2026 International Vasculitis Symposium
July 17–19, 2026 | Denver, Colorado
A global gathering for education, connection, and hope.
Join patients, families, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world for an unforgettable weekend of learning, support, and community at the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium.
This in-person event brings the vasculitis community together to share the latest research, practical tools for daily living, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others who truly understand life with vasculitis.
The 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium Begins in...
What You'll Experience
Over three inspiring days, attendees will participate in educational programming and interactive learning designed to support the full vasculitis journey.
Expert-Led General Sessions
Hear directly from leading vasculitis specialists as they share the latest advances in diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Interactive Breakout Sessions
Engage in smaller group discussions focused on specific types of vasculitis, lived experience, and specialized topics — with extended Q&A.
Community Connection & Peer Support
Build meaningful relationships with fellow patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates in a welcoming and supportive environment. Past attendees consistently describe the International Vasculitis Symposium as inspiring, empowering, and deeply affirming.
Education Tracks Designed for Every Vasculitis Journey
We recognize that every person’s experience with vasculitis is unique. Your diagnosis, type of vasculitis, and where you are in your journey all influence the education, resources, and support you may need. To better serve our community, the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium offers dedicated education tracks designed to meet you where you are.
Newly Diagnosed
This track is designed for individuals who are newly diagnosed with vasculitis, as well as those who are adjusting to life with a chronic illness. These sessions focus on building a strong foundation of knowledge, confidence, and support.
Topics may include understanding vasculitis, developing coping strategies and mindset, managing treatments and side effects, exercise and physical health, and building your medical team and personal support network.
Experienced Patients
This track is designed for individuals who have been living with vasculitis for several years and self-identify as experienced patients. These sessions focus on the evolving challenges of long-term disease management and living well with vasculitis over time.
Topics may include flare management, ongoing mental and physical health, effective communication with your healthcare team, navigating treatment changes, self-advocacy, and maintaining strong support networks with family, friends, and peers.
Parents/Guardians and Their Pediatric & Teenage Patients
This track is designed for children, teens, and their parents or guardians. Sessions will focus on the unique medical, emotional, and practical challenges of living with vasculitis at a young age and supporting the whole family.
Topics may include an overview of childhood vasculitis, managing disease activity, flares, and side effects, understanding medications, navigating school and self-advocacy, transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and managing friendships and family relationships.
Pediatric vasculitis patients are permitted to attend Symposium sessions. A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient age 15 or younger unless otherwise indicated on the schedule. Children may attend scheduled meals but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Young Adult/Emerging Adult Cohort (Ages 18–30)
This dedicated track is designed to address the unique needs of young adults living with vasculitis. These sessions focus on navigating important life transitions while managing a chronic condition.
Topics may include personal relationships, career development, reproductive health, and maintaining both mental and physical well-being. In addition, a dedicated meeting room will be available for this group to relax, connect, and network with peers throughout the Symposium.
Caring for the Caregivers
Vasculitis doesn’t just affect the patient—it also deeply impacts family members, partners, and others who provide care and support.
This track is designed specifically for caregivers and will explore common challenges, emotional and practical demands, and shared experiences.
Sessions will also help caregivers recognize signs of stress and burnout, and offer strategies for self-care, resilience, and sustaining well-being while supporting a loved one.
New for 2026: Wellness Lounge
The 2026 Symposium introduces a dedicated Wellness Lounge designed to support rest, connection, and whole-person care throughout the conference.
In the Wellness Lounge, attendees can:
- Relax and recharge between sessions
- Connect informally with peers and community members
- Enjoy a calm, supportive environment
This space reflects our commitment to physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Mental Health Partnership: Give An Hour
We’re proud to partner with Give An Hour (GHA) to expand mental health and wellness programming at the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium.
Give An Hour envisions a society where every individual has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to take charge of their mental health.
