Diabetes Connections presents:
Moms' Night Out
October 25-26, 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton -Cherry Hill | Philadelphia
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Moms' Night Out Philadelphia Conference Report
Our last event of 2024!
We headed to the suburbs of Philadelphia for our last Moms’ Night Out of 2024 and our 7th overall!
The entire event took place at DoubleTree by Hilton -Cherry Hill | Philadelphia on October 25-26, 2024. It became our home base for a weekend filled with connection, education, and a whole lot of fun.
The event began with a bubbly welcome toast as we opened our vendor fair, where attendees got up close with the latest in diabetes technology. Medtronic, Tandem, Omnipod and twiist showcased their cutting-edge pump systems, while Sanofi helped educate on screening for type 1 diabetes, and Gvoke and Baqsimi provided insights into emergency glucagon use.
The “check-ins” have become one of our most requested features at MNO! Attendees signed up in advance for quick, 15-minute one-on-one sessions with diabetes educators Alicia Downs, CDCES of Integrated Diabetes Services and Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES of Finding Smiles Coaching, ensuring they left with fresh insights and tailored advice.
Cocktails and Crafts is always a hit – attendees make friendship bracelets and enjoyed “Cos-MOM-politans” and other yummy drinks.
For our Friday speaker, we had the always amazing Kerri Sparling, author of Six Until Me and long-time T1D advocate.
After the panels, we had our raffles for Kendra Scott jewelry, two night at the hotel for a future visit, and Stacey’s books. Then we had our very first Moms’ Night Out After Dark!
Thanks to Omnipod, we kept the party going until 10pm. A photo booth and the open bar helped everyone have fun.
With coffee in hand, we kicked off Saturday morning with a power-packed session on emergency low blood glucose treatment. Ken Rodenheiser, CDCES joined Stacey for this critical conversation, sponsored by Gvoke, covering real-life strategies for handling lows with confidence.
Next up was our Ask Me Anything panel featuring Ken, Kerri and Stacey. No topic was off-limits—independence, fears, sports, alcohol—you name it, we tackled it! The raw honesty and shared experiences made this one of the most powerful sessions of the weekend.
After our closing photos, as usual, no one wanted to leave! I love the conversations we have at the end of Moms’ Night Out, when everyone is lingering. It’s the best.
What a way to end our 2024 events. Can’t wait to see you in 2025!
What To Expect
Full schedule below (see FAQs)
Exhibitor fair
learn about the latest in insulin pumps, CGM, and meter technology as well as diabetes management options.
Cocktails & Crafts: engage in a fun, hands-on activity while you get to know other moms. Enjoy signature cocktails and/or non-alcoholic drinks.
Dinner is included
Meet new friends and catch up with those you already know around a great meal you don’t have to cook (or carb-count)
Coffee and breakfast Saturday morning
Our speaker Saturday morning will send you home with practical advice to address the unique challenges we moms face.
All attendees will receive a swag bag full of freebies
Speakers
Kerri Sparling
Kerri Sparling is a writer, poet and speaker who has dedicated her life to the power of the patient narrative. Best known for the blog and book, “SixUntilMe,” she is the author of “Balancing Diabetes” and “Rage Bolus and other poems.” Kerri has lived with type 1 for 38 years.
Ken Rodenheiser
Kenny Rodenheiser is a dynamic Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with a robust nursing background. With extensive experience in diabetes management and education, Kenny is deeply involved in the diabetes community, advocating for and supporting individuals living with diabetes through professional and volunteer efforts. He has also served in leadership roles in both professional and volunteer settings. Kenny currently serves on the Board of Directors for Children with Diabetes and is always excited to get involved in the diabetes community.
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Check-In with our Experts
A check-in at Moms’ Night Out is your chance to sit down with an endocrinologist or diabetes educator and “check-in” with any questions you may have about T1D management. You should always bring any management changes to your child’s healthcare team, but these consultations will be reassuring and helpful.
When check-in signups open, an email will go out ONLY to those registered for that city. Slots are limited and will go quickly.
Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES
Anna is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and has a masters in social work. She was diagnosed with type 1 while in kindergarten and now heads up Finding Smiles Coaching. Anna is most passionate about family dynamics, burnout, and navigating the transition towards adulthood.
Alicia Downs, RN, MSN, CDCES, BC-ADM
Alicia is the Director of Patient Care and Education for Integrated Diabetes Services. Alicia lives with type 1 and is passionate about advocating for the needs of patients, whether it be in overcoming insurance restrictions, obtaining community resources, or coordinating with school systems and medical providers.
The Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia is conveniently located within seven miles of Center City Philadelphia, we’re six miles from Philadelphia Convention Center and a 20-minute drive from Philadelphia International Airport PHL. Our hotel offers incredible views of the city skyline and Cooper River Park.
About Your Host
Stacey Simms is the host of the long-running and award-winning podcast, Diabetes Connections. She is the author of “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom, Real-Life Stories of Parenting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes,” and the upcoming “STILL The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom.”
Stacey’s son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just before he turned two, back in 2006; she’s been sharing her family’s experience with T1D ever since.
She has been featured in almost every diabetes publication and outlet including: Diabetes Self-Management and Diabetes Forecast magazines, Beyond Type 1, JDRF, Diabetes Daily, Healthline, DiaTribe, T1D Everyday Magic and more.
Contact Us
FAQs
This is a conference designed for mothers of children with diabetes, with a focus on type 1. We will not turn any adult in the diabetes community away, but all of our programming is geared to moms. Please, no children in the conference space, this is meant to be a relaxing kid-free respite.
Friday:
3:30pm Doors open, get your swag bag!
3:30-6pm Vendor Fair
3-6pm Check-Ins with educators (advance signups)
5-6:30pm Cocktails & Crafts
6:30pm Dinner & Opening keynote
8pm – Socialize and hang out!
Saturday:
9am Coffee & Breakfast
9:30am Panel
10:30 Closing keynote
11:30 Photos & goodbye!
Relax & socialize before you head back home
No, but we urge you to do so! Part of the fun (and learning) at this conference is about being away from your children with diabetes, something we moms rarely get to do. Staying at the hotel is not required, but there will be informal socializing there after dinner and in the morning that you won’t want to miss.
No. The only groups that are allowed to hand out literature and/or demonstrate products are those with an agreement with us. There are lots of lower-cost options. Please let us know if you’re interested.
We will adhere to all local and state laws, rules, and regulations to reduce the risk of spreading COVID. We encourage everyone who is eligible to be fully vaccinated. We strongly encourage everyone to self-test with a rapid antigen test before coming to the conference.
We’d love to take this show on the road! Reach out at info@diabetes-connections.com and let us know where we should go next!
