, regarding the speakers, selected topics, quality of talks and venue. Attendees have explicitly stated that continued interactions in the form of collaborations and university exchanges have resulted from attending this conference. Numerous attendees and non-attendees that have heard by word-of-mouth have expressed interest in attending a future MDR conference. Notably, this conference was held a little more than a month before the Annual Conference of the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) and also the Cartilage Gordon Research Conference (GRC), each of which many of the MDR attendees also attended this year or previously. Multiple attendees stated that, even after attending all three (MDR, ORS and Cartilage GRC), they will definitely attend a future MDR conference.

The feedback from attendees has been compiled at the end of this document. Some notable feedback has been included here. 

Professor Veronique Lefebvre, who chaired the Cartilage Gordon Conference shortly after attending the MDR conference: “…I came back home knowing that I would definitely attend the next conference and recommend it to many people…I most importantly appreciated the breadth of cutting-edge topics in the musculoskeletal field and the gathering of scientists working on basic processes and translational questions from development to late adulthood and on various tissues in the musculoskeletal system. This integration of scientific and translational topics, broad range of tissues and broad range of disease questions was made very successfully and was very instructive. I learned a lot! The shared session with the FGF conference was a brilliant idea too and it worked out extremely well, adding another dimension to the conference. As important as the scientific content of the conference, I truly enjoyed the very friendly and collegial atmosphere that was spearheaded by both of you and that was happily embraced and amplified by all participants. This helped generate lots of interesting discussions. I made new friends and started new scientific collaborations with them.”

Professor Farshid Guilak, ORS 1st Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biomechanics: “Overall, one of the best meetings of its kind, and I would certainly come back to it again.”

Professor Vicki Rosen: “…After attending both the Cartilage GRC and the ORS, I think the greatest benefit of the Fusion Meeting was the combination of small size and diversity of topics within musculoskeletal biology… I would definitely attend a future meeting.”

In addition to extremely positive feedback from well established and senior investigators, it is important to highlight how valuable this conference was for junior investigators.

Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Thomas Lozito:“…It was definitely one of the most rewarding meetings I’ve ever been to, both personally and professionally. Not only did I get the chance to meet and interact with leaders in the field, but I was also invited to give several talks by faculty who found my research interesting, which is huge for someone at my stage in career development. All these opportunities were made possible by this Fusion Conference, and I would definitely like to attend similar conferences in the future.”

Assistant Professor Rhima Coleman: “This was an excellently organized conference... I learned so much in so little time. It was also community building, especially for junior investigators; a good mix of fun and science. The opportunity to interact with experts in the field at that level is very rare, but quite fulfilling. I would go every year to get critical feedback on my own research.”

Sponsors

The generous donation provided by the Arthritis Foundation enabled the registration of 12 attendees (students, postdoctoral fellows and PIs) that delivered either abstract talks or posters. Travel grants were disbursed in dollar amounts of $500, id=mce_marker000, or full registration, based on need.

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Synopsis

The 2015 Fusion Conference on "Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration", a premier scientific forum for the scientific investigation of the musculoskeletal system, will cover a wide range of topics to encompass basic to translational aspects of the biology and pathology of musculoskeletal tissues, including cartilage, bone, tendon, ligament, and muscle. These topics will include morphogenesis, development, evolutionary specification of tissue types, cellular organization, production and assembly of extracellular matrix, biological and biomechanical functions, functional modeling, genetic basis of musculoskeletal diseases, cellular and molecular mechanisms of degeneration, and therapeutic strategies to regenerate, repair and functionally restore damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Special emphasis will be on the application of contemporary approaches to address epigenetic, molecular, cellular, and tissue biology of musculoskeletal tissues, including a session featuring new directions and technologies, and challenges and opportunities in musculoskeletal research. The conference will be interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, merging concepts and approaches from the sciences, engineering, medicine and more.

We expect the 2015 Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration Fusion Conference to be an exciting and stimulating meeting for both established and new investigators in the field, and provide ample opportunities for interaction and networking.

