WHAT IS THE WSA NATIONAL CONVENTION?We all learn very quickly that the statement “It takes a village” takes on special meaning when you are parenting a child with challenges. The WSA National Convention helps us to create our personal “village.” It provides a forum for learning - both from experts on the many medical, emotional and cognitive challenges of Williams syndrome, and from parents/caregivers who have been there before us, and are walking the same path now. In short, the convention is the single most powerful tool in your toolbox - providing a wealth of information as well as parent and professional contacts. The Convention also provides an opportunity for both parents/caregivers and those with Williams syndrome to get a glimpse of what’s to come through the many children and adults with WS of ALL AGES who will be in attendance, and everyone makes life-long friendships along the way. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ATTEND?In just four days, you can gather information from others that could take years to gather on your own. WSA conventions provide families an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Williams syndrome from every angle, and network with families from all across the country and abroad. But the convention is also SO MUCH MORE - providing rich programs for your children of all ages as well as entertainment for all! HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? IS FOOD INCLUDED?The WSA works hard to keep family expenses as low as possible - covering more than 45% of the costs internally. Registration includes the grand opening reception, continental breakfasts, and breaks. Other evening activities will be optional and carry additional fees. Hotel fees are extra. The WSA has secured a special convention room rate of $149 plus taxes at the Renaissance for the convention. The rate will be available to attendees between July 9 and July 18 for those who wish to extend their stay to vacation in the area. 2022 Convention Fees Educational Programming for Adults Individual Parent/Caregiver Registration: $450 2 Adults bundled (in same family): $650 Registration includes continental breakfast each day—lunches and dinners are not included Programs for Individuals with WS and their siblings Infant/Toddler: $200 each (includes snacks/does not include lunch) School age (Camp): $225 each (includes transportation & lunch) Teens/Young Adults: $250 each (includes all excursion fees & lunches when off‐site) GANG/Dream Team (older adults): $250 each (includes all excursion fees & lunches when off‐site) HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CONVENTION?Registration will open in early 2022. Watch for an email when registration is open. IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS?The WSA provides more than $75,000 in need-based scholarships of “up to” $2,000 each to help families attend. For more information and to download the application, visit williams-syndrome.org/convention-scholarships. The WSA convention qualifies in many states as educational services and may be funded by state and local agencies. Find out more here. WHAT DO PARENTS DO DURING THE DAY?There are 4 session blocks each day between 8:30 and 4 PM, providing more than 50 educational session options throughout the week for parents, plus topic-driven and age-specific networking opportunities, IEP reviews, lunch and learn small group sessions, and more. WHAT WILL MY CHILD DO DURING THE DAY?Registered individuals with Williams syndrome of all ages and their siblings (to age 17) will attend specialized, age-specific programs. Programs are led by adults who have deep professional and/or volunteer experience with Williams syndrome and are staffed by volunteer caregivers. Our minimum care levels for the programs are as follows: for our youngest attendees (infants and toddlers) there is one volunteer for every three children; for school-age kids and teens, we staff at 4 to 1; and adults will have assistance at a level of at least 5 to 1. Infants and pre-school (to age 5) will be in the hotel, in spaces that will allow for outdoor play, as well as indoor entertainment from storytellers, musicians, etc. Elementary school-age (to age 12) children will attend a day-camp program created within the onsite convention center and the hotel’s outdoor spaces. Teens will spend their days exploring Schaumburg area entertainment venues. Adults with Williams syndrome will divide their time between educational sessions on sexuality, social skills, community safety and employment, and excursions to local entertainment venues. CAN I VOLUNTEER?The WSA relies on the support of more than 250 hard-working and dedicated volunteers throughout the week to make our convention a success. We welcome volunteers for one day or all days--even half a day. Volunteers are needed for each of our programs for individuals with WS and siblings as well as general convention activities. Please contact email Michele Bauer to discuss availability and need. WHAT IF I CAN'T ATTEND THE WHOLE TIME?You can attend the convention for a half day, or for just 1 or 2 days. Registration fees are adjusted accordingly and we will be posting the comprehensive program so you can pick or choose. The 2022 convention will be a hybrid event – offering both in-person and virtual opportunities. DO WE HAVE TO STAY IN THE CONVENTION HOTEL?The short answer is no. You are welcome to stay at any hotel in the area, or with friends or family in the area, etc. However, most families report that it’s super helpful to stay at the convention hotel if possible, as it is so much easier to run up to your room between sessions or at lunch, etc., and for both you and your kids to follow up with new friends “after hours.” But others really feel like they (or their kids) do better with a break from all the activity, or appreciate the chance to take advantage of the opportunity to stay with friends or family. The WSA secures a block of rooms and the best rate possible at the convention hotel and at an additional hotel close by. Links to each of the convention hotel’s online registration for the WSA room blocks are included as part of the convention registration process, and can also be found below: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Reserve your room. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg Woodfield, 1939 North Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. (About a 10 minute walk from the convention hotel.) Reserve your room. WHAT AMENITIES DOES THE HOTEL HAVE?The Renaissance is a full-service hotel. There is a full-service restaurant, fitness center, indoor pool, business center, gift shop, and coffee shop on site. WHAT SHOULD MY FAMILY PACK?The convention dress code is strictly casual and comfortable. Many individuals and their families wear WSA Awareness gear throughout the week - great for increasing local awareness when you are out and about! There will be a dance on Saturday night so don’t forget your dancing shoes and keep in mind that hotel meeting spaces are notoriously air conditioned to the point of COLD - you should always have a sweater or sweatshirt handy. WHAT DO FAMILIES DO IN THE EVENINGS?Optional evening activities are provided for families on some evenings - you can attend those for all or part of an evening. Beyond that, families use the evenings to relax with their family, enjoy the local night scene, have dinner with friends (old and new) who are attending the convention, or just “hang out” in the lobby and visit with adults with Williams syndrome. WE WILL BE FLYING IN. DO WE NEED A CAR?Chicago O'Hare is the closest airport to our convention, less than 20 minutes away. Most people do not need to rent a car during the convention dates. The hotel is only 20 minutes from the airport and is easily accessible by Lyft, Uber, or taxi. There is also a trolley stop at the attached convention center that travels to local Schaumburg venues. If you will be traveling before or after the convention, you might want to rent a car for just the dates of your travel. WHAT ARE THE BEST EXTENDED VACATION OPPORTUNITIES AROUND SCHAUMBURG?Downtown Chicago with all that it has to offer – lakefront, shopping, Navy Pier, and museums - is about 30 miles from the hotel, accessible by car, bus, or train. Other destinations within easy driving distance include the Indiana Dunes, Lake Geneva, WI, The Wisconsin Dells, and much more. Learn more here: Weekend Get-aways near Chicago WHAT IS THE CONVENTION REFUND POLICY?Cancellations must be received by June 1, 2022 for a full refund. Cancellations between June 1 and June 30 will be accepted for Parent programs only and there will be a $250 service fee unless a documented medical issue is the reason for cancellation.
