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

Conference Registration

Registration for the 2026 PMSF Family Conference opened January 12, 2026. We encourage families to review the information below before registering to understand what’s included, pricing options, and what happens after you sign up.

Once you complete conference registration, you’ll receive links to reserve your hotel room at the PMSF conference rate and to register separately for daycare or sibling programs, if needed.

The PMSF hotel room block is currently sold out for several nights of the conference. We are in the process of securing an additional, smaller block at a nearby hotel and will share those details as soon as they become available.

Please note: Sessions will be held all day Saturday, July 18. There will be an informal breakfast meetup on Sunday, July 19 to say your farewells.

Helpful Registration Tutorials

Want a step-by-step walkthrough? These short videos will guide you through each part of the registration process.

Step 1: Conference Registration
- How to Register for the 2026 PMSF Family Conference: A step-by-step walkthrough of conference registration using Whova, including pricing options and what happens after you register.
Step 2: Hotel Reservation (The Gaylord Rockies is currently sold out for several nights of the conference)
- We are in the process of securing an additional, smaller block at a nearby hotel and will share those details as soon as they become available. In the meantime, please feel free to explore hotels in the surrounding area. There are several hotels located within two to three miles of the Gaylord Rockies.
Step 3: Daycare & Sibling Programs
- How to Register for Daycare and Sibling Programs: This video walks through the daycare and sibling program registration process and explains available support options.

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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 on-site amenities, the Gaylord Rockies offers a fun and convenient experience for families attending the conference.

6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019

Please note:

Sessions will be held all day Saturday, July 18.
An informal breakfast meetup will take place on Sunday, July 19.

The PMSF room block at the Gaylord Rockies is currently sold out for several nights of the conference. We have secured an additional nearby hotel option for attendees and will continue sharing updates as availability changes.

Overflow Hotel Option

Element by Marriott Denver International Airport

6672 Tower Road, Denver, CO 80249
Approximately 6 minutes from the Gaylord Rockies

After completing conference registration, attendees will receive a confirmation email with booking links, including the overflow hotel option.

This short video walks you through reserving your room at the Gaylord Rockies and explains important details about the conference hotel block. Watch: How to Book Your Hotel Using the PMSF Room Block

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center FAQ

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Daycare & Sibling Program Information

PMSF is pleased to offer daycare and sibling camp experiences provided by Plus One Meetings, our trusted childcare partner. Plus One Meetings has supported PMSF conferences since 2018 and brings extensive experience working with children and adults with diverse support needs.

Registration links are provided in your conference registration confirmation email.

After completing conference registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the link to book your hotel room using the PMSF conference rate.

Watch: How to Register for Daycare and Sibling Programs

This video explains the available support options, caregiver ratios, and how to complete daycare or sibling program registration after you register for the conference.

Daycare Options for Individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Available for Phelan-McDermid syndrome individuals of all ages

Daycare & Camp Options for Siblings

Age-appropriate care and activities

NEW for 2026: Sibling Camp offers siblings their own engaging conference experience, combining structured camp-style programming with supervised participation in activities across the Gaylord Rockies resort. While parents attend conference sessions, siblings can connect with peers, build friendships, and enjoy a variety of fun and age-appropriate activities led by experienced Plus One Meetings staff.

Sensory Room

Not sure which option is right for your family? Our team is happy to help. Contact conference@pmsf.org.

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.

The application window for the Rope Team Travel Assistance Fund closed on April 10. Grant recipients will be notified on April 24. Please email conference@pmsf.org with questions.

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.