2015 Musculoskeletal Poster Prize

The conference chairs will be awarding 3 poster prizes for the best poster display and presentation. To be in with a chance of winning, submit your poster by 21 November 2014. The winners will be selected shortly after the Poster Session and each winner will receive a $250 cheque! 

Confirmed Plenary Speakers

Dr. Stuart Goodman      
Stanford School of Medicine
Prof. Farshid Guilak                
Duke University School of Medicine
Dr. Robert Guldberg 
Georgia Institute of Technology 
Dr. Johnny Huard            
University of Pittsburgh
Prof. Catherine K. Kuo
Tufts University
Dr. Suzanne Maher        
Hospital for Special Surgery
Prof. Maurizio Pacifici 
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Dr. Vicki Rosen 
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Linda Sandell              
Washington University Orthopedics
Dr. Maria Siemionow
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
Prof. Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh 

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Speakers

Plenary Speakers

Johnny Huard

Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Steadman Philippon Research Institute

Maurizio Pacifici

Director of Orthopaedic Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Farshid Guilak

Professor, Washington University

Maria Siemionow

Professor of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago

Suzanne Maher

Associate Scientist, Hospital for Special Surgery

Stuart Goodman

Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Vicki Rosen

Professor and Chair, Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Linda Sandell

Director of Research, Washington University School of Medicine

Robert Guldberg

Director & Professor, Georgia Insititute of Technology

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Programme

Friday 6th February 20

12:00 – 15:00

Registration

13:00 -14:15

Welcome Lunch
*Kalmia Buffet Restaurant*

14:45 – 15:00

Opening Speech

Injury and Healing
Session Chair: Stuart Goodman

15:00 – 15:45

Stuart Goodman
Stanford University

CROSSTALK BETWEEN MACROPHAGES AND OSTEOPROGENITORS AFFECTS BONE FORMATION

15:45 – 16:30

Robert Guldberg
Georgia Institute of Technology

INTRA-ARTICULAR DELIVERY OF MICRONIZED ECM FOR TREATMENT OF JOINT DEGENERATION

16:30 – 17:00

Thomas Lozito
University of Pittsburgh

LIZARD TAIL SKELETAL REGENERATION COMBINES ASPECTS OF FRACTURE HEALING AND BLASTEMA-BASED REGENERATION

17:00 – 17:15

Ronald Kwon
University of Washington

ZEBRAFISH FIN REGENERATION AS A TRANSLATIONAL MODEL FOR BONE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

17:15 – 17:45

Refreshments

Repair and Reconstruction Strategies
Session Chair: Suzanne Maher

17:45 – 18:30

Suzanne Maher
Hospital for Special Surgery

FROM CONCEPT TO IN-VIVO EVALUATION: A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF IMPLANTS FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR

18:30 – 19:15

Maria Siemionow
University of Illinois

RECONSTRUCTIVE TRANSPLANTATION- A NEW CONCEPT IN MUSCULOSKELETAL REGENERATION

19:15 – 19:30

Stephen Andrews
University of Alberta

MENISCAL SURFACES ARE ANALAGOUS TO ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN BOTH STRUCTURE AND CELLULARITY

19:30 – 20:15

Poster Session 1

20:15

Dinner at Leisure & Free Time

Saturday 7th February 2015

07:00 -08:30

Breakfast

Skeletal Development (Joint Session with FGF Conference)
Session Chairs: Rocky Tuan & David Ornitz

