Fourth Annual Virtual Parkinson's Conference
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting its
fourth annual Virtual Parkinson's Conference on
September 16-17, 2026. Following the tremendous success of the previous three editions, which attracted over
9,000 registrants, this year’s event aims once again to educate, empower, and engage individuals impacted by Parkinson's disease (PD).
The conference is free of charge and is designed for people living with PD, their care partners, family members, and friends. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from leading experts in PD treatment and research while connecting with others in the community for much-needed support and inspiration. Registration is currently open, and those who register early will have a chance to win exciting prizes, including APDA cooler bags and gift cards.
A Commitment to Accessibility
Leslie A. Chambers, President and CEO of APDA, expressed enthusiasm for the return of the conference. She highlighted how this event reflects APDA's mission to support all those affected by PD in leading fulfilling lives. Understanding the obstacles posed by mobility issues, geographic isolation, and busy schedules, the virtual format allows participants to engage in learning and connection from the comfort of their homes.
Key Highlights of the Conference
Across the two days, the conference will feature an engaging agenda, covering a variety of topics relevant to the Parkinson's community. The program will run daily from
12 PM to 4 PM ET (9 AM to 1 PM PT). Highlights include:
- - Over 20 speakers, including renowned medical experts and individuals with lived experience of PD, sharing their valuable insights.
- - Interactive sessions, offering ample opportunities for live Q&A where participants can seek advice directly from experts.
- - A range of concurrent sessions allowing attendees to focus on the areas that interest them the most.
Topics to be Covered
Participants can expect thought-provoking sessions covering critical subjects like:
- - Practical Applications of AI in managing PD
- - Insights into Cognitive Clinical Trials
- - Discussions around Mental Health, Identity, and Parkinson's
- - Advocacy and its impact—sharing personal stories and experiences
- - Minimizing Risks During Hospitalization
- - Strategies for Living in the Present While Optimistically Looking Ahead
- - Rehabilitation insights from a professional panel
- - Positive Self-Talk Techniques for nurturing self-compassion
- - And much more!
Connect Beyond the Conference
In addition to the conference sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the
Smart Patients platform, APDA's free online community. This forum allows participants to continue discussions about their conference experiences, seek advice, and share information related to treatments, symptoms, and coping strategies long after the event concludes. The community fosters ongoing support, education, and social connection within the PD space.
Support for the Event
This year’s conference is made possible with generous support from
Medtronic, demonstrating a commitment to advancing care for individuals affected by Parkinson's disease.
How to Register
Registration for the 2026 APDA Virtual Parkinson's Conference is now open and free of charge. Interested individuals can sign up and find more details directly at the APDA website. For questions, contact APDA via email at [email protected] or call 800-223-2732.
About APDA
Founded in 1961, the
American Parkinson Disease Association is dedicated to fighting Parkinson's disease through support, education, research, and community initiatives. Through a nationwide network of chapters and information referral centers, APDA works diligently to raise awareness about this chronic neurological condition and provide top-notch patient services.
With the vision of a world free from Parkinson's, APDA invests funding into national research programs and conducts advocacy efforts aimed at improving public policies that benefit the PD community. Over its years of operation, APDA has raised more than
$338 million, impacting the lives of approximately one million people living with PD across the United States.
For more information, visit
www.apdaparkinson.org.