Through this partnership, we will promote self-awareness, self-care, and self-advocacy—empowering individuals to make informed decisions and actively participate in their mental well-being. Together, we’re committed to expanding access to mental health resources and ensuring that our community has the opportunity to live mentally healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful lives.
Registration:
Cost: $300
A limited number of scholarships are available to help offset registration and travel expenses for those who may otherwise be unable to attend.
Commit to fundraising for the Vasculitis Foundation through GiveSmart and reach specific fundraising goals to have your registration and/or hotel costs covered by VF. Learn more by visiting the “Scholarships & Financial Assistance“ tab.
Includes:
- Educational sessions and materials
- Meals and refreshment breaks throughout the weekend
- Exhibit hall access
- 2026 VF Symposium t-shirt
Event Details
Event: 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium
Dates: July 17–19, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center at 7800 East Tufts Avenue, Denver, CO 80237
Format: In-person vasculitis education conference
Schedule Highlights
Friday: Optional lunch and afternoon educational sessions
Saturday: Full day of sessions, exhibits, and evening banquet
Sunday: Educational sessions conclude by noon
What Your Registration Includes
- Admission to all educational sessions and breakout sessions
- Educational materials and handouts
- Meals and refreshment breaks throughout the weekend (Friday: lunch, afternoon refreshments, dinner, Saturday: breakfast, morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch, banquet dinner, Sunday: breakfast, morning refreshments)
- Access to the exhibit hall
- Official VF Symposium 2026 T-shirt
Agenda & Speakers
Explore the evolving program for the leading international vasculitis conference in Denver.
The 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium features a dynamic educational program designed to deliver the latest advances in vasculitis research, treatment, and patient care — while fostering meaningful dialogue between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
This page will be updated regularly as session topics, speakers, and detailed schedules are confirmed. We encourage you to check back often for the latest program updates.
What You’ll Learn
Sessions will address the most important topics affecting people living with vasculitis today, including:
- Advances in vasculitis diagnosis and treatment
- Disease management and flare prevention
- Mental health, wellness, and resilience
- Patient self-advocacy and navigating care
- Research updates and emerging therapies
- Living well with chronic illness
This programming supports both newly diagnosed and long-term patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Session Formats
General Sessions
Plenary presentations led by nationally and internationally recognized vasculitis experts.
Breakout Sessions
Smaller group sessions focused on disease-specific topics, lived experience, and specialized areas of care — with extended time for discussion and Q&A.
Individual Disease Sessions
Opportunities for patients diagnosed with the same types of vasculitis to gather in smaller groups for education, peer connection, and direct engagement with medical experts.
Panels & Interactive Discussions
Facilitated conversations that encourage collaboration between patients, caregivers, researchers, and clinicians.
Schedule
This agenda will continue to evolve as we finalize speakers and session details. Updates will be posted regularly leading up to the event.
