WSA National Convention

Williams syndrome conventions aren't just ordinary conventions - there is something for EVERYONE! From infants to adults with WS, to parents and teachers, our convention offers educational sessions, programs, activities, fun, and more for everyone in our community. 

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 CONVENTION IS CLOSED, but you're still able to register to receive recordings of all the sessions. To learn more about our convention or to register to receive the session recordings, visit the Registration page by clicking the button below.

HOTEL OPTIONS

The WSA secured blocks of rooms at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, the Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown, the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown, and the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. All hotels are within two blocks of each other.  These room blocks have all closed. You can learn more about the hotels by clicking the button below. 

CONCERNS AROUND HEAT

Phoenix’s convention center and our hotel, the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, have state-of-the-art indoor facilities. These venues are equipped with advanced cooling systems (indoors & outdoors), ensuring a comfortable environment for attendees despite the high temperatures outside. It is important to note that we are taking precautions to ensure the comfort and safety of attendees during the event. This includes providing ample hydration stations, scheduling indoor activities, outdoor misters, VERY short walking distances, and offering transportation options to minimize exposure to any extreme temperatures. Plus, check out these additional tips to beat the heat.

CONVENTION FAQS

To learn the answers to frequently asked questions about the convention, visit our Convention FAQ page by clicking the button below.

CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE ALL BEEN AWARDED. 

Scholarship Application Period: April 1, 2024 - May 15, 2024.

Due to the generous support of committed members of the WSA community, the WSA PM Minority Scholarship Fund, and the Jared Glenn Memorial Fund, we have scholarship funds available for the 2024 Williams Syndrome Association National Convention, being held July 9-13, 2024 in Phoenix AZ.

The award will cover convention registration for an individual with WS and a plus one as well as 5 night hotel accommodations. For those who qualify a transportation stipend may be provided.

Application submission deadline for all applications was May 15, 2024. Scholarships were announced and awarded by May 31, 2024.

Click the button below to learn more.

Interested in how you (or someone else) can make a meaningful impact for our convention? Support our event by becoming one of our convention sponsors. This 5-day key event costs more than $650,000 to execute and utilizes an army of 150+ volunteers per day! Our goal for 2024 is to raise $250,000 in Sponsorships to assist in offsetting expenses so we can ensure the convention is as financially accessible as possible for the 1,200+ attendees. Your support will not only help us put on the event, but also contribute to the well-being and education of individuals with Williams syndrome and their families.

Please click below to view our 2024 WSA National Convention Sponsorship Deck and learn how you can be a part of this incredible experience.

Convention is the perfect place to publicize your books, software, classroom aids, educational opportunities, products, or services. Since our attendees are primarily parents and educators of individuals with WS, hands-on practical tools and excellent educational and assisted living opportunities are of particular interest. Individuals with Williams syndrome are also welcome to share their businesses! Visit the Exhibitor Information page for more details or to sign up to be an exhibitor. 

Volunteers are key to making our biennial conventions a huge success! Over 150 volunteers each day ensure that our programs run safely and smoothly. We're looking for volunteers in the following areas:

• Childcare - Infant, Toddler Programs: Be a play partner for children with Williams syndrome* and their siblings while their parents attend important medical and educational sessions on Williams syndrome
• School-Age Program: Be a “camp counselor” at our on-site day camp program for children ages 6 – 12 with WS and their siblings. Multiple-day availability is a plus!
• Teen and Adult Companions: (in hotel and community): Go “out and about” in the Phoenix area with groups of our teens (most of whom have WS) and adults with WS as they enjoy local attractions and in-house programming. Teen and/or adult program volunteers must take responsibility for the well-being of three or more individuals with WS who need mild to moderate assistance. Typical assistance can include: money management, restroom guidance, managing an assigned group at all times, helping them make good choices, and serving as a good role model. Full-day availability required.
• General: Program registration tables, evening activities, and more.

Click the button below to learn more or to register to volunteer.

PREMIER SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Doug & Liz Betz

DIAMOND SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

Steven Silverman

WELCOME EVENT UNDERWRITER

Dan Smith

NOTEPAD UNDERWRITER

SPEAKER UNDERWRITERS

Mike Armellino

Cindy Wrobleski Endowment Fund

MEAL UNDERWRITERS

The Boxall Family

Elisa Root & John Frater

The Palmer Family