2026 PMSF Family Conference

Presented by Neuren Pharmaceuticals

July 15-19, 2026

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

Aurora, Colorado

The Climb We Make Together

Welcome to the 2026 PMSF Family Conference!

PMSF is excited to welcome you to The Climb We Make Together, PMSF’s thirteenth biennial Family Conference and the largest gathering of the Phelan-McDermid syndrome community.

Over four incredible days, you will connect with other families, engage directly with researchers and clinicians, and find hope in the latest advancements in care and treatment. From scientific sessions to social events, the conference offers something meaningful for everyone.

Hosted at the stunning Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, Colorado, this event brings our community together like no other. We are so grateful to our sponsors and donors for making this life-changing experience possible, and we can’t wait to see you there.

~ The PMSF Conference Planning Committee

Conference Agenda

Explore the full conference agenda to plan your experience, discover inspiring sessions, and connect with the PMS community. From groundbreaking research updates and clinical care discussions to family support, advocacy, and community-building opportunities, the agenda reflects our shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Please note: The agenda is subject to change. We will continue to update this agenda as we get closer to the conference date.

Agenda Overview

The agenda overview below shows large group sessions only, most of which will be in the main ballroom. Breakouts, meet-ups, 1:1s, support groups, and coffee breaks are not shown. The agenda is subject to change.

Conference Session Tracks

Conference sessions and activities are organized into three tracks that reflect the Foundation’s mission: CONNECT, CARE, and CURE, and align with this year’s theme, The Climb We Make Together.

These pillars guide everything we do: supporting families, improving clinical care, and driving research. At the PMSF Family Conference, these goals come together to transform today’s barriers into tomorrow’s breakthroughs, achieving a world where Phelan-McDermid syndrome is treatable and curable and every person and family affected is thriving.

Conference Session Speakers

We are thrilled to welcome an outstanding group of speakers to our 2026 Family Conference. We are honored to bring together leading experts, clinicians, researchers, and advocates whose work continues to advance understanding, care, and progress for individuals and families impacted by Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Click on any of the links below to navigate directly to the answers you need:

Registration Information

Joining the Conference

In-Person Registration Has Closed

Registration for the in-person 2026 PMSF Family Conference is now closed.

If you have already registered, we look forward to welcoming you to The Climb We Make Together in Aurora, Colorado, July 15–19, 2026.

Virtual Registration Remains Open

It’s not too late to join us!

Virtual conference registration will remain open through July 10, 2026. Virtual attendees will have access to livestreamed sessions, including our keynote speaker, leading experts in Phelan-McDermid syndrome, live Q&A opportunities, and more—all from wherever you a

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still register to attend in person?

No. In-person registration is now closed.

Can I still register virtually?

Yes! Virtual registration remains open through July 10, 2026.

What sessions will be livestreamed?

Virtual attendees will have access to select conference sessions, including the keynote presentation, scientific sessions, and live Q&A.

I registered but can no longer attend in person. Can I switch to virtual?

Contact conference@pmsf.org.

Where can I find the conference agenda?

View the full conference agenda here.

How do I access the Whova app?

If you created an account when you registered for the conference, you can log in to your Whova account for our event here. If you are still having trouble, download the app here and search for our event using this invitation code: 8ldns4wsrj.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Email conference@pmsf.org

Hotel Information

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center (Conference Hotel)

The 2026 PMSF Family Conference will take place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

With a water park, family-friendly activities, entertainment, mountain views, and a variety of on-site amenities, the Gaylord Rockies offers a fun and convenient experience for families attending the conference.

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard
Aurora, CO 80019

Conference Schedule Reminder

Conference activities begin Wednesday, July 15.
Sessions will be held all day Saturday, July 18.
An informal breakfast meetup will take place Sunday morning, July 19.

Overflow Hotel Option

While the PMSF room blocks have now concluded, some attendees are staying at nearby hotels.

Element by Marriott Denver International Airport

6672 Tower Road
Denver, CO 80249

Approximately a 6-minute drive from the Gaylord Rockies.

Courtyard by Marriott Denver Airport

6901 Tower Road
Denver, CO 80249

Approximately a 7-minute drive from the Gaylord Rockies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the conference being held?

All conference sessions, meals, exhibits, and events will take place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

What are the conference dates?

Conference activities take place July 15–19, 2026, with educational sessions running through Saturday, July 18, followed by an informal breakfast meetup on Sunday morning.

Do I have to stay at the Gaylord Rockies?

No. You are welcome to stay at any hotel that best meets your family’s needs.

Is the PMSF hotel room block still available?

No. The PMSF room blocks have now closed.

If you still need accommodations, we recommend contacting the Gaylord Rockies or nearby hotels directly to inquire about availability and current rates.

Are there hotels near the conference venue?

