2026 Convention FAQs

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.

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)

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.