08:30 – 09:05

Lin Chen
Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair

THE ROLE OF FGFR3 IN CARTILAGE DISEASES

09:05 -09:45

Vicki Rosen
Harvard School of Dental Medicine

DEVELOPMENTAL REGULATION OF BONE WIDTH BY BMP SIGNALING IS KEY FOR CREATING STRONG BONES

09:45 -10:25

Maurizio Pacifici
University of Pennsylvania

DEVELOPMENTAL INSIGHTS INTO THE PATHOGENESIS OF HEREDITARY MULTIPLE EXOSTOSES

10:25 – 10:40

Refreshments

10:40 – 11:10

Veronique Lefebvre

Cleveland Clinic

GENOME-WIDE COOPERATIVITY BETWEEN SOX5/6 AND SOX9 DRIVES CHONDROGENESIS

11:10 – 11:45

David Ornitz
Washington University

REGULATION OF SKELETAL GROWTH AND CHONDROGENESIS BY FGFR1 AND FGFR2 SIGNALING IN THE OSTEOPROGENITOR LINEAGE

11:45 – 12:05

Peter Hurlin
Shriners Hospitals for Children

MUTANT ACTIVATED FGFR3 IMPAIRS ENDOCHONDRAL BONE GROWTH BY PREVENTING SOX9 DOWNREGULATION IN DIFFERENTIATING CHONDROCYTES

12:05 – 12:40

Laurence Legeai-Mallet
Imagine Institute-Inserm

FROM FUNCTIONAL STUDIES TO THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR FGFR3-RELATED DISORDERS

12:40 – 12:50

Closing Remarks (for FGF Conference)

12:50 – 16:00

Lunch at Leisure & Free Time

Developmental and Degenerative Diseases
Session Chairs: Jennifer Westendorf & Rulang Jiang

16:00 – 16:45

Linda Sandell
Washington University

GENETIC ASPECTS OF ADULT CARTILAGE REPAIR AND DEGENERATION

16:45 – 17:30

Jennifer Westendorf
Mayo Clinic

HISTONE DEACETYLASE 3 (HDAC3) REGULATES SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT, METABOLISM AND AGING

17:30 – 17:45

Pallavi Bhattaram

Cleveland Clinic

ROLES OF SOXC GENES IN JOINT DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE

17:45 – 18:00

Fayez F. Safadi
Northeast Ohio Medical University

THE ROLE OF OSTEOACTIVIN IN BONE HOMEOSTASIS-POSITIVE REGULATOR OF OSTEOBLASTOGENESIS AND NEGATIVE REGULATOR OF OSTEOCLASTOGENESIS 

18:00: – 18:30

Jamie Fitzgerald Henry Ford Hospital

ARTICULAR CARTILAGE DEGRADATION FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO MICROGRAVITY

18:30 – 19:00

Refreshments

19:00 – 19:15

Nidhi Bhutani
Stanford University

A CRITICAL ROLE FOR TET1 AND DNA HYDROXYMETHYLATION IN CHONDROGENIC DIFFERENTIATION

19:15 – 19:30

Rulang Jiang
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

NEW RESOURCES FOR INVESTIGATION OF MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF TENDON DEVELOPMENT

19:30

Dinner at Leisure & Free Time

Sunday 8th February 2015

07:00 – 08:30

Breakfast

Experimental Models
Session Chairs: Catherine K. Kuo & Johnny Huard

08:30 – 09:15

Catherine K. Kuo
Tufts University

TENDON REGENERATION AND SCARLESS HEALING: INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE EMBRYO

09:15 – 10:00

Johnny Huard
University of Pittsburgh

THE ROLE OF STEM CELL EXHAUSTION IN AGING AND DISEASE

10:00 – 10:15

Mark Langhans
University of Pittsburgh

WDPCP SUPPRESSES HEDGEHOG SIGNALING TO FACILITATE CARTILAGE CONDENSATION IN THE LIMB BUD

10:15 – 10:30

Rhima Coleman
University of Michigan

THE EFFECTS OF MATRIX STIFFNESS ON THE RESPONSE OF CHONDROPROGENITOR CELLS IN A 3D PRECONDENSATION MICROENVIRONMENT

10:30 – 11:00

Refreshments

11:00 – 11:30

Wan-ju Li
University of Wisconsin

PRIMING HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FOR ENHANCED LINEAGE-SPECIFIC DIFFERENTIATION

11:30 – 12:00

Simon Tang
Washington University

EXPOSURE TO EXTRACELLULAR SUGARS AND ADVANCED GLYCATION END-PRODUCTS ALTER CHONDROCYTE MORPHOLOGY VIA CYTOSKELETAL REARRANGEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT WHOLE-CELL BIOMECHANICAL BEHAVIOR