Yes. Several hotels are located within a few miles of the Gaylord Rockies, including the Element by Marriott Denver International Airport and Courtyard by Marriott Denver Airport.

What if I'm staying at one of the overflow hotels?

Some attendees are staying at the Element by Marriott Denver International Airport or the Courtyard by Marriott Denver Airport, both located just a few minutes from the Gaylord Rockies.

Is transportation provided between hotels?

No. Attendees are responsible for arranging transportation between their hotel and the conference venue unless otherwise noted for specific programs (such as Rope Team travel assistance recipients).

Is parking available?

Parking is available at the Gaylord Rockies for overnight guests and day visitors. Please refer to the hotel for current parking rates and options.

When should I arrive?

Registration opens Wednesday afternoon, July 15, and we encourage attendees to arrive in time for the Welcome Reception.

Can I arrive early or stay after the conference?

Absolutely! Many families choose to extend their stay and enjoy the Gaylord Rockies or explore the Denver and Aurora area before or after the conference.

Who should I contact if I have hotel or conference questions?

For conference-related questions, please contact conference@pmsf.org

Daycare & Sibling Program Information

Our goal is to help every family participate fully in the conference. Whether your loved one attends daycare, Sibling Camp, or spends time with you throughout the event, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all attendees.

PMSF is pleased to offer professional childcare and sibling programming provided by Plus One Meetings, our trusted childcare partner. Plus One Meetings has supported PMSF Family Conferences since 2018 and brings extensive experience working with children and adults with a wide range of support needs.

Registration for daycare and sibling programs has now closed. If you have questions about an existing reservation or need assistance, please contact conference@pmsf.org

Daycare Options for Individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Available for individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome of all ages.

Experienced Plus One Meetings staff provide individualized care in a safe, engaging environment so caregivers can participate in conference sessions. Support levels are matched to each participant’s needs.

Daycare & Camp Options for Siblings

Age-appropriate care and activities

New for 2026, Sibling Camp gives brothers and sisters their own conference experience through age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, and supervised adventures throughout the Gaylord Rockies Resort. It’s a fun opportunity for siblings to connect with one another while parents attend conference sessions.

Sensory Room

A quiet sensory-friendly space will be available throughout the conference for attendees who may benefit from a calm environment or a break from conference activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides daycare and sibling programming?

All childcare and sibling programming is provided by Plus One Meetings, an experienced conference childcare provider that has partnered with PMSF since 2018.

Can I still register for daycare or sibling programs?

Registration has now closed. Please contact conference@pmsf.org if you have questions about your existing registration.

Who can participate in daycare?

Daycare is available for individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome of all ages who were registered in advance.

What is Sibling Camp?

Sibling Camp is a supervised program designed specifically for siblings attending the conference. Activities include games, crafts, social opportunities, and age-appropriate experiences throughout the resort.

What if my child needs medication or medical support?

Please work directly with the Plus One Meetings team prior to the conference regarding medications, medical equipment, or other specialized care needs.

Is there an opportunity to meet the daycare staff before the conference begins?

Yes! Families with children enrolled in daycare are encouraged to attend our Daycare Meet & Greet on Wednesday, July 15, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. in Red Rocks 8 & 9. This is a great opportunity to meet the Plus One Meetings staff, become familiar with the childcare space, ask questions, and help your child feel comfortable before programming begins.

Rope Team Travel Assistance Fund

Because No One Should Climb Alone

A rope team is a group of climbers tied together with a rope so they can protect each other while climbing steep and dangerous slopes. In the Phelan-McDermid syndrome community, we are a rope team, connected by shared experiences, challenges, and hope. Just like a mountain climbing team, we ensure no one is left behind.

Inspired by this year’s theme, The Climb We Make Together, the Rope Team Travel Assistance Fund helps ensure that financial barriers do not prevent families from attending the PMSF Family Conference.

Applications for the 2026 Rope Team Travel Assistance Fund are now closed, and recipients have been notified.

The Rope Team Travel Assistance Fund is made possible by the DeFlorio family and other generous supporters of the PMSF community.

“We were very honored to make this gift to PMSF. We understand the everyday challenges all families face living with Phelan-McDermid syndrome and wanted to help ease some of the financial burden of attending the conference. It is very important to us that any family wanting to attend is able to do so and can focus on enjoying the experience and, most importantly, spending time together with other families.”

– The DeFlorio Family

Additional Guide to Funding

Resources to Help You Attend the PMSF Family Conference

We know that attending the PMSF Family Conference can be a life-changing experience, but travel and registration costs can be prohibitive. The below information provides a list of funding resources and helpful tips for families in the United States who are seeking financial support to attend.

If you know of additional funding sources, please contact us at conference@pmsf.org.

Guide to Preparing Your Funding Application

You may use our sample letter or follow the tips below to write your own request for funding. These suggestions are meant as a guideline to help you share your family’s story and goals clearly and effectively.