DFCon conference

Since 2019, CAP Partner has played a pivotal role in shaping DFCon, the premier conference dedicated to diabetic foot complications. From meticulous event planning to strategic growth initiatives, CAP Partner has been instrumental in DFCon’s evolution. In 2020, DFCon became the launchpad for the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS), with CAP Partner guiding its formation through the initial startup phase and managing its ongoing expansion. Through tailored project management, fundraising, membership growth strategies, and stakeholder engagement, CAP Partner has helped ALPS establish a strong foundation and navigate the complexities of starting a new association complementing a heritage conference like DFCon.

As a European-based organization, CAP Partner has demonstrated flexibility and expertise in adapting to the American healthcare and conference landscape. Working closely with ALPS’ U.S.-based leadership, including its CEO & Board of Directors, CAP Partner provides comprehensive planning and strategic support while ensuring seamless integration with American systems and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the planning and on-ground facilitation of DFCon is supported annually by the conference team at USC, reinforcing the collaborative, cross-continental approach that drives DFCon’s continued success.

Dr. David G. Armstrong captured this sentiment perfectly:

What the client said

“Amateurs’ like me need to go pro, and in order to go pro we have to hook ourselves up with pros and that’s why we have gone to CAP Partner. This has been our partner now for more than a decade, both unofficially and then officially, and to see the difference that’s been made – it’s, people talk about a return on investment, I’m sure that that exists but what really matters is the difference that’s being made in this not just in this exhibit hall but in the lecture hall and outside of lecture hall where CAP Partner makes the biggest difference.”

– Dr. David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Founding President of ALPS

Challenge

Organizing DFCon 2024 presented new challenges and opportunities. The event brought together leading experts in wound care, vascular surgery, podiatry, and related fields, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The 2024 edition was particularly significant, featuring the introduction of a Pre-Conference Workshop (Pre-Con), strategic partnerships, and achieving a record-breaking post-COVID attendance. With CAP Partner’s continued support, ALPS successfully navigated these complexities, strengthening its role as a leader in limb preservation and diabetic foot care.

Key challenges included:

- Navigating Time Differences & Scheduling: As a U.S.-based organization working with a European conference organizer & association manager, time zone differences posed a logistical challenge in scheduling committee meetings, abstract review processes, and coordination with partners
- Stakeholder Management & Engagement: With multiple organizations involved, including the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), the Society for Vascular Nurses (SVN), and the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, effective collaboration was essential to ensure a cohesive and impactful event.
- Increasing Attendance & Participation: Post-pandemic, rebuilding attendance and engagement was a priority, requiring strategic marketing and targeted outreach to key audiences.

Solution

To address these challenges, CAP Partner and ALPS implemented the following initiatives:

Optimized Scheduling & Communication: By leveraging digital collaboration tools and maintaining flexible meeting times, we successfully coordinated across time zones. Regular check-ins and clear documentation streamlined the planning process.
Strategic Stakeholder Management: The inclusion of key partners like the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), the Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN), and the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders strengthened DFCon’s network, reinforcing its status as a must-attend event for wound care professionals.

Enhanced Conference Programming:

Pre-Con to DFCon: In collaboration with AAWC, a hands-on workshop on lower extremity wound care was introduced, providing an interactive start to DFCon 2024.

ALPS Industry Advisory Board Meeting: Development and execution of the ALPS Strategic Partner Meeting to update industry stakeholders on the Society’s progress.

ALPS Health Equity & Advocacy Committee: Led by Cyaandi Dove, DPM, this initiative underscored ALPS’ commitment to addressing disparities in diabetic foot care.

Health Equity Video Series: A collaboration with the Limitless Impact Foundation (LIF) highlighted diverse patient stories and cultural barriers in diabetic foot care.

Boosting Attendance Through Targeted Marketing: A strategic PR and social media campaign successfully attracted over 480 attendees—a new post-pandemic high.

Georgia Krehbiel praised CAP Partner’s impact, stating:

What the client said

“CAP Partner is an amazing organization. Their staff are professional. They’re efficient. They’re always there to work with you. They help you grow your membership, grow your congress. They’re amazing people to work with.”

– Geogia Krehbiel, CEO of ALPS

Outcome

DFCon 2024 was a resounding success, marking several key achievements:

Record Post-COVID Attendance: Over 480 participants attended, reflecting the event’s growing significance.
Nearly 100 Abstracts Submitted: The seamless abstract submission and review process ensured the showcase of high-quality research.
Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration: The Partner Corner and alliance meetings fostered stronger connections among key organizations in wound care.
Successful Launch of Pre-Con Workshop: The hands-on workshop set a new precedent for future DFCon events, emphasizing practical learning.
Elevated Focus on Health Equity: The Health Equity & Advocacy Committee and video series established a strong foundation for addressing disparities in diabetic foot care.

About the collaboration

“At CAP Partner, we are committed to providing strategic project management and association development that empowers organizations like ALPS to grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact. By working closely with ALPS’ leadership and their U.S.-based team, we ensure seamless coordination across time zones, efficient planning, and strong stakeholder engagement. Our collaboration with the dedicated USC conference team has been instrumental in executing DFCon 2024, creating a high-quality, well-organized event that strengthens connections within the limb preservation and the diabetic foot care community.”

– Annkathrin Mathe, Project Manager and ALPS Program Director

Through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and innovative programming, DFCon 2024 solidified its position as a leading limb preservation conference. The collaboration between ALPS and CAP Partner navigated unique challenges to deliver an impactful and high-value event. Looking forward, the success of DFCon 2024 paves the way for continued growth, deeper collaborations, and further advancements in the field of diabetic foot care.