Friday, July 17, 2026
11:00 – 11:30 AM | Symposium 101: A Guide for First-Time Attendees |
12:00 – 12:45 PM | Lunch Buffet |
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | General Session Welcome and Introductions A Message from our Presenting Sponsor, Amgen Adapting Your Mindset to a Chronic Illness Keynote Speaker Vasculitis: Why Are We Here Today? |
2:15 – 3:00 PM | Breakout Session Vasculitis 101: Managing Symptoms, Treatments, and Flares When Your Numbers Look Good, But Symptoms Persist: Living with Vasculitis Long-Term Overview of Childhood Vasculitis: Managing Symptoms, Flares, and Side Effects |
3:00 – 3:15 PM | Afternoon Break |
3:15 – 4:15 PM | Breakout Session Deep Dive into Individual Diseases: Overview, What’s New, Q&A GPA
MPA
EGPA
Takayasu Arteritis
Rarest of the Rare Vasculitides
Giant Cell Arteritis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
A Discussion with the Tweens/Teens about Coping with Chronic Disease and Fatigue |
4:30 – 5:15 PM | Breakout Session How to be a Patient Patient Stacey Ivits, MSW, RSW, Living with EGPA/Churg Strauss Syndrome
Building and Maintaining Your Support Network
Panel Discussion: Communicating with Your Doctor for Young Adults Jessica Kent, Living with Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) Kelsey Helland, Living with Microscopic Polyangiitis Cassy Sims, MD, MHS Pediatric Lung and Kidney Involvement |
5:30 – 6:15 PM | Breakout Session Exercise and Physical Health Panel Discussion: Navigating School, Workplace, and Relationships What Parents Need to Know: Managing School, Tween/Teen Education, 504s, and IEPs |
6:30 – 8:00 PM | Dinner Buffet |
Saturday, July 18, 2026
7:00 – 7:45 AM | Sunrise Yoga (Optional) |
7:00 – 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
8:00 – 9:00 AM | General Session Welcome and Introductions Self-Compassion and Self-Care Keynote Speaker Move More: Daily Movement Made Simple |
9:00 – 10:00 AM | Vasculitis Patient-Powered Research Network (VPPRN) Overview Panel Discussion: Investigators and Patient-Investigators |
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Morning Break |
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Managing Chronic Pain |
11:00 – 11:30 AM | Managing Chronic Fatigue |
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Breakout Session Panel Discussion: Pain and Fatigue Preserving Identity & Building Emotional Resilience for Care Partners Dana DeMoulin, LCSW, Vasculitis Foundation Support Group Moderator Julie Wells, Give an Hour Being Your Own Best Advocate |
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch with VPPRN Discussion |
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. | Breakout Session Vasculitis and Skin Involvement Vasculitis and Lung Involvement Navigating Your Vasculitis Journey Course Introduction Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care |
2:00 – 2:45 PM | Breakout Session Ear, Nose, and Throat Involvement in Vasculitis When the Road Gets Rough: Communicating Effectively with Your Doctor During Tough Times Steroids: Protecting Yourself from Long-Term Side Effects Reproductive Health Managing Children with Vasculitis: Swallowing Pills, Injections, Blood Draws, and Pain |
2:45 – 3:15 PM | Afternoon Break |
3:15 – 4:00 PM | Breakout Session Panel Discussion: Relapse, Reset After a Flare Women’s Health Through the Life Stages The Mind Body Connection for Young Adults Medication Overview for the Parents of the Tweens/Teens |
4:15 – 5:00 PM | Breakout Session Vasculitis & Kidney Involvement Parents as Caregivers of Pediatric Teens Medication Compliance for the Tweens & Teens |
5:00 – 5:45 PM | Breakout Session TBD |
6:00 – 8:00 PM | Dinner: Celebrating the Vasculitis Foundation’s 40th Anniversary |
Sunday, July 19, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
8:00 – 8:30 AM | General Session Introducing Project Echo, Vasculitis 101, and Hub |
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Vasculitis Foundation Young Investigator and Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC)-Vasculitis Foundation (VF) Fellowship Programs |
9:45 – 10:00 AM | Morning Break |
10:00 – 10:20 AM | Vasculitis Workshop Report |
10:20 – 10:45 AM | Vasculitis Workshop Panel |
10:45 – 11:15 AM | CAR T Cell/Molecule Therapies |
11:15 – 11:45 AM | The Future of Vasculitis |
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Wrap-Up and Goodbye |
12:30 PM | Airport Shuttle Departs |
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
A limited number of scholarships are available to help offset registration and travel expenses for those who may otherwise be unable to attend.
Scholarships are awarded based on availability and need.
Option #1: Rewards Points (Self-Managed)
Participants are encouraged to use personal or donated airline miles, credit card rewards, or Hyatt hotel points to offset travel and lodging costs. Consider requesting point donations from relatives, friends, or employers.
Guideline: All arrangements and point transfers are the sole responsibility of the participant.
