July 24-26, 2026
Dallas, Texas (USA) and Online
The Ehlers-Danlos Society invites you to join us for the 2026 Global Learning Conference – a hybrid event designed for individuals and families impacted by Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), as well as healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The conference will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at the Event Center, 210 E Stacy Rd, Allen, TX 75002, United States and live-streamed worldwide for virtual attendees.
We understand that travel may present challenges due to evolving US entry requirements and potential security or airline restrictions. To accommodate our global community, we are pleased to offer a fully hybrid event and flexible registration options. Participants can choose to attend in person or virtually, ensuring access to all conference sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities via our event app Whova.
2026 Global Learning Conference: Connecting the Stripes
July 24-26, 2026
Dallas, Texas (USA) and Online
The Ehlers-Danlos Society invites you to join us for the 2026 Global Learning Conference – a hybrid event designed for individuals and families impacted by Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), as well as healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The conference will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at the Event Center, 210 E Stacy Rd, Allen, TX 75002, United States and live-streamed worldwide for virtual attendees.
We understand that travel may present challenges due to evolving US entry requirements and potential security or airline restrictions. To accommodate our global community, we are pleased to offer a fully hybrid event and flexible registration options. Participants can choose to attend in person or virtually, ensuring access to all conference sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities via our event app Whova.
This year’s theme: Exploring Comorbidities in EDS & HSD
Over three days, you’ll hear from global experts through presentations, case studies, and panel discussions focusing on managing comorbidities and understanding the connections between body systems.
Topics include:
- Mental health
- Neurodivergence
- Chronic pain & fatigue
- Mast cell activation disorders
- Dysautonomia & cardiovascular health
- Gastrointestinal concerns
- Urogenital conditions
- Mental health
- Neurodivergence
- Chronic pain & fatigue
- Mast cell activation disorders
- Dysautonomia & cardiovascular health
- Gastrointestinal concerns
- Urogenital conditions
What are comorbidities, and why do they matter?
Comorbidities are health conditions that occur alongside a primary diagnosis. For people with EDS and HSD, these can include a wide range of issues affecting many different systems in the body, such as the heart, nervous system, digestive system, immune system, and mental health.
They can add complexity to daily life and make diagnosis and treatment more challenging but understanding them is key to getting the right care and support.
Who should attend?
This event is open to:
- People living with EDS or HSD
- Families, friends, and caregivers
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health)
- Healthcare providers and advocates
Accommodation
Secure your stay at the heart of the action! Book your discounted accommodation at the Courtyard Allen, Dallas. Rooms are limited! Book Now
Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of donors, The Ehlers-Danlos Society will be providing a number of scholarships for this event.
Meet Our Sponsors
Our 2026 Global Learning Conference is made possible with the support of our sponsors. We invite you to explore the organisations partnering with us.
Zebras Got Talent
We are inviting all artists and creators to take part in the “Zebras Got Talent” exhibition, by submitting their original work!
Accommodation
Secure your stay at the heart of the action! Book your discounted accommodation at the Courtyard Allen, Dallas. Rooms are limited! Book Now
Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of donors, The Ehlers-Danlos Society will be providing a number of scholarships for this event.
Meet Our Sponsors
Our 2026 Global Learning Conference is made possible with the support of our sponsors. We invite you to explore the organisations partnering with us.
Zebras Got Talent
We are inviting all artists and creators to take part in the “Zebras Got Talent” exhibition, by submitting their original work!
