2026 Convention FAQs

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 continental breakfasts, breaks, and most onsite evening entertainment. Other evening activities will be optional and carry additional fees. Hotel fees are extra. The WSA has secured discounted hotel room blocks for the convention. The rates will be available to attendees between July 4 and July 15 for those who wish to extend their stay to vacation in the area.

2026 Convention Fees

Educational Programming for Adults

Individual Parent/Caregiver Registration: $475 through April 30/ $500 through May 31
2 Adults bundled (in same family): $700 through April 30/ $750 through May 31
Registration includes continental breakfast each day—lunches and dinners are not included

Programs for Individuals with WS and their siblings

Infant/Toddler: $225 each (includes snacks/does not include lunch)
School age (Camp): $250 each (includes programming & lunch)
Teens: $275 each (includes all excursion fees & lunches when off‐site)
Warriors/ GANG/ Dream Team (adults with WS): $275 each (includes all excursion fees & lunches when off‐site)

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CONVENTION?

Registration will open at Noon ET on March 31, 2026.

DO WE NEED A PASSPORT TO ATTEND THE 2026 CONVENTION OR ANY OF THE RELATED ACTIVITIES?

You do not need a passport to attend the WSA Convention and any WSA related activities (including Niagara Falls - as long as you stay on the United States side)

Crossing into Canada? You'll Need a Passport

Planning to visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls or cross the border for any reason during the convention (including traveling to and from)? All travelers must have a valid passport. Real ID will not be accepted for international border crossings. Make sure everyone in your party has their passport ready!

CAN I REGISTER FOR THE OPTIONAL EVENING ACTIVITIES IF I DON'T WANT TO REGISTER FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

The evening activities below are available to convention registrants only. A badge and ticket/wristband will be required for entry for all activities.

Canalside Opening Party - Tuesday, July 7. Add-on ticket purchase required.
Exhibitor Night - Wednesday, July 8. Free to all registrants.
WSA's Got Talent Karaoke - Wednesday, July 8, Thursday, July 9, and Friday, July 10. Free to all registrants.
GLOW Bingo - Friday, July 10. Reserve your spot during registration.
Closing night dance - Saturday, July 11. Add-on ticket purchase required.

If you don't plan to attend sessions or programming, register as a Parent/Caregiver/Volunteer Not Attending Sessions, then you can add on any of these events!

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS?

The WSA provides more than $50,000 in need-based scholarships to help families attend. Watch for more information soon. The WSA convention qualifies in many states as educational services and may be funded by state and local agencies. Find out more here.

DINING OPTIONS NEAR THE CONVENTION CENTER

Continental breakfast is included each morning of the convention, but you're on your own for lunch and dinner -- and Buffalo has plenty of good options within easy reach. Here's a starting point organized by what you might be looking for.

Buffalo is proudly a city of local legends, not golden arches -- if your crew needs their chicken nugget fix, DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats have you covered, and Google Maps can point you to the nearest familiar face.

Here is a quick and easy flyer version of the options below!

Quick and Casual (Great for Lunch)

JJ's Casa Di Pizza -- 11 E. Mohawk St, right near the Convention Center. A Buffalo staple and a friend to the WSA community. JJ's has been incredibly generous to our convention program groups, and we're happy to return the favor by sending some of our families their way. Great pizza, great people. Open Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday 11 AM to 11 PM, Saturday 3 PM to 10 PM, Sunday noon to 8 PM. Take-out, delivery, dine-in available.

Pete's Place Food Shop -- 290 Main St. A beloved lunch counter steps from the Convention Center, known for flavorful bowls, sandwiches, and daily specials. Open weekdays 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Takeout friendly.

The Lunch Box Buffalo -- 465 Main St. A well-regarded sandwich and café spot with fresh food and generous portions. Open weekdays 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

The Salty Chefs -- 111 Genesee St. A breakfast and lunch spot with a devoted following and a menu full of hearty, flavorful options. Open weekdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Public Espresso -- A local favorite for coffee before the day gets going. Worth finding before the continental breakfast rush.

Sit-Down Dinner Options

Pearl Street Grill and Brewery -- 76 Pearl St. A casual, family-friendly brewpub with a full menu, open for lunch and dinner daily. A reliable option for groups of all sizes.

Vice Restaurant -- 500 Pearl St. A highly rated bar and grill with standout food and great service. Open for dinner starting at 3:00 or 4:00 PM depending on the day.

Streetlight Brasserie -- 5 E Huron St. A fun, contemporary American spot with a great atmosphere. Open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 11:00 AM.

Fat Bob's Smokehouse -- 41 Virginia Pl. Buffalo's go-to for barbecue, with a welcoming atmosphere and portions that don't disappoint. Open for lunch and dinner most days.

Bella Ciao -- 200 Delaware Ave. A well-loved Italian restaurant located in the Embassy Suites, the same building as the Amazon Hub Locker. A solid dinner option if you're already in that direction.

42 North Brewing Company -- 674 Main St. A sleek downtown brewery with excellent flatbreads, burgers, and craft beer. Open Wednesday through Saturday.

Looking for Something Different?
Buffalo's downtown dining scene has more range than you might expect. Within walking distance you'll find Cuban and Venezuelan food at Sabores de mi Tierra, Thai and Burmese at Pattaya Street Food and K:Dara Noodle Bar, Burmese at Nai Restaurant, and fully vegan options at Strong Hearts Buffalo. Downtown Bazaar at 617 Main St is also worth a visit -- it's a food hall with multiple vendors, family-friendly seating, and something for everyone in the group.

A Built-In Option: Taste of Buffalo
The Taste of Buffalo festival takes place right outside the Convention Center doors during convention week. The Taste of Buffalo Website It's one of the largest food festivals in the country and a great way to sample local flavors without going far.

A Few Practical Notes
Downtown Buffalo gets busy during conventions and events, so reservations are a good idea for dinner, especially for larger groups. Hours listed above are based on current information but may change, so it's worth confirming directly before you head out.

WHAT DO PARENTS DO DURING THE DAY?

There are 4 session blocks each day between 8:30 and 4 PM, providing more than 60 educational session options throughout the week for parents, plus topic-driven and age-specific networking opportunities, IEP reviews, 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 hosted at the Hyatt Regency, directly across from the Buffalo Convention Center.
Teens will spend their days exploring Buffalo and participating in fun and interactive onsite activities.
Adults with Williams syndrome will divide their time between educational sessions on social skills, community and online safety and employment, and excursions to local 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 visit the Convention Volunteers information page to learn more.

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.

DO WE HAVE TO STAY IN A 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 in a WSA room block if possible.

The WSA secures a block of rooms and the best rate possible at hotels close to the convention center. 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 on the Convention Hotel Information page.

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. You'll also want to pack refillable water bottles, as hydration is key during the summer, even when you're inside.

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.

WHAT IS THE CONVENTION REFUND POLICY?

Refunds will only be issued for documented medical emergencies. We are only able to return “general registration” fees for sessions; teen or adult program registrations or optional events cannot be refunded because all tickets have been purchased. No refunds can be issued after June 30.

ARE THERE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES?

Yes! Many of you have already expressed interest in learning about research participation opportunities for your son or daughter with Williams syndrome at the national convention. Even if you didn’t previously request research information, we hope you’ll take a moment to review the opportunities below. Participating in research studies can go a long way toward helping us all learn more about Williams syndrome.

See all the Research Opportunities here!