12:00 – 12:15

Chitra Dahia

Hospital for Special Surgery

SHH AND WNT SIGNALING PATHWAYS CONTROL POSTNATAL INTERVERTEBRAL DISC GROWTH, DIFFERENTIATION AND AGING

12:15 – 16:00

Lunch at Leisure & Free Time

Stem Cells: Biology and Engineering 1
Session Chair: Robert Guldberg

16:00 – 16:45

Farshid Guilak
Duke University

SMART CELLS AND SCAFFOLDS FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

16:45 - 17:15

Cato Laurencin
University of Connecticut

REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF A NEXT GENERATION FIELD

17:15 – 17:30

Di Chen
Rush University Medical Center

MIR-204 SUPPRESSES SKELETAL NEOPLASIA THROUGH INHIBITION OF RUNX2-ACTIVATED AKT SIGNALING IN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS

17:30 – 19:30

Poster Session 2 & Cocktails

20:00 – 23:00

Gala Night & Group Photo
*Lower Pool Deck*

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Prices

Ticket Type Early Bird Full Price
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone, or if you will bring accompanying guests that will not attend the meeting.
$1444 $1564
Shared
Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex.
$1444 $1564
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the Single option.
$1265 $1385
Additional Person
This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the entire conference period. Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra night' prices.

Adult

$699

Child

$225

Extra nights
Prices are per person.

Adult

$250

Child

$75


All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.

Our Registration Package: What's Included?

The Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun offers a Full Meal Plan to all attendees. Our registration and accompanying person fees are inclusive of the following;

  • Accommodation for 3 Nights
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – available at all restaurants according to operational hours or programmed events.
  • International Bar available by the glass in restaurants and bars according to operational hours.
  • Pool snacks and International Bar available by the glass at Pool Area
  • Minibar including: soft drinks, domestic beer, bottled water and coffee. Refreshed daily
  • 24 Hour Room Service
  • In Room amenity – Bottle of wine, per room, per stay
  • Complimentary WI-FI in Conference Room
  • Complimentary WI-FI in Guest Room
  • Gala Night Entry (includes an open bar)

Please note: Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference.

Additional nights (per person) are inclusive of the following;

  • Accommodation for 1 Night
  • Lunch on day of arrival
  • Dinner on day of arrival
  • Breakfast on day of departure
  • International bar available by the glass in restaurants and bars from lunch on day of arrival until breakfast on day of departure.

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Grants

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Venue

Fiesta Americana Condesa

This stylish hotel features contemporary Mexican architecture, including one of the largest and most impressive thatched-roof "palapas" in the entire country. There are cultural activities, arts and crafts and sports programs to keep you constantly entertained, plus time to relax and enjoy the Mayan culture, soak up the Caribbean sunshine and revel in the international ambiance that settles in after the sun goes down.

Throughout your stay delegates will enjoy a full meal plan, inclusive of beverages. Take your pick from the aromatic Asian delights at Kaumbu, traditional fare at El Mexicano, delicious international cuisine at Kalmia Buffet or perhaps sample the sumptuous Italian dishes at Rosato. There are also several other dining opportunities such as the Cevichería, Pizzeria, Sushi Corner, pool and lounge bar areas. The Gala Night with either a Mayan or Caribbean theme takes place on the third evening of the conference with a mouth-watering feast of local cuisine, an open bar and amazing local entertainment.  We welcome all delegates and their accompanying persons to the Gala Night – a truly fun filled night not to be missed!

Hotel Facilities

  • Lagoon Pool
  • Extensive Health Club and Spa
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas

The Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun is the 2015 Winner of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and also received the Travellers Choice Award in 2014. 

The remains of ancient Mayan cities are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and no trip to Cancun would be complete without a visit to these majestic temples and pyramids set amongst lush tropical vegetation. We will be working very closely with a reputable tour company who will be organising trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba and Xcaret  to name a few, some of which may require a full day. Full day excursions will be arranged pre or post conference and may be on an individual or group booking so we would recommend booking extra nights to extend your stay as early as possible to avoid disappointment should these excursions be of interest to you and/or your party. For further information please contact us.

