Cleft Con Orlando 2025

July 19, 2025

Cleft Con Orlando 2025

Join the cleft community for Cleft Con Orlando this July! Over the course of a jam-packed weekend, you’ll learn from some of the top experts in the field, make new friends, and hear real talk on the emotional, medical, and logistical issues our community knows so well from others who have been there.

As the world’s largest cleft charity, Cleft Con is vital to Smile Train’s work of educating the public about clefts, driving acceptance, reducing stigma, and promoting the inherent beauty of every face.

We look forward to meeting you and your loved ones and celebrating the important work that the cleft community does every day. Register today and join us in Orlando!

Keynote Session: Campbell Hough

Campbell Hough opens Cleft Con with an empowering keynote about her experiences of growing up with a cleft lip and palate — from facing down childhood challenges to finding her voice and purpose.

With honesty, heart, and a message rooted in self-acceptance, Campbell will invite us to reflect on what it means to show up authentically, not just for ourselves but for the community around us. Her words will set the tone for the day, celebrating resilience, vulnerability, and the beauty of being unapologetically you.

Navigating Insurance and Advocacy – Empowering Families in the Cleft Journey
Speakers: Tiffiny Tyler, Steph Heinz, Monica Bush, Jessica Jones
Moderator: Iva Ballou
Understanding insurance coverage and advocating for the care your child or loved one deserves can be a complex and daunting task. This session will guide you through the ins and outs of insurance policies, how to advocate for essential treatments, and how to access resources to ensure the best possible care. You’ll learn strategies from experts and community leaders on how to overcome common challenges, including denied claims, policy limitations, and the critical role of advocacy in ensuring cleft-affected individuals receive comprehensive care. Whether you're a parent, advocate, or patient, this session will equip you with the tools you need to navigate the system and fight for the care you deserve.

Advocacy & Hollywood – Changing the Narrative of Cleft Representation
Speakers:, Allie Potter, Caitlin Mesiano, Pamela Bolado, Rhys Hudson
Moderator: Troy Reinhart
From Hollywood films to daytime talk shows, the way beauty is defined in the media shapes public perception and self-identity — especially for those with visible differences like clefts. This session will explore the intersection of beauty standards, media representation, and the narratives surrounding cleft-affected individuals. We’ll dive into moments like Wendy Williams’s controversial comments and Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of a cleft-affected character, discussing their impact and the broader implications for authenticity in storytelling. Through discussion and creative exercises, we’ll challenge traditional beauty norms, reimagine representation, and advocate for narratives that celebrate cleft-affected individuals with dignity and accuracy. Whether you’re passionate about media advocacy, a storyteller, or simply seeking better visibility, this session will empower you to push for change in the entertainment industry.

Thriving Through the Teen Years – Navigating the Cleft Journey as a Teenager
Speakers: Hunter Fasse, Delilah Nixon, Parker Frost
Moderator: Steph Strucaly
The teenage years are a time of self-discovery, change, and growing independence — and when you have a cleft, they can come with unique challenges. This session will explore the experiences of teenagers with clefts, focusing on topics like self-acceptance, managing healthcare, and navigating social situations. Teens and other experts will open up about how to embark on the journey with confidence, tackle common struggles, and find strength in your story. Whether you're a teen, parent, or supporter, this session will provide insight and encouragement for those walking the cleft path during this pivotal stage of life.

Beyond the Scar – Cleft Journeys in Their Own Words
Speakers: Johnathan Hornig, Corinne Altrichter, Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross
Moderator: Christine Errico
No two cleft journeys are the same. In this powerful session, members of the cleft community will share their personal stories — all the resilience, challenges, triumphs, and self-discovery included. From navigating surgeries and bullying to embracing their identity and finding confidence, their firsthand experiences highlight the diversity of our community, even in the experiences that unite us. Whether you're looking for connection, encouragement, or a deeper understanding of the cleft experience, these brave speakers remind us all that every journey is unique, but no one walks it alone.

