Held biannually in July, the WSA National Convention is the LARGEST Williams syndrome event in the country bringing together the foremost experts on Williams syndrome and related characteristics to discuss the latest research findings, medical treatments, and educational strategies. More than 50 educational sessions provide families with the latest resources and information, while children, and adults with Williams syndrome are offered specialized age-appropriate programs.

2024 WSA NATIONAL CONVENTION

When: Tuesday, July 9 - Saturday, July 13, 2024

Where: Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

 

HOTEL OPTIONS

The WSA has secured a block 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. To get the best rates, use the buttons below to reserve your room. For questions, email convention@williams-syndrome.org

VISIT THE ROOM BLOCK UPDATE PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF OUR ROOM BLOCKS.

HYATT REGENCY PHOENIX - Convention Host Hotel

 A few important notes:

  • Room rate through our block is $125/night for king or 2 queen rooms, up to 4 people in a room. You MUST book in the block to receive this rate.
  • King rooms include sleeper sofas.
  • This rate is available July 7 - 17, 2024.
  • A deposit equal to one night’s room rate + tax will be charged at booking and is refundable until Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
  • Reservations canceled after Wednesday, May 15, 2024, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Rooms may be booked by using this link through June 17, 2024, or until the room block is full.
  • You can also make, modify, or cancel reservations by calling 1-800-233-1234 and using the group code G-WSA2.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the higher-than-anticipated interest in this year's convention, the majority of our room block at the Hyatt Regency is currently sold out. Additionally, the entire hotel is nearly sold out on Friday, July 12, so we are unable to add more rooms to our block. As we get closer to convention, there will likely be cancellations, which will open up room availability. If you'd like to be placed on a waitlist for a room at the Hyatt Regency, please click the button below and complete the form.

HYATT PLACE PHOENIX/DOWNTOWN - Convention Overflow Hotel

The WSA has secured an additional block of rooms at a comparable rate to the convention hotel. Please use the button below to reserve your room at The Hyatt Place. A few important notes:

  • Room rate through our block is $129/night for king or 2 queen rooms, up to 4 people in a room. 
  • The king rooms also have sleeper sofas.
  • Hot breakfast is included.
  • This rate is available July 8 - 16, 2024.
  • A deposit equal to one night’s room rate + tax will be charged at booking and is refundable up until 48 hours prior to your secured reservation.
  • Rooms may be booked by using this link through Friday, June 28, 2024 or until the room block is full.
  • You can also make, modify, or cancel reservations by calling 1-877-803-7534 and use the group code G-WSAN.

HILTON GARDEN INN PHOENIX DOWNTOWN - Convention Overflow Hotel

The WSA has secured an additional block of rooms at a comparable rate to the convention hotel. Please use the button below to reserve your room at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown.

  • Room rate through our block is $129/night for king or 2 queen rooms, up to 4 people in a room. 
  • This rate is available Tuesday July 9 - Monday, July 15, 2024.
  • A deposit equal to one night’s room rate + tax or a credit card guarantee are required at booking. Hotel Standard cancellation applies: 48 hours prior to arrival otherwise one nights room and tax will be charged.
  • Rooms may be booked by using this link through Friday, May 24, 2024 or until the room block is full.
  • You can also make, modify, or cancel reservations by calling 1-602-343-0060.

RENAISSANCE PHOENIX DOWNTOWN HOTEL - Convention Overflow Hotel

The WSA has secured an additional block of rooms at a comparable rate to the convention hotel. Please use the button below to reserve your room at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

  • Room rate through our block is $119/night for king standard (double occupancy) or double queen rooms (up to 4 people in a room).
  • This rate is available July 9 - 15, 2024.
  • A deposit equal to one night’s room rate + tax will be charged at booking.
  • Hotel standard cancellation applies - Individual reservations must be cancelled by 11:59 PM three (3) days prior to arrival otherwise one night's room and tax will be charged.
  • Rooms may be booked by using this link through June 11, 2024, or until the room block is full.
  • You can also make, modify, or cancel reservations by calling 1-800-399-4229.

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.

COVID-19 Information and Instructions:

The safety of our members is a top priority for the WSA convention team. At this time, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend. Masks are welcomed but not required. We intend to follow city, state, and federal guidance. Please note that we may need to make adjustments to our safety policies if health mandates change.

Here are a few important times and dates:

Tuesday, July 9:

  • Convention registration will begin early afternoon
  • Program registration for children and adults with WS will begin mid-afternoon
  • A new family welcome session will be held mid-afternoon
  • Our opening party/event will be held early evening.

Wednesday, July 10 - Saturday, July 13 (all day):

  • Parent sessions and programs for all children & teens, and adults with WS

Saturday, July 13 in the evening:

  • Closing dance party!

CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIPS

The WSA offers scholarships for our biennial conventions. Generally, we will be providing need-based scholarship awards to both individuals and families at various levels (up to a maximum award of $2000) to help offset convention expenses for educational sessions and programs (parents/caregivers and children/adults with WS and their siblings). Optional items are not covered by scholarships. Our general scholarship fund information is below, so please continue with that if it applies to you. 

The PM Minority scholarship fund provides special funding for Black families of a child with Williams syndrome.  Established by a generous peer, the fund is intended to increase access to WSA programs for families in financial need.  Funding priorities are for African-American, Caribbean, African, or Black Latino (from Latin American countries) families. Central and South American, as well as Caribbean Latinos, may also apply. Watch for information in early 2024 for scholarships for our next convention.

If you're interested in learning more about our 2024 scholarships, complete the form below to be added to our mailing list.

BECOME A SPONSOR

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.

EXHIBIT AT THE CONVENTION

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.