Our Global Learning Conference is about more than learning – it is also a chance to come together as a community. Explore the special activities taking place throughout the conference, including a documentary screening, community awards, and talent show celebrating connection, creativity, and the lived experiences of people affected by EDS and HSD.
What's on Offer?
Need more information about the event themes and Ticket types? Click below to go back to the event page.
Zebras Got Talent
We are inviting all artists and creators to take part in the “Zebras Got Talent” exhibition, by submitting their original work!
Zebras Got Talent is a hybrid exhibition that will showcase the creativity of those in our community. Those joining us in person will have the opportunity to perform their talent live during the conference, and all entries will be uploaded for attendees to view and vote for their favorite on our event app, Whova.
Submissions could include a talent of your choice such as:
- Creative Writing (eg. poem, fictional story)
- Painting
- Drawing
- Graphic Design
- Photography
- Dance
- Video Performance
- Music
1st place WINNER will receive EITHER: a free pass to a virtual Ehlers-Danlos Society event, or a 50% discount to an in-person EDS Society event, valid for any event in 2026 or 2027.
2nd place WINNER will receive a 25% discount on any virtual or in-person Ehlers-Danlos Society event (adult or child), valid for any event in 2026 or 2027.
3RD place WINNER will receive a 15% discount on any virtual or in-person Ehlers-Danlos Society event (adult or child), valid for any event in 2026 or 2027.
Talent submissions close June 23, 2026.
Submit Here
If you would like to submit your work to be included in our “Zebras Got Talent” exhibition, please complete the form below. Please indicate below if you would like your submission to also be entered into the competition that will take place during our Global Learning Conference. If you have any questions or problems, please contact us.
Terms and Conditions:
- The closing date is June 23, 2026 at 12pm EST.
- You must be attending the 2026 Global Learning Conference to be eligible to enter.
- Entrants can be any age and those under 16 must have permission to submit from a parent or guardian. Please contact us to give written permission.
- One talent is permitted per registrant.
- Short stories may be up to a maximum of 1,000 words.
- One media file is permitted per registrant.
- The maximum file size is 256MB.
Complicated – Documentary Screening
Join us on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 pm for a special screening of Complicated, a powerful documentary that follows several families over the course of seven years as they navigate the challenges of seeking answers, treatment, and support for complex health conditions. Through deeply personal stories, the film explores the obstacles many patients face on the path to diagnosis, care, and understanding.
The screening will be followed by an intimate Q&A session with ElevateRARE Executive Director and Co-Producer of Complicated, Donna Sullivan, and Aurora Richards, who is featured in the documentary alongside her daughter.
Content Advisory / Trigger Warning
Complicated contains emotionally challenging content that may be distressing for some viewers, particularly those with personal experiences of medical trauma. The documentary includes discussions of suicide, severe health challenges, medical gaslighting, mental health struggles, allegations of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and brief depictions of seizure activity.
The film also follows several individuals whose health journeys end in death during the course of filming. Some interviews and healthcare experiences portrayed in the documentary may be especially impactful for members of the community. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the film in a manner that supports their individual well-being. A licensed counselor will be available during the screening and throughout the conference for anyone seeking support.