Finding Strength and Connection Through Sibling Experiences
Speakers: Isaac Ballou, Autumn Baker
Moderator: Adina Lescher
Growing up with a cleft-affected sibling is a journey all its own. This session will explore it in-depth, highlighting the experiences of siblings who have walked alongside their cleft-affected brothers and sisters with resilience and understanding, ultimately finding their own voices within the cleft community. Whether you are a sibling, parent, or anyone else seeking insight into the family dynamic, this session will offer perspective, advice, and encouragement on walking the journey together.

Empowering Communication in Cleft & Craniofacial Care
Speakers: Christine Errico, Morgan Estes, Marly Eugenio
Moderator: Iva Ballou
Language shapes perceptions and experiences in cleft care. This session explores the importance of person-first, inclusive language in medical, educational, and advocacy spaces. Inspired by recent discussions in the cleft community, we’ll address concerns about outdated terminology and how to advocate for respectful, empowering communication. Panelists will share insights from speech-language pathology, advocacy, and lived experiences, offering practical strategies to promote positive language and improve the cleft care experience for all.

Supporting Every Sound: Helping Your Child Thrive in Their Speech & Language Journey
Speakers: TBA
Moderator: Sara Horne
Every cleft journey is unique — especially when it comes to speech and language. In this panel discussion, moderated by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), parents and caregivers will share their real-life experiences navigating speech therapy, advocating for their children, and celebrating milestones along the way. Whether you're just starting this journey or have been on it for years, you will leave this session with guidance, encouragement, and practical tips for partnering with your child’s care team and helping your child make their voice heard.

When is Cleft Con Orlando?
Cleft Con Orlando is July 18-20 and will be held at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek.

The conference begins with a Welcome Reception on July 18. Sessions, community building activities, a light breakfast, and lunch will all be hosted at the hotel from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM on July 19. Closing Dinner will be at 7:00 PM that evening.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is located at 14651 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821.

What if I can only attend part of the conference?
No problem! You can let us know which portions you will be joining in the registration form.

How much does it cost to attend the event?
This year, there is a $35 registration fee per family to attend Cleft Con. This fee is charged once per registration and helps support event logistics and programming to ensure a meaningful experience for all attendees. Our goal is to make Cleft Con as accessible as possible—if this fee is cost prohibitive, please reach out to us at [email protected] for assistance.

Who can attend the event?
Cleft-affected individuals and their close connections are invited to attend Cleft Con.

Can children attend the conference?
Children are welcome to attend the conference. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about childcare services.

Will there be food at the event?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided at the conference.

I am traveling for Cleft Con. Where should I stay?
We recommend that non-local attendees stay at The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Use this link to reserve a room in our block.

I’m coming in early or staying late and am interested in Orlando tourist recommendations and advice about how to navigate the city.
Our favorite Orlando tourist recommendations will be included in the Cleft Con Orlando Welcome Packet that you will receive after registration. You are also welcome to reach out to us at [email protected] to discuss individual travel plans any time!

I am unable to attend Cleft Con Orlando. Can I watch it virtually?
This event will not be live-streamed, but we invite you to join our 6th Annual Virtual Global Cleft Con in November.

Will there be a Cleft Con in my city?
We hope to host Cleft Con in cities across the country in the future. We also have our virtual Cleft Con each November and encourage members of the cleft community to join, as there will be speakers and attendees from around the world. That Cleft Con will be held in November.

Do I have to be a Smile Train supporter to attend Cleft Con?
Cleft Con is open to all members of the global cleft community, and you do not need to be a Smile Train supporter to participate.

I would like to serve as a volunteer during Cleft Con.
Great! We have a range of volunteer opportunities available. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more.

There are cleft-related topic(s) that are important to me to address during the program, and I would like to share them with you.
Thank you! We are counting on people like you to help us make Cleft Con a success. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any and all ideas.

Will you be able to accommodate my allergy or dietary need?
Smile Train will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and disabilities. Please share this information when requested in the registration form.

Cleft Con Orlando 2025

Cleft Con Orlando 2025

Keynote Session: Campbell Hough

Friday, July 18

Saturday, July 19

Sunday, July 20