MainStage: Saturday 2026
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10:45 The future of family starts here- Opening Address
MC: Nikki Dwyer
Opening: Tracey Horan, Catriona Fitzpatrick (Irelands National Infertility Support and information Group) & Jakub Dejewski (European Fertility Society) & Nikki Dwyer
Welcome to the future of fertility, where science, care, and patient experience meet. This opening session sets the stage for a day of insight and exploration, introducing key themes in fertility, reproductive health, and family-building. Attendees will hear from leading experts about the evolving landscape of fertility care, the latest innovations, and the human stories that guide decisions, offering inspiration, context, and clarity for the conversations ahead.
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11:15am: Endometriosis & Fertility: From Diagnosis to Treatment
MC: Nikki Dwyer
Panellists: Dr Rahi victory, Ernesto Vazquez, MUDr. Lucie Švabíková & Ellen Roche
Endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids are common diagnoses — but their impact on fertility is often complex and deeply individual. This panel looks beyond the label to explore how these conditions affect ovulation, implantation, egg quality, and pregnancy outcomes. Experts will discuss current treatment approaches, fertility planning strategies, and when to seek specialist care, offering practical, evidence-based guidance for those navigating conception with an existing diagnosis.
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12:15 pm: The Immune Factor: When the Body Shapes Fertility
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Dr. Abraham Zavala & Dr. Panagiotis Venieratos
Your immune system can be an invisible player in fertility. This panel unpacks how it can affect conception, implantation, and pregnancy, and what can be done to tip the balance in your favor. With expert insight and practical guidance, attendees will gain a clear, patient-first understanding of the hidden forces that shape reproductive outcomes.
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1 :00 PM: Alex Murphy & Paul Klein: Fighting “Unexplained” Infertility
MC: Claire McKenna
Dancing on Ice star Alex Murphy and her husband Paul Klein know firsthand how heartbreaking “unexplained” infertility can be. After failed IVF cycles, specialized testing revealed Alex’s immune system was rejecting Paul’s DNA — a hidden barrier no standard test had detected. Now undergoing LIT therapy, the couple shares their emotional journey, the breakthroughs and setbacks, and the lessons they’ve learned about trusting instincts, seeking specialized care, and shining a light on immunological challenges in fertility.
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1:45 PM: From Donation to Family
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Dr Francisco Anaya, Clare Mansfield & Adela Minks Šašková
Eggs, sperm, and embryos — donor options can open the door to parenthood, but every journey comes with medical, legal, and emotional considerations. This panel explores how donation works in practice, from screening and matching to legal protections, while centering the experiences of donors and intended parents alike. Attendees will gain insight, clarity, and guidance on making informed, ethical choices that honour both science and story.
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2:45 PM: Understanding Surrogacy: Care, Consent, and Support
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Tracey Horan & Dr. Rahi Victory
This panel offers a patient-first overview of surrogacy, focusing on the medical, legal, and emotional care involved at every stage. From screening and consent to pregnancy and post-birth support, our experts will explain how surrogacy works in practice, the protections in place for surrogates and intended parents, and how ethical standards support safe, informed journeys. Designed for those considering surrogacy and the professionals who support them, this session brings clarity to a complex process.
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3:45pm: Building the Best Start
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Jemma Henry RD, Andrew Coutts & Pauline O’Hagan
Preparing for pregnancy is a team effort — and it starts before conception. This panel brings together experts in nutrition, fertility, and holistic support to explore how both partners can optimize health, lifestyle, and wellbeing to boost fertility. From diet and stress management to male reproductive health and complementary therapies, attendees will gain practical, evidence-based strategies to give their future family the best possible start. -

4:45pm: European Fertility Society Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme (PCCCP) Ceremony
An exclusive ceremony dedicated to the Patient-Centred Care Clinic Programme (PCCCP), recognizing clinics committed to excellence in patient-focused reproductive healthcare. The European Fertility Society honours participating clinics for their dedication to high standards of care, transparency, and continuous improvement in the patient experience. This ceremony highlights best practices and leadership in advancing truly patient-centred fertility care.
Main Stage: Sunday 2026
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10:45 AM: The Surrogacy Journey
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Tracey Horan, Dr Rahi Victory, Naia Adamia
Before turning to IVF, there are essential steps to consider that could improve your chances of conceiving. This panel reveals the role of thyroid health, dietary changes, mental preparation, and key fertility tests that can provide a clearer picture of your reproductive health. Join our panel of experts as they guide you through these foundational steps, offering practical advice to optimize your fertility journey and increase your chances of success. Perfect for anyone looking to take control of their fertility path.
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11:45 PM: Later Than Planned, Right on Time- Navigating Fertility in Later Parenthood
Panellists: Mary Lally, Dr. Alper Erslan & Dr. Alicia Saborit
Join our expert panel for an honest and supportive conversation about pursuing parenthood later in life. Together, we’ll explore how age can influence fertility in both women and men, discuss current medical and holistic options, and address the emotional realities that often accompany this journey. Bring your questions and leave with practical insights, clarity, and renewed confidence — because your path to parenthood can still be right on time.
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12:45 PM: Genetic Testing, The Microbiome & Beyond: Sorting the Science
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Dr Ahmed Omar, Dr Anthony Rafferty & Merve Sarigul
Fertility testing can feel like a sea of options — from genetic screening to microbiome analysis, it’s hard to know what’s truly useful. This panel cuts through the noise, exploring which tests are evidence-based, which provide meaningful insights, and which may not impact your fertility journey. Experts will break down the science, share practical guidance, and help patients and professionals make informed decisions in a landscape that’s growing ever more complex.
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1:45PM: Nurturing the Beginning
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Dr Lyuda Shkrobot, Aisling O’Regan, Caoimhe McGlinchey
The earliest weeks of pregnancy are full of hope — and questions. This panel explores best practices for early pregnancy care, covering monitoring, lifestyle considerations, and strategies to support a healthy start for both parent and baby. Experts will provide guidance on recognizing warning signs, optimizing wellbeing, and navigating the emotional and medical aspects of these crucial first weeks. Designed for patients and professionals alike, this session helps lay a strong foundation for a safe and confident pregnancy journey. -

2:45 PM: To Freeze or Not to Freeze
MC: Claire McKenna
Panellists: Dr Harry Karpouzis, Alexia Mannee & Dr Uliana Dorofeyeva
Eggs or embryos — which should you freeze, and when? This panel cuts through the confusion, exploring the medical, emotional, and practical considerations of fertility preservation. Experts will break down the differences, explain timing and success rates, and guide attendees through the choices that can shape future family-building with confidence.
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3:40 PM When Implantation Fails
MC: Helena Tuburdy
Panellists: Dr Florencia Steinvarcel, Dr Daniel Alexander & Clare Healy
This panel takes a closer look at the very earliest stages of pregnancy, focusing on implantation — the moment when an embryo should attach and begin to grow. Experts will explore why implantation sometimes doesn’t occur, covering medical, biological, and immune-related factors that can influence success. Attendees will learn about current testing and treatment options, practical strategies to support implantation, and the latest research aimed at improving outcomes.
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4:20 PM Behind the Sperm: Understanding Male Infertility
Panellists: Mandy Leslie, Marian Ó Tuama & Conor Moehle
Description goes hereMale factor infertility contributes to nearly half of all fertility challenges, yet it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. This panel brings together experts to unpack what’s really happening “behind the sperm” — from sperm count, motility, and morphology to hormones, lifestyle, age, and underlying health conditions. We’ll explore testing, treatment options, and practical steps men can take to support reproductive health, while opening up an honest conversation about the emotional impact of male infertility.