Venue Rating

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Address

Fiesta Americana Condesa, Blvd.Kukulkán km 16.5 Zona Hotelera, Cancun, 77500 Mexico

Nearest Airport

Cancun International Airport

Location

Cancun is a delightful combination of natural beauty, islands, ecological reserves and white sandy beaches. However, besides sun, sand and sea, this destination also offers an infinite variety of underwater activities to choose from: the diving, snorkelling and fishing here are outstanding and you will find an undersea world packed with tropical fish that live on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Sports enthusiasts might choose one of the many eco-tourism activities, such as cycling or hiking through the tropical forest or kayaking through mangroves, or something a little more adventuresome, like zip lining through the treetops.

Apart from the more well-known ancient Mayan archealogical sites such as Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá you may like to visit the Aktun Chen caverns, voted one of the Top 10 underwater walks by National Geographic described as a truly magical experience.

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Transportation

Travel Details

Cancun International airport is just a short 15 minute journey from the Fiesta Americana Condesa and is easily accessible from almost every country in the world with many major international airlines providing direct or interconnecting flights on a daily basis. 

Airport Transfers

Tropical Incentives are a reputable and trustworthy DMC based in Cancun. The Tropical Incentives team will be on hand to provide a seamless transfer service to and from Cancun International Airport. Tropical Incentives will manage and confirm all transportation bookings. To arrange transportation please contact Tropical Incentives directly via email, phone or the online booking facility (see link below).  

http://www.tropicalincentives.com/form_gpos/sales/cancun/2016/fusion-conference/

Conference Shuttle Service

Tropical Incentives have arranged a conference shuttle service which will run at scheduled times surrounding the conference. The conference shuttle schedule can be found below.

Arrivals (Cancun Airport – Fiesta Americana Condesa)

Sunday 21st February – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Monday 22nd February – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Wednesday 24th February – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Thursday 25th February – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Saturday 27th February – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Sunday 28th February – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Tuesday 1st March – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Wednesday 2nd March – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Friday 4th March – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Saturday 5th March – Available at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm

Departures (Fiesta Americana Condesa – Cancun Airport)

Thursday 25th February – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Friday 26th February – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Sunday 28th February – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Monday 29th February – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Wednesday 2nd March – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Thursday 3rd March – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Saturday 5th March – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Sunday 6th March – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Tuesday 8th March – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Wednesday 9th March – Available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm

$25 per person, each way (includes taxes)

Please allow at least 45minutes from your flight landing time to the shuttle departure time. In the event of any delays or cancellations, please ensure you contact Tropical Incentives at least 24hours in advance; if Tropical Incentives are not informed within 24hours full cancellation charges will apply.

Upon arrival at the airport, please exit the terminal building and look for ‘Fusion Conferences’ signage where a member of Tropical Incentives team will greet you and escort you to the group transportation.

Please contact Tropical Incentives directly to enquire or make a booking.

Group booking Code: Fusion
Contact: Francisco Mora
Telephone: 998-193-3940 ext 158
Email: guestservices@ticancun.com

Private Transportation

Tropical Incentives also offer a private transfer service for those travelling outside of the available shuttle dates/times mentioned above. The private transfer service vehicles can accommodate a maximum of 6 persons, plus luggage.

$75 per vehicle, each way (includes taxes)

In the event of any delays or cancellations, please ensure you contact Tropical Incentives at least 24hours in advance; if Tropical Incentives are not informed within 24hours full cancellation charges will apply.

Upon arrival at the airport, please exit the terminal building and look for ‘Fusion Conferences’ signage where a member of Tropical Incentives team will greet you and escort you to your transportation.

Please contact Tropical Incentives directly to enquire or make a booking.

Group booking Code: Fusion
Contact: Francisco Mora
Telephone: 998-193-3940 ext 158
Email: guestservices@ticancun.com

** Please note that Fusion Conferences is not responsible for any bookings made with Tropical Incentives as transportation is not included in the registration package **

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Local Activities

Half Day Activities 

Tropical Incentives are a reputable and reliable company offering a variety of fascinating trips and excursions for either a half or full day. To make an enquiry please contact Francisco Mora at Tropical Incentives or alternatively, if you would like to proceed with a booking (individual/group) please follow the link below which will take you directly to an online booking facility giving details of tours available.

