The unifying theme of the conference will be "Ca" as a modulator of contractility, electrical properties, and pathological phenotypes. This is an exciting time in cardiac research and we will highlight scientists advancing basic knowledge and also translating findings in molecular and cellular biology to the prevention and treatment of cardiac pathology. We will explore how cardiac myocytes regulate global and local Ca and how these changed are transduced into changes in signaling pathways and gene expression. Cell death and repair will also be considered. A goal will be to bring together talented scientists using different approaches to explore far ranging aspects of cardiac regulation. There will be presentations and discussion of specific molecular mechanisms regulating cardiac function with a balance between functional properties of the heart (rate, rhythm and contractility) and signaling mechanisms that control myocyte growth and hypertrophy.