The 2026 WDA Annual Conference will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on September 25–26. This year’s event will be a joint continuing medical education (CME) and patient-family conference, co-hosted by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Wilson Disease Center of Excellence and the Wilson Disease Association.
The WDA Annual Conference is the premier educational and networking event in North America for the Wilson disease community. It is designed to empower every attendee — patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike — to leave with practical tools, valuable knowledge, and meaningful connections that support better outcomes and quality of life.
In addition to a robust educational program, the conference also offers opportunities to relax, connect, and build lasting relationships within the community. Attendees can expect a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration, shared experiences, and support.
Each year builds upon the last, and the 2026 conference promises to be our most dynamic yet. While we are still finalizing the agenda and speaker lineup, we can tell you that the event will feature leading experts, dedicated clinicians, and passionate patient advocates from across the Wilson disease community.
We’re excited to introduce:
- Our first-ever CME offering (more details coming soon): Educating healthcare practitioners so they can diagnose Wilson disease early and deliver timely, appropriate treatment is one of the WDA’s core missions, and we’re thankful that our Northwestern partners will play an important role in advancing that mission at this year’s conference.
- New WDA program highlights include the launch of the WDA Ambassador Program (details coming soon).
- An evening cruise: Our first-ever off-site cultural activity will provide an opportunity to socialize with other patients and caregivers, see old friends, connect with clinicians and industry partners, and relax while cruising on the Chicago River (details below).
Stay tuned for additional updates, including information on the CME credit opportunity, session schedules, and registration.
Community Events and Highlights
Social Events
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we are planning an exciting community event at no added cost:
Friday: Chicago River Architecture Cruise
We invite our conference attendees to join us on board the Odyssey Chicago River — an elegant glass-enclosed boat — to see the architectural wonders of Chicago at night! Learn about the rich history of Chicago and take in its impressive evening skyline while you socialize with other members of the Wilson disease community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to relax and unwind after your first day of learning and networking at the conference.
Stay tuned for information on specific timing for the tour and how to reserve your place on the boat.
More details:
- Trip begins and ends at the same dock near the NBC Tower
- Dinner buffet and soft beverages included
- Cash bar available*
*Wilson disease patients should follow their physician’s recommendation on alcohol consumption.
Partners in Progress Gatherings
The Partners in Progress sessions provide a meaningful opportunity for patients (ages 16 and older) and caregivers to share their lived experiences and contribute to research and improvements in care. We have offered these focus groups for the past two years, and they have been highly successful—so we are pleased to offer them again this year.
These voluntary, small-group sessions also provide an opportunity to engage with our valued industry partners. During these discussions, industry experts gather insights from your experiences as a patient or caregiver to help inform clinical trial design and advance the understanding of new therapies.
- Saturday: 4–5:30 PM
- Delicious, copper-conscious food will be served
- Participant appreciation gift: $100 gift card
Speakers and Topics
Our full agenda and speaker lineup will be announced soon. In addition to experts at the Wilson Disease Center of Excellence at Northwestern, there will be renowned WD experts from across the US.
Topics will include:
- Pediatrics: Transitioning from living with Wilson disease as a youth to living with the disease as an adult
- A panel focused on patient support
- Advances in medical management and treatment
- Research and clinical trials
- Mental health and wellness
- Nutrition and lifestyle support
- Caregiver resources and patient advocacy
The Essentials
📍 Where?
Conference Location:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital — Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center
251 East Huron Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611
📝 How Do I Register for the Conference?
We are committed to keeping the conference affordable.
Early Bird Registration Rates:
- Individual patients and caregivers: $40
- Families (with children over 18): $100
- Professionals: $150
- Children under 18: Free!
- Medical Students: Free (ID required at check-in)
Early bird registration will open on Monday, June 1, and close on August 16. Rates will increase after August 16. Stay tuned for the registration link.
🏨 Hotel Information
We are offering a limited number of discounted hotel rooms for attendees.
Primary hotel:
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
633 N Saint Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611
Stay tuned for information on how to book a discounted room.
💚 Do You Offer Patient Assistance?
We are committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event. Stay tuned for details on how to apply for a limited number of event scholarships that will be provided based on financial need.
🌍 International Travel Scholarships
A limited number of travel scholarships will be available for international patient advocacy leaders.
Start Planning Your Trip
Chicago offers a vibrant mix of culture, dining, and attractions. Many people would argue that any time is a great time to visit Chicago, but late September typically brings ideal weather for exploring this incredible city.
Of course, our friends at Northwestern will also be available to share insider tips on the best places to visit, eat, and explore during your stay.
Why Chicago?
It’s not just a great place to visit.
Chicago is home to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where Danny Bega, MD, MSCI, and Amanda Cheung, MD, lead one of the 11 Wilson Disease Centers of Excellence in the U.S. and 15 worldwide. Having Drs. Bega and Cheung and their team co-host this event provides an ideal opportunity not only to deliver critical information to patients and caregivers but also to offer valuable CME programming for clinicians.
Educating healthcare practitioners so they can diagnose Wilson disease early and deliver timely, appropriate treatment is one of the WDA’s core missions, and we’re thankful that our Northwestern partners will play an important role in advancing that mission at this year’s conference.
Are Children Welcome?
Yes, it’s free of charge for children under age 18.
Sponsorship Opportunities
This event is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors. Their support is essential to sustaining our work—providing support and hope to those impacted by Wilson disease worldwide, advancing understanding of the disease, and helping to move us closer to a cure.
If you are interested in supporting the 2026 conference, please explore our sponsorship opportunities.
Stay Connected
If you have questions about the event, please contact us at: events@wilsonsdisease.org
Donations
Why Your Donation Matters
Your donation to the Wilson Disease Association does more than keep the lights on—it powers education, awareness and action. With your support, we’re able to maintain vital resources like this website, produce trusted educational materials, fund critical research and host events that bring together patients, caregivers and medical professionals. Most importantly, your generosity helps raise awareness so more people are diagnosed earlier and treated effectively—giving them the best chance at a full, healthy life.
When you give, you’re not just supporting an organization—you’re joining a powerful movement to change the future of Wilson disease. You’ll stay informed about the latest in research and treatment, gain access to exclusive webinars and educational resources, and remain connected to a global community that understands. For more than 40 years, our shared commitment has fueled advances in care, deepened understanding, and amplified the voices of those affected by Wilson disease. Together, we’re building a stronger, more informed future.