Agenda
Friday, July 24 |
|
| 8:00 | Badge Collection & Shop Opens |
| 8:30 | Ballroom Opens |
| 8:50-9:00 | Welcome, Housekeeping and Overview of Event Theme |
| SESSION 1 | The Invisible Web – Overlapping Comorbidities & Unexpected Connections |
| 9:00-9:30 | Keynote: Making the Connections |
| 9:30-9:50 | The Gut-Brain Axis: Neurodivergence, anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms - Zachary Spiritos |
| 9:50-10:10 | MCAS & Immune Dysfunction: Why inflammation Affects Multiple Systems - Anne Maitland |
| 10:10-10:30 | Biomechanical Factors in Dysautonomia: a Focus on Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Peter Rowe |
| 10:30-10:45 | Panel Q&A |
| 10:45-11:00 | Mindful Movement Snack |
| 11:00-11:30 | BREAK |
| SESSION 2 | But It’s Not Connected…Or Is It? – The Overlooked Links in EDS & HSD |
| 11:30-11:50 | How Spine and Craniocervical Disorders Affect GI, Neurological, and Autonomic Function - Paolo Bolognese |
| 11:50-12:10 | How Joint Instability Impacts Energy Levels - Emily Rich |
| 12:10-12:30 | Weak Voice and Swallow - Stacey Menton |
| 12:30-12:45 | Panel Q&A |
| 12:45-1:00 | Mindful Movement Snack |
| 1:00-2:00 | LUNCH |
| SESSION 3 | When the Symptoms Don’t Fit – Misdiagnosis and the Complex Puzzle of EDS & HSD |
| 2:00-2:20 | Why is the Diagnostic Odyssey So Long with EDS & HSD - Cortney Gensemer |
| 2:20-2:40 | The Overlap of Autism, ADHD, and Hypermobility – Why Doctors Miss the Full Picture - Emily Casanova |
| 2:40-2:50 | Community Voice - Journey to Diagnosis |
| 2:50-3:00 | Community Voice - One Day at a Time - Amy-Wang Hillier |
| 3:00-3:15 | Panel Q&A |
| 3:15-3:30 | Mindful Movement Snack |
| 15:30-16:00 | BREAK |
| SESSION 4 | Bringing It Back to Daily Life – Practical Strategies for Complex Comorbidities |
| 4:00-4:20 | Living With Sensory Overload and Fatigue: Daily Strategies That Work |
| 4:20-4:40 | Sleep Disturbances: Why It Happens and How to Create Stability - Kateri Champagne |
| 4:40-5:00 | Practical Management for Autonomic Dysfunction - Dr. Alba Azola |
| 5:00-5:20 | MCAS in the Real World: Triggers, Flare Patterns, and Environmental Adaptations - Linda Bluestein |
| 5:20-5:35 | Panel Q&A |
| 5:35-6:00 | Panel Discussion: Co-Creation Workshops |
| 6.00 | END OF DAY |
| 6:30-7:30 | Welcome Reception |
| 8:00-9:00 | Honky Tonk Bingo |
| 9:00-10:30 | Wheels & Heels Hoedown: Line Dancing |
Patient Engagement Open Forum (PEOF+) Workshop Day - Saturday, July 25 |
|
| 8:00 | Badge Collection & Shop Opens |
| 8:30 | Ballroom Opens |
| 9:00–10:15 |
WORKSHOP 1 | Pain
Core theme: What helps me manage my pain? Workshop structure: Facilitator: Dacre Knight Workshop panelists: |
| 9:00–10:15 |
WORKSHOP 2 | Mast Cell Activation Symptoms and Environmental Strategies
Core theme: What helps me manage my mast cell symptoms? Workshop structure: Facilitator: Alan Hakim Workshop panelists: |
| 9:00–10:15 |
WORKSHOP 3 | Gastrointestinal
Core theme: What helps me manage my gastrointestinal symptoms? Workshop structure: Facilitator: Rebecca Bascom Workshop panelists: |
| 9:00–10:15 |
WORKSHOP 4 | POTS
Core theme: What helps me manage my POTS symptoms? Workshop structure: Facilitator: TBC Workshop panelists: |
| 10:15-10:45 | BREAK |
| 11:00-12:15 | REPEAT ALL 4 WORKSHOPS |
| 12:15-1:15 | LUNCH |
| 1:30-2:45 | REPEAT ALL 4 WORKSHOPS |
| 2:45-3:15 | BREAK |
| 3:30-4:45 | REPEAT ALL 4 WORKSHOPS |
| 4:45 | END OF DAY |
Sunday, July 26 |
|
| 8:30 | Ballroom Opens |
| 8:40-9:00 | Welcome, Housekeeping and Overview of Days Theme |
| SESSION 5 | Inside the Mind and Body: The Neuropsychological Landscape |
