*** IMBA Annual Conference ***
We are delighted to announce that we will be holding the IMBA annual conference on Saturday
25th September in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin.
The event will focus on parents of expecting multiples, parents of multiple babies/toddlers and
also parents of older multiples.
EVENT PROGRAMME
09.00 - 09.30
Registration & Coffee
09.30 – 09.45
Welcome and introduction:
Siobhan Cullen, Chairperson IMBA
09.45 - 10.30
Keynote address:
Dr. Carol Cooper, author of “Twins and Multiple Births: The Essential Parenting Guide from Pregnancy
to Adulthood”, columnist for a variety of medical journals and consumer publications from The
Sun to the Lancet. Honorary consultant in family medicine to TAMBA (UK Twins & Multiple Births
Association)
Questions and Answers
10.30 - 11.00
Coffee break in Exhibition area
11.00 - 13.00
Session 1: The Latest in Multiple News and Views:
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John Sharry, social worker, psychotherapist and life coach, an author of ten books on parenting
and positive psychology, co-developer of the award-winning Parents Plus Programmes and an
international workshop leader and trainer;
Dr. Fionnuala Breathnach, Consultant Obstetrician at the Rotunda Hospital and Lead Researcher
for the Perinatal Ireland ESPRiT (Twins) Study;
Dr. Chris Fitzpatrick, Master of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital and father of
twins;
Rachel Wiffen, Head of TAMBA Northern Ireland.
Questions and Answers
13.00 - 14.00
2.1: Expecting multiples
Session
2:
Parallel
streams
14.00 – 16.00
Networking buffet lunch in Exhibition area
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Survival training: Parents’ top tips from routines to sibling rivalry…
 Ciara McNally and Olivia Leigh, Twin parents, Galway and Dublin Multiples Club
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Feeding options from breast to bottle.
 Catherine McGovern, Dietician, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin
Medical issues from twin to twin transfusion to delivery and DNA testing.
 Dr. Carol Cooper, Twins & Multiple Births Expert
Parents Together Approach and Parenting Multiples
 Dr. Josephine Bleach, Director of Early Learning Initiative, National College of
Ireland.
Questions and Answers
2.2 Multiples age 0-3
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Survival training: Parents’ top tips from weaning to toilet training….
 Judy Buckley and Valerie Maout, Parents of twins, Galway & Cork Multiples Club
Common Speech and language challenges in multiples and how to address them
 Marinet Janse Van Vuren, Bright Stars Speech & Language Clinic
First aid for parents
 Jessie Nolan Burke, RGN
Sibling comparisons: helping parents develop each child as an individual
 Helen Sholdice, Parent/Child Coach and Certified Play Therapist
Questions and Answers
2.3 Multiples Age 3+
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Survival training: Parents’ top tips from discipline to first days at school…
 Eimear & Paul Fogarty, Parents of 4 year old triplets
 Noreen O’Keefe, Parents of 10 year old twins
Parenting challenges from primary to secondary school.
 Michelle Hayes, Primary School Teacher
Multiple development through play
 Deirdre Kavanagh, Play therapist
Caring for yourself and the wider family.
 Margaret Fitzgerald, Parenting Coach
Questions and Answers
16.00 – 16.15
Feedback from participants & Closing Comments
16.15 - 17.00
Final coffee in exhibition area
20.00
Parents’ Night Out (optional)
ALL DAY EXHIBITION
Location: Clarion Hotel
Promotional stands from:
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Breastfeeding experts
Formula companies
Baby equipment suppliers
Many others...
REACHING THE VENUE:
Address:
Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin 22
T: +353 1 625 8000
E-mail::info@clarionhotelliffeyvalley.com
Website: http://www.clariondublinliffeyvalley.com/
Location:
The Clarion Hotel Dublin Liffey Valley is situated on the M50/N4 intersection at Liffey Valley. It
is situated close to the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre which is well serviced by public transport.
There are ample car parking facilities at the Clarion Hotel.
Map:
More detailed instructions on reaching the venue available on hotel website:
http://www.clariondublinliffeyvalley.com/location.html
For details on reaching Liffey Valley by bus, rail or coach please visit the Liffey Valley
Shopping Centre website: http://www.liffeyvalley.ie/getting-here/by-rail.html
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
In keeping with the successful parents’ nights out organised by multiple clubs around the
country, a parents’ night out is being organised for all parents of multiples or even expectant
parents (might be the last in a while ).
If you are interested in joining us please indicate your interest on the registration form and
we will confirm more details closer to the time.
INTERESTED IN STAYING OVER?
A special promotional rate for participants interested in staying over has been organised for
conference attendants.
Accommodation Rates:
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€69 room only for a double room (room only, no breakfast)
€89 B&B for a double room
€89 room only for a family room (1 double bed, 2 single beds)
€119.00 B&B for a family room
If you are interested in staying over please contact the hotel directly (Tel: +353 1 625 8000)
and request the IMBA conference rates when booking.
CONFERENCE RATES
Conference prices have been set as low as possible to cover costs such as catering including
a two course buffet lunch, room and equipment hire etc.
IMBA Members
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One participant:
€40
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Couple
€70
Non Members


One participant:
Couple
€50
€80
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Conference coordinator:
Olivia Leigh, IMBA Committee
Email: imbaconference@gmail.com