2026 Family Conference in Orlando, Florida, US

Conference Agenda
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General Registration

Conference Venue: 

The conference will take place in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, Florida USA. We welcome attendees from around the world – including patients and families affected by ENPP1 Deficiency or ABCC6 Deficiency, as well as medical professionals.

Conference Dates & Details: 

This event will include:

  • Presentations from experts, including Dr. Carlos Ferreira, Dr. Shira Ziegler, Dr. Dave Webber, Dr. Patty Musolino, and Dr. Demetrios Braddock.
  • Two day park hopper tickets to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure*
  • A weekend of fun, connection, and hope!

* Complimentary tickets will be provided to patients and their immediate family members who registered before Sep 30th, 2025.

Hotel Details

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32819, USA

Booking Link: Brighter Hope Foundation Family Conference Feb. 2026


📅 Booking Details

Attendees can make room reservations through Hilton Reservation at 1-800-222-TREE (8733) using the special rate code (GG5).  Bookings can also be made via the Hilton booking link. Please book your hotel as soon as possible and before the cut-off date of Friday, January 16, 2026.  The room block rate is $189 per night excl. tax ($212.63 incl. tax).


🛏️ Room Features

2 Queen Bed Premium Guest Rooms include:

  • 2 queen beds
  • Full-size sleeper sofa
  • Mini refrigerator
  • Coffee maker
  • Iron and ironing board
  • In-room safe
  • Complimentary basic wireless internet

🍳 Breakfast
  • Not included in the room rate
  • Buffet vouchers for Sunshine Café available for $15.00 inclusive per person (valued at $29.00).  Children under 3 eat free with a paying adult

🚐 Shuttle Service
  • Complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios at scheduled times
  • Must be reserved in advance at the Universal Partner Desk in the Main Lobby
  • Accessibility available with 24-hour advance notice

🚗 Parking
  • Discounted self-parking: $20 per space per day (valued at $35 per day)

Conference Grants

Grant applicants have been notified – please check your email. 

All grant recipients are responsible for booking their own travel and hotel arrangements. If you are awarded a grant and you are unable to use it, please notify Brighter Hope Foundation at info@brighterhopefoundation.org as soon as possible, so we can offer the grant to another family who would like to travel.

Conference Grants

Applications are now closed. All submissions are being processed, and applicants will be notified by October 25th, 2025.

Grants were available to help with the cost of travel and accommodation for those attending the 2026 Brighter Hope Foundation Family Conference in Orlando, Florida, US. All grant recipients are responsible for booking their own travel and hotel arrangements. If you are awarded a grant and you are unable to use it, please notify Brighter Hope Foundation at info@brighterhopefoundation.org as soon as possible, so we can offer the grant to another family who would like to travel.

Families who participate in fundraising for the Worldwide Walk will be given priority during the grant selection process.

Grant Eligibility:
  • Adult patients and one companion
  • Pediatric patients and up to two parents per family
  • Bereaved parents
  • Community volunteers who have volunteered at least 6 hours per month over the past 6 months and taken on meaningful roles (e.g. leading projects, coordinating events, or providing consistent hands-on support.)
  • You may be asked to provide proof of diagnosis if you are not a current member of the Brighter Hope Foundation community.

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Aug 28th, 2025 – Grant application opens
  • Sep 19th, 2025 – Grant application closes
  • Sep 30th, 2025 – Closing date for applying for Universal Tickets
  • Oct 25th, 2025 – Travel grants awarded
  • Jan 31st, 2026 – Registration closes
  • Feb 13th, 2026 – Evening Meet & Greet from 5pm-7pm in the Mangrove Suite at the conference hotel
  • Feb 14th, 2026 – Scientific presentations in the Seminole Ballroom (DE) at the conference hotel – registration opens at 8am.
  • Feb 15th-16th, 2026 – Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure
  • Mar 1st, 2026 – Grant payments begin (grants will be issued within two weeks of Brighter Hope Foundation receiving the required receipts)

Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to help with the organization of the conference. Please email us at info@brighterhopefoundation.org if you’d like to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to make my own travel/hotel arrangements?
    Yes, you are responsible for arranging your flights and accommodation. Please wait to receive the notification of your grant to ensure you can cover any additional costs that are not part of your grant.
  • Can I stay at a different hotel other than the conference hotel?
    No, if you are receiving a grant, you must stay at the conference hotel. Brighter Hope Foundation has secured a room block at a discounted rate for our attendees, and we are committed to filling these rooms. If you choose to stay elsewhere, we will still incur charges for any unfilled rooms, as there is an attrition rate tied to the room block.
  • Are grants available for families who wish to drive?
    Yes. Grants were available for families who preferred to travel by car.
  • Questions about the Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure tickets?
    The two-day park hopper tickets can be used in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Patients and their immediate family members are eligible for complimentary tickets.  The closing date for registering for tickets was Sept 30th, 2025. Tickets are only valid for February 15th and 16th, 2026.  For details on park hours and other visitor information, please visit the Universal Studios website.
  • How can I join the Brighter Hope Foundation community?
    Click here to join. Please answer all the membership questions.