We are thrilled to officially kick off registration for PWSA | USA’s 39th United in Hope National PWS Convention, taking place July 14-17, 2027, at the beautiful Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida.
Our biennial convention is more than an event. It’s a powerful reminder of what makes this community so special. Hundreds of families members, individuals with PWS, clinicians, researchers, professional providers, and advocates will come together with a shared commitment to learning, connection, and support. There is nothing quite like being in a space filled with people who understand this journey, and we hope you’ll be part of it in 2027.
Convention Breakdown
The 2027 convention will break down into four distinct conferences and our ever popular PWS and sibling camps. Each convention program is designed to meet the unique needs of our attendees while creating opportunities to learn from one another:
Medical & Scientific Conference (June 14-15, 2027) – The Medical & Scientific Conference brings together clinicians, scientists, researchers, and medical professionals from across disciplines for two days of collaboration, discovery, and progress.
Professional Providers Conference (June 14-15, 2027) – The Professional Providers Conference brings together educational, social services, and residential professionals for a dynamic exchange of knowledge, experience, and expertise.
Family Conference (June 16-17, 2027) – The two-day Family Conference is created specifically for parents, caregivers, family members, and supporters of a loved one with PWS. The attendees are skillfully guided through a choice of multiple learning tracks covering an array of topics that can be tailored to their individual preferences.
Adults with PWS Conference (June 16-17, 2027) – Specifically for adults living with PWS who are 18 years and older (learn more below).
PWS and Sibling Camps (June 16-17, 2027) – Separated into four camps for different age groups, the PWS and Sibling Camps provide a fun space for your loved ones while you enjoy the Family Conference sessions. Our PWS Camp Program is a convention favorite, but spots are limited and camps fill up quickly. Available camps include:
– Little Tikes (0–24 months)
– Junior Adventure (2–6 years old)
– PWS Adventure (7 years and up)
– Sibling Camp (7–12 years old)
If camp is part of your convention plans, don’t wait to register your loved ones.
New for 2027: A Dedicated Conference for Adults with PWS
PWSA | USA is pleased to offer a dedicated Adults with PWS Conference that will take place during the Family Conference. This is a full two‑day experience designed specifically for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome aged 18 and older, creating space for learning, connection, and engagement with topics relevant to adulthood.
IMPORTANT: The Adults with PWS Conference runs concurrent with the PWS Camps. You and your loved one will have to decide if they prefer to attend the PWS Adventure Camp or the Adults with PWS Conference. They won’t be allowed to switch from the Adults with PWS Conference to the Adventure Camp at any point during the convention. Find more details about the Adults with PWS Conference on our Convention Details webpage.
Important Convention Dates
Mark your calendars! Here’s everything you need to know to plan ahead:
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | Convention registration opens |
| Thursday, April 1, 2027 | Early bird pricing ends (prices increase by $50 after this date) |
| Wednesday, June 30, 2027 | Last day to register and last day to cancel an existing registration |
| Wednesday, July 14 – Saturday, July 17, 2027 | We gather in person at the Caribe Royale Orlando! |
Book Your Stay at the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort
Reserve your room in PWSA | USA’s convention room block at the Caribe Royale Orlando. Want to learn more about the resort itself? Visit the Caribe Royale website for a closer look at this incredible property, and check our Convention FAQ page for answers to common resort questions.
Friday Night, July 16: Two Ways to Celebrate
Friday evening of convention week brings two special, and separate, events happening at the same time. You can choose one for yourself and one for your loved one, or coordinate as a family. Here’s the breakdown:
Hope Lights the Night: Family Glow Party
Date: Friday, July 16, 2027
Time: 7 – 9 PM
Where: Caribe Royale Orlando, Grand Sierra Ballroom (Rooms E & D)
Cost: Free for all convention participants
Get ready to light up the night! Join us for an evening filled with music, dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories as we celebrate the strength, joy, and spirit of our PWS community.
Attire: Neon clothing to match the glow theme is encouraged, but there’s no dress code. Wear what makes you comfortable!
Food & drinks: Dinner is not provided, so eat beforehand. A cash bar will be available throughout the event.
A Night Under the Stars Gala (Ages 7 and Up)
Date: Friday, July 16, 2027
Time: 6 – 8:30 PM
Where: Caribe Royale Orlando, Caribbean Rooms 1-4
Cost: $75 (increases to $85 after April 1, 2027)
Held in its own dedicated room, this special celebration is for individuals living with PWS and their siblings ages 7 and up. The evening includes dinner, a DJ, dancing, and other fun activities for a truly memorable night.
What’s included: Dinner, DJ & dancing, and other fun activities. Note: Dinner is included for individuals with PWS and siblings ages 7+ with a Night Under the Stars Gala registration. Dinner is not included for parents.
Who can attend:
– Adults with PWS Conference attendees
– PWS Adventure Camp attendees
– Sibling Camp attendees
What to wear: No dress code is required, but most attendees choose cocktail or semi-formal attire for the occasion. Ultimately, they should wear whatever makes them feel their best.
A note for parents: While your loved one enjoys their special night, we encourage you to relax, grab dinner on your own, mingle with other families and community members, and head over to the Glow Party from 7-9 PM in a nearby room!
Please remember: These are two completely separate events happening simultaneously. You’re welcome to bring your loved one(s) to the Glow Party with you, or register them for the Gala instead.
Learn More Before You Register
Visit our convention website for full details on everything the 2027 United in Hope National PWS Convention has to offer.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions or run into any issues while registering, our team is ready to help:
Email: info@pwsausa.org
Phone: (941) 312-0400
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM ET (closed on holidays)
If you reach out by phone or email outside of these hours, a member of our staff will follow up with you within two business days.
See You in Orlando
Whether this is your first convention or you’ve attended many over the years, we hope you leave the 2027 United in Hope National PWS Convention feeling informed, inspired, and deeply connected. Thank you for being part of the PWSA | USA community and for all the ways you support individuals with PWS and their families.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Orlando and share an unforgettable week together.
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.