2024 National 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 onsite evening entertainment. Other evening activities will be optional and carry additional fees. Hotel fees are extra. The WSA has secured special convention room blocks for the convention. The rate will be available to attendees between July 5 and July 15 for those who wish to extend their stay to vacation in the area.

2024 Convention Fees

Educational Programming for Adults

Individual Parent/Caregiver Registration: $475 through April 15/ $500 through May 15
2 Adults bundled (in same family): $700 through April 15/ $750 through May 15
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 in April 2024. Watch for an email when registration is open.

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.

Opening Night Fiesta - Tuesday, July 9. Add-on ticket purchase required.
Exhibitor Night - Wednesday, July 10. Free to all registrants.
WSA's Got Talent Karaoke - Wednesday, July 10, Thursday, July 11, and Friday, July 12. Free to all registrants.
Free Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves game - Thursday, July 11. Reserve free ticket during registration.
GLOW Bingo - Friday, July 12. Reserve your spot during registration.
Closing night dance - Saturday, July 13. 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. For more information and to download the application, visit williams-syndrome.org/convention-scholarships. The WSA convention qualifies in many states as educational services and may be funded by state and local agencies. Find out more here.

WHAT DO PARENTS DO DURING THE DAY?

There are 4 session blocks each day between 8:30 and 4 PM, providing more than 50 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 by the Arizona Science Center directly across from the Hyatt at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Teens will spend their days exploring Phoenix 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. The 2024 convention will also be recorded and available as a virtual opportunity.

DO WE HAVE TO STAY IN THE 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 at the convention hotel if possible, as it is so much easier to run up to your room between sessions or at lunch, etc., and for both you and your kids to follow up with new friends “after hours.” But others really feel like they (or their kids) do better with a break from all the activity, or appreciate the chance to take advantage of the opportunity to stay with friends or family.

The WSA secures a block of rooms and the best rate possible at the convention hotel and at additional hotel close by. 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 in Phoenix 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.

WE WILL BE FLYING IN. DO WE NEED A CAR? HOW DO I GET TO THE HOTEL?

ADDRESS FOR HYATT REGENCY PHOENIX: 122 N 2nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phoenix Sky Harbor is the closest airport to our convention, less than 15 minutes away. Most people do not need to rent a car during the convention dates. The hotel is only 15 minutes from the airport and is easily accessible by Lyft, Uber, or taxi.

You can also take the light rail. They run about every 20 minutes. From the airport, take the airport SkyTrain to the light rail stop at 44th Street and Washington. Purchase a ticket and board the Westbound light rail. You will get off the light rail at the 3rd Street & Washington stop (which is half way between 2nd & 3rd Street). The hotel is at 2nd Street and Adams. So you walk about 1/2 block west and a small block north. For more info, visit valleymetro.org/maps-schedules/rail.

Important to note: The light rail stop to go east back to the airport is NOT in the same spot. It's a few more blocks away... so you may want to consider taking an Uber/Lyft/taxi back to the airport. In the heat of the day, that could be a bit of a long walk. If you will be traveling before or after the convention, you might want to rent a car for just the dates of your travel.

HELPFUL LINKS:

VALLEY METRO RAIL / LIGHT RAIL - Use this schedule to keep informed on when the next light rail will arrive at the 44th St./Washington station to go from the airport to the Hyatt.

As always - Please visit our Convention FAQs for the latest and greatest information on navigating this year's convention.

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.

WHAT ARE THE COVID-19 GUIDELINES?

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.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE HYATT?

Check out this Know Before You Go information sheet to learn more about they Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

HOW MUCH IS IT TO PARK AT THE HYATT REGENCY? WHAT IF I'M DRIVING IN FOR THE DAY?

This information sheet explains parking at the Hyatt Regency.

For overnight guests: Parking is discounted 25% to $24.75/day. Guests will get a self-parking pass from the valet stand. Their overnight parking is charged to their guest room nightly.

For day guests: Day guests will pull a ticket when entering the garage and bring it to the WSA Registration desk. We will place a $15 day-only parking sticker on the back of your ticket. When you leave the garage that evening, you’ll scan your ticket, then the sticker, and you’ll have a $15 balance to pay by card in the machine as you exit the garage.

WHAT'S THERE TO DO IN PHOENIX, AND WHAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE HOTEL?

Check out this guide from Visit Phoenix to learn more about what you can find near our hotels, or use this fun Trip Planning Tool.