| 9:00-9:30 | Cognitive Load With Hypermobility Conditions - Aviva Gaskill |
| 9:30-9:50 | Sensory Processing in EDS & HSD - Naoya Ogura |
| 9:50-10:10 | Anxiety, Rumination, and Chronic Uncertainty - Melissa Flint |
| 10:10-10:30 | Our Collective Identities: A Path Toward Empowerment and Healing - Lisa Belvy |
| 10:30-10:45 | Panel Q&A |
| 10:45-11:00 | Mindful Movement Snack |
| 11:00-11:30 | BREAK |
| SESSION 6 | Relationships, Caregiving, and Communication Needs |
| 11:30-11:50 | Family Dynamics and Emotional Labor - Elizabeth Sangiorgi |
| 11:50-12:10 | Caregiver Stress and Resilience - Cristol O'Loughlin |
| 12:10-12:30 | Partner Communication and Intimacy Conversations - Martha Wiggin |
| 12:30-12:45 | Panel Q&A |
| 12:45-1:00 | Mindful Movement Snack |
| 1:00-2:00 | LUNCH |
| SESSION 7 | System Barriers and Global Challenges Across the Lifespan |
| 2:00-2:20 | Childhood to Adulthood: The Transition in Care - Jordan Jones |
| 2:20-2:40 | Building an Accessible Education Journey: Transitions, Supports, and Choices - Melanie Ward |
| 2:40-2:50 | Community Voice - A Personal Perspective on Navigating Education or Employment - Georgie Fox |
| 2:50-3:00 | Community Voice - A Perspective on Long-Term Resilience and Life Redesign - Haley Schwartz |
| 3:00-3:15 | Panel Q&A |
| 3:15-3:30 | Mindful Movement Snack |
| 3:30-4:00 | BREAK |
| SESSION 8 | Future Pathways: Innovation, Advocacy, and Global Direction |
| 16:00-16:20 | Patient-Led Innovation - Jeannie di Bon |
| 4:20-4:40 | Advocacy in Action - Maggie Buckley |
| 4:40-5:00 | Building Community Strength Worldwide - Grace Kully |
| 5:00-5:30 | What the Next Ten Years Could Bring |
| 5:30-5:45 | Panel Q&A |
| 5:45 | END OF DAY |
Ticket Options
We understand that travel may present challenges due to evolving US entry requirements and potential security or airline restrictions. To accommodate our global community, we are pleased to offer a fully hybrid event and flexible registration options. Participants can choose to attend in person or virtually, ensuring access to all conference sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities via our event app Whova.
Browse our ticket options below to find those most suitable to you. General Admission includes:
- All sessions on July 24, 25, and 26.
- Breakfast and lunch on July 24, 25, and 26.
- Morning and afternoon refreshments on July 24, 25, 26.
- Lifetime on-demand access to conference content.
General Admission
Available Options:
- Adult – $550.
- Support group or Alliance representative – $450.
- Concessions (Student/Carer/Under 18) – $395.
Group Booking Discounts
Planning to attend as a group? We offer the following discounts:
- 5–9 attendees: 10% off
- 10–14 attendees: 15% off
- 15+ attendees: 20% off
To arrange a group booking, please contact us specifying that your query is related to events and our team will be happy to assist.
Gala Dinner
Age 18 and over – $85
Ticket includes:
- Entry to the Gala Dinner taking place on July 25 at 7 PM.
- Meal and entertainment at the Gala Dinner, including Zebras Got Talent and our annual awards ceremony.
Gala Dinner Under 18’s Ticket – $75 for under 18s NOT going to JZ prom
Age under 18.
Ticket includes:
- Entry to the Gala Dinner taking place on July 25 at 7 PM.
- Meal and entertainment at the Gala Dinner, including Zebras Got Talent and our annual awards ceremony.
Please note: Attendees aged 6-17 attending the Junior Zebras Program are invited to the Junior Zebras Prom, a free to attend event taking place at the same time as the Gala Dinner.
In-person Extras
Honky Tonk Bingo – $30
- In-Person Attendees – Join us and put your luck to the test with Honky Tonk Bingo!