Contact: Francisco Mora
Email: guestservices@ticancun.com

http://www.tropicalincentives.com/form_gpos/sales/cancun/2016/fusion-conference/

Our half day tours can be booked during the conference period between the available free times scheduled in the programme. The half day tours are available to both individual and group bookings.

The following activities are available at Aquaworld which is based in the Marina directly opposite the Fiesta Americana Condesa hotel and therefore no transportation is necessary.

Aquatwister

Experience Aquaworld’s ultimate tour adventure on board a high speed jet boat ride, Aquatwister. This is a roller coaster of manoeuvres orchestrated by a highly skilled captain and drivers on board and provides an amazing combination of nature, emotion, fun and adrenaline in one adventure.

Duration: 30 minutes
Please be at the marina 30 minutes in advance of activity.
Capacity: 20 persons per boat
Price: $69.60 per person
Dock fee: $8 (cash)
Gratuity: $5

Inclusive of:
Lockers, Life jackets and bottled water

Sky Ridder

Live this exciting experience flying in couples over the Caribbean Sea and experiencing an amazing aerial view.

Duration: 30-40 minutes includes 10 minute flying time at an altitude of 100mtrs
Please be at the Aquaworld hut (located by the hotel pool) 15 minutes in advance of activity.
Capacity: Maximum 8 person per boat
Price: $63.80 per couple
Gratuity: $5

Inclusive of:
10 minutes flying time, life jackets and bottled water

*Bathing suit, towel, shorts, T-shirts, sandals or wet shoes, sunglasses and water camera recommended.
*Service charge of $5 for any lost locker keys
*Biodegradable suntan lotion is only permitted on the reef

Jungle Tour

Enjoy this fascinating adventure, driving a Jet Ski boat for 2 persons through the mangroves of Nichupte Lagoon, explore the wonders of Cancun’s jungle and the exotic wild life and admire the colourful sea life while you snorkel at one of the greatest coral reefs in Punta Nizuc.

Duration: 2:30 hrs. (45 minutes each way driving and 40 minutes for snorkelling)
Please be at the marina 30 minutes in advance of activity.
Capacity: 2 persons per boat
Price: $69.60 (Single persons would pay full boat rate)
Dock Fee and Reef tax: $11 (cash)
Gratuity: $5

Inclusive of:
1x Guide per 10 persons
Aquaray speed boat for 2 persons
Snorkel Equipment (new snorkelling gear, life vest, mask, fins)
Jungle Tour
Dressing Room, Showers and Lockers
Bottled water
TI Staff present

*Bathing suit, towel, shorts, T-shirts, sandals or wet shoes, sunglasses and water camera recommended.
*Biodegradable suntan lotion is only permitted on the reef

Wave Runner

Drive and Speed on board of a 700 Yamaha wave runner across the Caribbean Sea.

Duration: 30 minutes
Please be at the Aquaworld hut (located by the hotel pool) 15 minutes in advance of activity.
Price: $63.80 (Single persons would pay full boat rate)
Gratuity: $5

Inclusive of:
1 Guide per 10 persons
Life jackets and lockers
Bottled water

*Bathing suit, towel, shorts, T-shirts, sandals or wet shoes, sunglasses and water camera recommended.
**Biodegradable suntan lotion is only permitted on the reef**

Sub See

An extraordinary way to admire the marine life and the reef’s ecosystem without getting wet! Be part of this unique adventure on board The Sub See Explorer, a glass bottom boat like a yellow submarine with huge glass panels on the sides, from where you will be able to watch the multi-coloured species of the Scorpion´s coral reef.