Option #2: Fundraise Your Own Way
Deadline: June 19, 2026
Participants who commit to fundraising for the Vasculitis Foundation via the GiveSmart platform and hit various thresholds, can have their registration fees and/or hotel costs covered by the VF vs being responsible for expenses. Thresholds must be 100% raised by June 19, 2026 in order for VF to assist.
Fundraising Goals & Coverage:
| Goal Amount | What’s Covered |
| $300 | One comped registration |
| $750 | One comped registration + one hotel room reservation (Friday/Saturday nights) |
| $600 | Two comped registrations |
| $1,050 | Two comped registrations + one hotel room reservation (Friday/Saturday nights) |
How It Works
- Create a fundraising page on VF’s GiveSmart platform
- Set your fundraising goal based on the chart above
- Share with friends and family to reach your goal
- Once your milestone is met, VF will provide a registration promo code and/or hotel block information
Strict Fundraising Policies
- NO PARTIAL COVERAGE: You must reach the full milestone (e.g., $300) to receive the benefit. Raising $225 of a $300 goal does not qualify for partial registration coverage.
- NO REFUNDS: If a milestone is not met or a participant cannot attend, all donations remain with the Vasculitis Foundation. Donor refunds will not be issued under any circumstances.
- NON-TRANSFERABLE: Fundraising dollars cannot be transferred to another participant’s goal, even if you exceed your target.
- TRAVEL COSTS: Participants are strictly responsible for their own airfare/transportation. Fundraising covers registration and/or hotel only.
HOTEL LOGISTICS:
- Participants must book their own rooms via the VF block with a credit card for incidentals. Participants will be required to provide a valid credit card during booking
- Participants are responsible for canceling if necessary; failure to cancel results in full financial responsibility
- VF will pay the room rate at check-out only if the fundraising goal was met
EXCESS FUNDS: All donations raised support VF’s mission and programs. If additional fundraising dollars are raised, surpassing your goal, they will not be transferred to another fundraiser or refunded to the donor/s.
Contact for Fundraising Support: egirdwood@vasculitisfoundation.org
Contact for Fundraising Questions: esybrant@vasculitisfoundation.org
Option #3: VF Scholarships
Scholarship Applications are Now Closed!
If you’re still interested in attending, you can Fundraise Your Own Way to help cover the cost of registration and travel. Start a fundraiser, share your story, and invite your community to support your journey to the Symposium.
COVERAGE: May include registration, travel, and/or hotel accommodations
APPLICATION: Submit the scholarship application form by April 30, 2026
- Notifications made in May
- Late applications (received after April 30, 2026) considered on a rolling basis (not guaranteed)
PRIORITY: Preference given to:
- Applicants that demonstrate a greater financial need (General Scholarship Fund)
- First-time attendees (General Scholarship Fund)
- Young adults ages 18–30 (Young Adult Cohort Fund)
CONFIDENTIALITY: Recipients must maintain strict confidentiality regarding their aid status to ensure equity for all participants.
COMPANIONS: Scholarships cover the applicant only. Spouses or companions must explore Options 1 or 2 independently.
Contact for Scholarship Questions: jhall@vasculitisfoundation.org
Support Others: If you wish to donate in support of Travel Scholarships, you can donate online or via mail. Please specify in the memo you would like your gift allocated to “Travel Scholarships”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium an in-person or virtual event?
The 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium is an in-person event held in Denver, Colorado. To foster meaningful connection, interactive learning, and community building, virtual or hybrid attendance options are not available. Select sessions may be recorded and shared after the event.
Who should attend the Vasculitis Symposium?
The Symposium is designed for:
- Patients living with vasculitis
- Family members and caregivers
- Physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals
- Patient advocates and community leaders
Educational sessions are tailored to a wide range of experience levels, from newly diagnosed individuals to long-term patients and caregivers.
When and where is the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium held?
The Symposium takes place July 17–19, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, located at 7800 East Tufts Avenue, Denver, Colorado.
What is included with registration?
