The 2012 WSA National Convention

INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE

Williams Syndrome
Insights from Genetics, Neuroscience & Cardiovascular Medicine
July 2-3, 2012
Sheraton-Boston Hotel, Boston, MA
DETAILS

&

NATIONAL CONVENTION

LET YOUR COLORS BURST 
July 3-7, 2012
Sheraton-Boston Hotel, Boston, MA

Convention overview

Where?
The Sheraton-Boston is in the heart of the city - connected to two premier shopping malls and just steps away from the boutiques and fine restaurants on Newbury Street, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Charles River - where the famous Boston fireworks display and Boston Pops Concert are held on July 4th.

WSA Room rates at the Sheraton begin at $129 - $139 per night
You can make your hotel reservation online or call 617-236-2000. (Be sure to ask for the WSA National Convention room block.)  We have been able to expand our room block to include Junior Suites at $179.00 per night, click here to book a Junior Suite.

What? 
We know we are asking you to spend your 4th of July holiday with us, and we promise to make the 2012 Convention a vacation to remember!  From great educational sessions to wonderful entertainment, and opportunities to enjoy Boston, we'll do our best to make the 2012 Convention a wonderful way to celebrate!  And it's not just the anniversary of our countries independence - the WSA will also be celebrating 30 years of providing support to individuals with Williams syndrome and their families.  We hope you can join us!

The WSA national convention will bring more than 1200 family members, teachers, therapists and physicians interested in learning more about Williams Syndrome to Boston.  Additionally, the WSA sponsored, International Professional Conference held July 1 - 3 at the Sheraton will bring esteemed experts in WS Research from around the world to the Sheraton.

The convention:

• Features more than 50 educational workshops on a wide variety of topics pertinent to raising a child with Williams syndrome from infancy to adulthood
• Offers clinical research participation opportunities for individuals with Williams syndrome of all ages
• Enables parents to learn from each other in interactive panel presentations and networking sessions
• Provides enrichment opportunities for individuals with Williams syndrome
• Increases medical and educational knowledge of WS among parents and professionals
• Increases community awareness of Williams syndrome
• Provides separate programming for:
  • youth with WS ages birth thru 6 or 7 and their siblings in the same age group - in a hotel child care setting - $110 per child (all days)
  • youth with WS ages 7 thru 12 and their same age group siblings - at the hotel on July 3 and July 7 and to Camp Ponkiwanee on July 4 - 6.  Children will travel to the camp location each day by bus for a camp program which will be directed by Camp Fire USA and the WSA summer camp recreation staff - $175 per child (inlcudes all days of programming and transportation and lunch for camp days)
  • teens with WS and their teenage siblings - will participate in daily off-site excursions $150 per teen (all days, includes excursions)
  • WSA GANG, will divide their time between sessions conducted on site and excursions to nearby attractions - $150 (all days, includes excursions)
  • WSA Dream Team, will divide their time between sessions conducted on site and excursions to nearby attractions $125 (all days, includes excursions)

Programs for Parent and Professionals

Keynote speakers:
David Hira - Magical Motivational Speaker
Thomas Armstrong, author of "Seven Kinds of Smart" & "Neurodiversity"
Theresa Varnet - Renowned special needs attorney and expert on "Planning for a Lifetime"
Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian, authors of "Shut Up About Your Perfect Kids"

50+ breakout sessions on medical, and educational topics as well as finance, housing and much more.

Evening Entertainment
Our entertainment committee is hard at work preparing activities throughout the convention dates that everyone will enjoy. 

We're working on special programming and entertainment for July 4th which will provide a variety of great ways to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the fireworks - both outdoors and indoors (for those with sensitive ears!).  

How (to get there)?
Travel to Boston is easy by car, bus, train or plane.
The Sheraton is just 20 minutes from Logan Airport, and easily accessible by cab or shuttle from the airport

Registration Fees

Educational programmng for Adults (includes sessions for adult registrant and continental breakfast for all family members in attendance)

Programs for Individuals with WS and their siblings

Scholarships
Scholarship funding is available for WSA members.  Awards are "needs based" and can be used to offset all WSA fees and (in some cases) additional expenses.  Award amounts will vary from $110 to $1,250.  Scholarship applications and supporting documents must be submitted by April 2nd, 2012.  You are encouraged to reserve your hotel room now, and submit your convention registration as early as possible if you are planning to attend.  Do NOT wait for award notifications.  Click below for your application.

WSA CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (.doc format)
WSA CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (.pdf format)

Hotel Rates

• WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!