RETURNING TO BOSTON · JULY 2026

2026 ZTTK GLOBAL

COMMUNITY CONFERENCE

July 17–19, 2026 · Boston Marriott Cambridge · Cambridge, MA

📍 Cambridge, MA · 📅 3-Day Program · 🎥 In-Person + Virtual · 👶 Free Childcare Available

Conference begins in:

Days
Hours
Mins

✨ More details coming soon! Registration is open now — secure your spot and check back regularly as the full program, speakers, and agenda are confirmed.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Where the ZTTK Community Comes Together

The ZTTK Community Conference brings together families, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and industry partners dedicated to empowering the lives of our SON-Shines. In 2025, we gathered 180+ attendees for two inspiring days of connection, learning, and hope. We can't wait to do it again — bigger and better — in Boston this July.

Building on the success of our inaugural conference, this year's event will continue to strengthen connections across the ZTTK community, share the latest in research and clinical care, and advance patient-centered science — all while providing a welcoming, accessible space for families.

"We look forward to once again strengthening connections, sharing knowledge, and advancing patient-centered research. We hope you'll join us!"

— Ada Lio, Executive Director

180+
Attendees at our 2025 inaugural conference — families, researchers, clinicians & partners
3
Days of programming
2nd
Year — growing our global community

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

What to Expect

🗓 Full agenda coming soon — check back for speaker announcements & session details!
1
Friday, July 17

Science & Research Day

Approx. 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

An afternoon dedicated to the latest in ZTTK research, genetics, and clinical science — featuring researchers and clinicians at the forefront of rare disease discovery.

⏳ Speakers TBA
2
Saturday, July 18

Family Day — Full Day

Full Day Program

A full day for our families: panel discussions, caregiver sessions, parent connections, and time to meet and learn from one another. Childcare available.

⏳ Agenda TBA
3
Sunday, July 19

Family Day — Half Day

Ending approx. 1:00 PM

A meaningful close to our conference — wrapping up at 1:00 PM so families can travel home with time to spare.

⏳ Agenda TBA

CONFERENCE DETAILS

Everything You Need to Know

All the practical information to help you plan your trip to Cambridge.

📍

Venue

Boston Marriott Cambridge
50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142

All sessions, childcare, and dining on one accessible floor.

🏨

Hotel & Accommodations

Group rate of $160++ per night at the Boston Marriott Cambridge. Booking details sent after registration.

✈️

Travel Stipends

Travel stipends are available again this year! Apply below — notifications sent Mid-April. Does not guarantee a stipend.

Apply for a Travel Stipend →
💻

Virtual Attendance

Can't make it in person? A virtual option will be available! Details will be shared closer to the conference date.

Virtual details coming soon

KIDS & FAMILY

Free Childcare — Included

Just like in 2025, we're offering two types of complimentary childcare. Sign up during the registration process. Questions? Contact Abby Jensen at abby@zttk.org

All SON-Shines + kids under 5

☀️ SON-Shine Room

Managed by Corporate Kids Events, Inc. — experienced with ZTTK and kids with special needs. 1:2 provider-to-child ratio, customized care. Adjacent to the general session room, everything on one floor. Snacks provided; kids join parents for lunch.

Siblings age 5 and older

🎉 Sibling Activity Room

A special dedicated space for siblings with their own agenda and activities. Welcome to visit SON-Shine siblings anytime! Older siblings may come and go with parental approval. Same floor, adjacent to main sessions.

Help Another Family Attend

Donations collected through conference registration go directly toward travel assistance for ZTTK families. Your generosity makes it possible for more families to experience this meaningful gathering.