Duration: 2 hrs.
Please be at the marina 30 minutes in advance of activity
Capacity: Boat can hold 66 passengers
Price: $46.40 per person
Dock Fee and Reef tax: $10
Gratuity: $5

Inclusive of:
Boat transportation on board of Reef Express
Specialized Guides
Beverages (Beer, Soft Drinks and water)
Bottled Water
TI Staff present

*Bathing suit, towel, shorts, T-shirts, sandals or wet shoes, sunglasses and water camera recommended.
**Biodegradable suntan lotion is only permitted on the reef**

Full Day Activities

To make an enquiry or booking (individual/group), please contact Francisco Mora at Tropical Incentives.

Francisco Mora
Email: guestservices@ticancun.com

A Tropical Incentive representative will also be available during the conference period at the hotel, so should you have any questions about a booked tour you can always ask upon arrival or at any time during your stay.

Our full day tours are offered pre and post conference dates. If you require any additional nights at the Fiesta Americana Condesa due to a full day excursion, please ensure you book these in advance to avoid disappointment. The full days tours are available to both individual and group bookings.

Tulum And Playa Del Carmen Shopping Tour

Our journey begins in the magical ancient Tulum Archaeological Zone, discovered by John L. Stephens in 1842. Perched on top of a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, it is the only entire walled in-group of Mayan Ruins ever discovered. Under the advice of an official English speaking tour guide, the group will go around the structures getting the history and spirit of the Mayans. Afterwards we head Playa del Carmen, an authentic Mexican town, popular because of its beautiful beaches with turquoise water colour and the famous 5th Avenue where the participants will browse around the shops aside to explore. All kind of typical items, handcrafts, pottery, typical rugs most of them hand made by top artisans, fine boutiques selling everything imaginable. A unique experience! A group lunch can be arranged in one of the restaurants or it can be at leisure.

Ek Balam and Cenote

Visit the archaeological site of Ek-Balam. Ek Balam means Bright Star Jaguar in Maya language. This ancient Maya city had its glory before Chichen Itza. This archaeological site is one of the latest attractions because of its most recent restoration. Discover the mysterious Maya Cenote, enjoy its beautiful natural formations and great natural pool of 80m diameter. During the tour you will see different Maya communities. Take home your memories with the beautiful photographs taken by native photographers during the activities.

Sea Passion Catamaran

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is one of the Mexican Caribbean’s favourite destinations. Sail the beautiful turquoise bay from Cancun to Isla Mujeres aboard the Sea Passion I or Sea Passion III, a one-of-a-kind 75 & 60 foot maxi-catamarans, designed for passenger comfort. Enjoy a sail and snorkelling in the National Marine Park. Relax. In the full day activity the participants will have the opportunity to disembark in the Island. You can enjoy exquisite dining at the Beach Club “ElPescador” and the overwhelming views of the turquoise ocean decorated by coconut palm trees and hammocks.

Selvatica Extreme Canopy Tour

Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, only 35 minutes form Cancun’s International Airport. Over 250 acres of Tropical Jungle, in Selvatica you will be able to experience a unique adventure in the longest zip-line circuit  in North America, recognized by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of the 35 great adventures in the World, divided in 12 zip lines varying in lengths and heights from 270 ft. to over 2,000 ft, it will make you fly over the jungle. Take a ride on a military vehicle through the jungle to get to the millenary natural cenote. With crystal and pristine waters you will be able to swim choosing between a water zip line or the diving platform. Live this unique and exciting adventure and feel the emotion and adrenaline running through your body.

Coba

Deep in the heart of the Quintana Roo jungle and only 24 miles from southwest of Tulum, approximately 2 1/2 south of Cancun is COBA, an archaeological site that dates from the Classis period. Unlike other Mayan sites in Quintana Roo, Coba was still occupied after the Spanish Conquest. 
This incredible Site once occupied an area of almost 100 square kilometers (60 st. miles). The pyramid of Nohoch Mul-43 meters (130  ft.) high-is the tallest pre-Hispanic structure in the Yucatan peninsula. The main pyramids are the Coba Group, near the entrance, Las Pinturas (The Paintings), named because of the colour still visible on the arches; the Macanxoc, located next to Macanxoc Lake; and Chumuc Mul, the main stucco pyramid which still contains its original colour. 
After a very cultural tour, be prepared to enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the magic restaurants of the area.