Registration includes:
- Admission to all educational sessions and breakout sessions
- Educational materials and handouts
- Meals and refreshment breaks throughout the weekend
- Exhibit hall access
- Official VF Symposium 2026 T-shirt
Hotel accommodations are not included and must be booked separately.
Are children and pediatric patients allowed to attend?
Yes. Pediatric vasculitis patients may attend Symposium sessions. A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient age 15 or younger unless otherwise noted in the schedule. Children must be registered to attend meals and sessions.
Are scholarships available for registration and travel?
Yes. A limited number of scholarships are available to help offset registration and travel expenses. Scholarship availability is limited and awarded based on need and available funding.
Will sessions be recorded?
Some sessions may be recorded and made available after the event once editing is complete. Recording availability may vary by session.
Will photos or videos be taken during the Symposium?
Yes. The Vasculitis Foundation may capture photographs, video, and audio recordings during sessions and events for educational and promotional purposes. Attendees may opt out during registration.
How do I book my hotel room?
Hotel accommodations must be booked separately using the official hotel reservation link. Rooms are available at a discounted group rate based on availability until the reservation deadline.
Attendees are not required to stay at the hotel.
What accessibility accommodations are available?
We are committed to creating an accessible and welcoming experience for all attendees. Please indicate any accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, or accommodation requests during registration or contact us at vf@vasculitisfoundation.org.
What are Individual Disease Sessions?
Individual Disease Sessions allow patients diagnosed with the same type of vasculitis to gather in smaller groups for education, peer discussion, and direct Q&A with vasculitis experts. Final groupings will be determined based on attendance.
How will I receive updates about the agenda and speakers?
Program updates will be posted on the Agenda & Speakers tab as details are confirmed. You may also register to receive notifications.
Sponsors
Thank you to the organizations that make this global vasculitis conference possible.
We are deeply grateful to our corporate partners and sponsors whose generous support helps make the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium possible. Their commitment enables us to provide high-quality education, patient-centered programming, and meaningful opportunities for connection for the global vasculitis community.
Presenting Sponsor
Resilience Sponsor
Innovation Sponsor
Why Sponsor the International Vasculitis Symposium?
Sponsoring the International Vasculitis Symposium provides organizations with the opportunity to:
- Support patient education and community empowerment
- Engage directly with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers
- Align with a trusted nonprofit leader in rare disease education and advocacy
- Demonstrate corporate social responsibility and patient-centered impact
- Increase visibility within the vasculitis and rare disease community
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to improving the lives of people affected by vasculitis.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits, contact Chief Development Officer, Emily Sybrant.
Register for the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium
Secure your place at the premier in-person vasculitis conference for education, connection, and support.
Join patients, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and advocates in Denver, Colorado for the 2026 International Vasculitis Symposium, a leading vasculitis education conference focused on improving care, confidence, and community for people affected by vasculitis.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
What Your Registration Includes
- Admission to all educational sessions and breakout sessions
- Educational materials and handouts
- Meals and refreshment breaks throughout the weekend (Friday: lunch, afternoon refreshments, dinner, Saturday: breakfast, morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch, banquet dinner, Sunday: breakfast, morning refreshments)
- Access to the exhibit hall
- Official VF Symposium 2026 T-shirt
Event Format
- This is an in-person event only.
- Virtual or hybrid attendance options are not available.
- Select sessions may be recorded and shared after the event.
Hotel Accommodations
We’ve secured a special group rate for Symposium attendees at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center.
Room Rate: $164 per night + tax (based on availability)
Room Types: Single / Double / Triple / Quad
Reservation Deadline: June 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM MT or until the room block is sold out.
Hotel accommodations are not included with registration and must be booked separately.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
A limited number of scholarships are available to help offset registration and travel expenses for those who may otherwise be unable to attend.
Scholarships are awarded based on availability and need.