- Kick off your Friday night at the 2026 Ehlers-Danlos Society Global Learning Conference with Honky Tonk Bingo – taking place on Friday, July 24, from 6:30–8:00 PM, this event promises fun, frolics, and friendly competition as you race to complete your bingo card for a chance to win exciting prizes!
Wheels & Heels Hoedown: Line Dancing – $30
- In-Person Attendees – Join us on the dancefloor for our Wheels & Heels Hoedown: Line Dancing session!
- Join us for an evening of laughter and line dancing at the 2026 Global Learning Conference – Wheels & Heels Hoedown: Line Dancing will take place on Friday, July 24, from 8:30-10:30 PM, and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community, rhythm, and fun!
Honky Tonk Bingo and Line Dancing Bundle – $50
- Special offer for in-person attendees!
- Make it a full evening of entertainment by purchasing the ‘Honky Tonk Bingo’ add-on AND the ‘Wheels & Heels Hoedown: Line Dancing’ add-on for just $50 USD – saving you $10 USD!
Virtual & On-Demand
This is a hybrid event, meaning you can also attend online from anywhere in the world via Zoom webinar. You’ll get full access to:
- All live sessions.
- Interactive workshops.
- Networking via the Whova event app.
- Lifetime access to event recordings and materials.
We recommend using worldtimebuddy.com to check session times in your location.
Virtual Ticket – $175
Ideal for attendees seeking the rare chance to ask questions live, network directly with experts and peers, and make the most of an interactive experience that cannot be replicated with recordings alone.
Ticket includes:
- Real-Time Engagement: Live access to all sessions on July 24, 25, and 26, hosted from Dallas, USA, with the opportunity to join interactive discussions, Q&As, and exclusive virtual roundtables.
- Networking & Connections: Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and vendors in real time through the Whova app – exchange digital business cards, and stay in touch through the app for three months post-event.
- Exclusive Perks: Engage with sponsors, participate in contests, and enjoy discounts and offers from our virtual swag bag.
- Extended Access: Lifetime on-demand access to session recordings, accessible within 4 weeks of the event.
On-Demand Recordings Pass – $100
Ideal for attendees who are not able to view the event live, for priority lifetime access to the session recordings.
Ticket includes:
- Lifetime on-demand access to session recordings, accessible within 4 weeks of the event.
- Access to session PDFs and resources.
Junior Zebras
Junior Zebras Kids and Teens – Free
We are delighted to offer limited free places for the Junior Zebras Kids (ages 6-12) and the Junior Zebras Teens (ages 13-17) programs at the 2026 Global Learning Conference.
Please complete the purchase of this free ticket to secure your place. Junior Zebras must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please provide the registered parent/guardian’s name in the name field of the registration form.
Junior Zebras: Kid’s and Teen’s tickets covers admission only; registrants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Ticket purchasers must be 18 or over.Ticket includes:
- Access to attend all in-person Junior Zebras Kids or Junior Zebras Teens sessions live on July 24, 25, and 26.
- Breakfast and lunch on July 24, 25, and 26.
- Morning and afternoon refreshments on July 24, 25, and 26.
- Junior Zebra Prom, taking place Saturday, July 25, at 7 PM – an exciting alternative to our Gala Dinner, perfect for Junior Zebras to spend time with new friends!
In-Person Registration
Proceed to Register for In-Person Attendance
Virtual and On-Demand Registration
Proceed to Register for Virtual Attendance or On-Demand Access
In-Person Registration
Proceed to Register for In-Person Attendance
Virtual and On-Demand Registration
Proceed to Register for Virtual Attendance or On-Demand Access
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Ehlers-Danlos Society and Project ECHO. Project ECHO® is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
AMA Designation Statement
Project ECHO® designates this live activity for a maximum of 12.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
Project ECHO®, in compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, requires that anyone who is in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all relevant financial relationships they have had within the last 24 months with an ineligible company.
None of the planners and presenters for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Prof. Lara Bloom, Dr. Alan Hakim, Faye Moran, Nagat Abduljalil.