For further details on the above and other tours available please contact Tropical Incentives where Francisco Mora or an alternative representative will be happy to assist you.

Contact: Francisco Mora
Email: guestservices@ticancun.com

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Childcare

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Oral Presenters

Once registered for the conference you will be able to submit your abstract online and monitor the status through your Fusion account. Please use the abstract template provided and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length. Any abstracts exceeding this size may be cut short during print.

Oral Presentations

We have a number of oral opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for an oral presentation, please submit your abstract within the Talk Deadline. Please check the conference programme carefully to note your presentation time (inclusive of Q&A) should you be accepted for an oral presentation.

We recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches as regular programme updates will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab on the conference page.

If you have prepared some slides to compliment your presentation please ensure you bring these with you on a USB or portable file saving device.

Those presenting on the first day, please email your slides to us so we can have everything prepared and ready for the first session. Please email your slides to:powerpoint@fusion-conferences.com

Flash Presentations

The Flash Session lasts up to 45minutes. This time is evenly divided between all the Flash Presentations that are accepted so your allocated time can range from 3-5 minutes, depending on popularity. The flash session is an extension of the Poster Session and is designed to offer a select few the opportunity to present orally their poster in a more formal, group setting.
To be considered for a flash presentation, please submit your abstract within the Talk Deadline. Abstracts submitted after the Talk Deadline may not be accepted.

Please note, the exact length of your presentation will be noted on the conference programme under the ‘Flash Session’.

At the Conference

On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to the AV team who will be available in the conference room. They will ensure they have everything they need, including your presentation slides or aides. If you have any animations or videos we do advise to run through the presentation with the AV tech just to make sure everything is compatible. We also advise that all speakers make themselves known to the AV tech in the conference room immediately before your session beings. The AV tech will apply your microphone and provide a laser pointer should you have a complimenting presentation. Please note, speakers are not permitted to use their individual laptops, our AV tech will have a master laptop for you to run your presentation from. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to approach our AV tech or a member of the Fusion team. We are here to help!

We would like to ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time slot decreases. 

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Posters

2015 Musculoskeletal Poster Prize

The conference chairs will be awarding 3 poster prizes for the best poster display and presentation. To be in with a chance of winning, submit your poster by 21 November 2014. The winners will be selected shortly after the Poster Session and each winner will receive a $250 cheque!

Once registered for the conference you will be able to submit your abstract online and monitor the status through your Fusion account. Please use the abstract template provided and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length. Any abstracts exceeding this size may be cut short during print.

Poster Presentations

Poster submissions will be accepted up until 21 November 2014. Please check the conference programme carefully to note the poster session date and time. Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation only. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore you will be unable to present your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.

At the Conference

During registration at the conference, if you are presenting a poster please request a poster number from the registration desk. Please do not put up your poster without notifying a member of the Fusion team. Certain adhesive agents are not permitted at some venues therefore; Fusion will be the sole provider of all poster fixings.

You can put up your poster from registration with the help of the Fusion team. Your poster can remain on display for the entire duration of the conference and we ask that you take down your poster on the final day of the meeting. The poster session is usually scheduled on Day 3, but please check the official programme for exact timings. Refreshments will be provided and the poster prizes will be awarded during the conference Gala Night. 

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Conference History

06 Feb 2015, 09 Feb 2015

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun, Mexico

The 2015 Fusion Conference on "Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration", a premier scientific forum for the scientific investigation of the musculoskeletal system, will cover a wide range of topics to encompass basic to translational aspects ...

More Information

24 Feb 2017, 27 Feb 2017

2nd Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration Conference

Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun, Mexico

The 2017 Fusion Conference on "Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration", a premier scientific forum for the scientific investigation of the musculoskeletal system, will cover a wide range of topics to encompass basic to translational aspects ...

More Information

Supported By

Platinum
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Musculoskeletal Development and Regeneration

06 Feb 2015 - 09 Feb 2015

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Catherine K. Kuo
University of Rochester
Rocky Tuan
University of Pittsburgh

Cant see images? See gallery on Flickr