Option #1: Reward Points (Self-Managed)
Participants are encouraged to use personal or donated airline miles, credit card rewards, or Hyatt hotel points to offset travel and lodging costs. Consider requesting point donations from relatives, friends, or employers.
Guideline: All arrangements and point transfers are the sole responsibility of the participant.
Option #2: Fundraise Your Own Way
Deadline: June 19, 2026
Participants who commit to fundraising for the Vasculitis Foundation via the GiveSmart platform and hit various thresholds, can have their registration fees and/or hotel costs covered by the VF vs being responsible for expenses. Thresholds must be 100% raised by June 19, 2026 in order for VF to assist.
Fundraising Goals & Coverage:
| Goal Amount | What’s Covered |
| $500 | One registration fee includes: Friday lunch, afternoon break, dinner; Saturday, breakfast, lunch, banquet, morning and afternoon breaks; Sunday breakfast and morning break), educational materials, handouts, admittance to educational sessions, exhibit area, and VF Symposium 2026 t-shirt) |
| $1,000 | Two registration fees OR One registration + hotel room reservation (Friday/Saturday nights) |
| $1,500 | Two registration fees + shared hotel room reservation (Friday/Saturday nights) |
How It Works
- Create a fundraising page on VF’s GiveSmart platform
- Set your fundraising goal based on the chart above
- Share with friends and family to reach your goal
- Once your milestone is met, VF will provide a registration promo code and/or hotel block information
Strict Fundraising Policies
- NO PARTIAL COVERAGE: You must reach the full milestone (e.g., $500) to receive the benefit. Raising $425 of a $500 goal does not qualify for partial registration coverage.
- NO REFUNDS: If a milestone is not met or a participant cannot attend, all donations remain with the Vasculitis Foundation. Donor refunds will not be issued under any circumstances.
- NON-TRANSFERABLE: Fundraising dollars cannot be transferred to another participant’s goal, even if you exceed your target.
- TRAVEL COSTS: Participants are strictly responsible for their own airfare/transportation. Fundraising covers registration and/or hotel only.
HOTEL LOGISTICS:
- Participants must book their own rooms via the VF block with a credit card for incidentals. Participants will be required to provide a valid credit card at hotel check-in
- Participants are responsible for canceling if necessary; failure to cancel results in full financial responsibility
- VF will pay the room rate at check-out only if the fundraising goal was met
EXCESS FUNDS: All donations raised support VF’s mission and programs. If additional fundraising dollars are raised, surpassing your goal, they will not be transferred to another fundraiser or refunded to the donor/s.
Contact for Fundraising Support: egirdwood@vasculitisfoundation.org
Contact for Fundraising Questions: esybrant@vasculitisfoundation.org
Option #3: VF Scholarships
Deadline: April 30, 2026
A limited number of scholarships are available for those unable to utilize Options 1 or 2.
COVERAGE: May include registration, travel, and/or hotel accommodations
APPLICATION: Submit the scholarship application form by April 30, 2026
- Notifications made in May
- Late applications (received after April 30, 2026) considered on a rolling basis (not guaranteed)
PRIORITY: Preference given to:
- Applicants that demonstrate a greater financial need (General Scholarship Fund)
- First-time attendees (General Scholarship Fund)
- Young adults ages 18–30 (Young Adult Cohort Fund)
CONFIDENTIALITY: Recipients must maintain strict confidentiality regarding their aid status to ensure equity for all participants.
COMPANIONS: Scholarships cover the applicant only. Spouses or companions must explore Options 1 or 2 independently.
Contact for Scholarship Questions: jhall@vasculitisfoundation.org
Support Others: If you wish to donate in support of Travel Scholarships, you can donate online or via mail. Please specify in the memo you would like your gift allocated to “Travel Scholarships”.
Accessibility and Support
We are committed to creating a welcoming and accessible experience for all attendees.
If you have accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, or require special accommodations, please indicate this during registration or contact us at vf@vasculitisfoundation.org.