Jul 29 - 30
Jul 30 - Aug 01
Whether this is your first time attending the ASF Research Symposium and Family Conference or your 14th, we know questions will come up—and that’s normal. Navigating a new venue, especially with a loved one with Angelman syndrome in tow, can feel overwhelming.
This FAQ is here to help you feel as informed, prepared, and reassured as possible. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at events@angelman.org. We’re here for you every step of the way.
We cannot wait for you to come together with us in Colorado! Registration will open in January 2026.
Your fee covers far more than admission—it creates an experience filled with knowledge, joy, and community. However, we never want cost to be a barrier to participation. If the registration fee is a challenge for your family, scholarships are available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help. Email events@angelman.org.
There are a few easy ways to stay in the loop:
Denver International Airport, 6.3 Miles
Uber, Lyft, Taxi, Rental Car
For guests driving to the conference, parking is available at the Gaylord of the Rockies Resort & Convention Center. Please note that guests are responsible for all parking fees.
Check-In: 4:00 PM Check-Out: 11:00 AM If you would like to enjoy our Resort prior to check-in or after check-out time, the bell stand can hold your luggage.
Yes! You can book additional nights before or after the conference at the ASF group rate, pending hotel availability. We encourage early booking to secure your preferred dates.
Guest Taxes & Fees Disclosure
Please note the following charges will apply to your stay at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in addition to the nightly room rate:
These fees are separate from your room rate and will be itemized at the time of booking and check-out. If you have any questions, please contact events@angelman.org.
Note on Research Symposium Only Group Booking Arrangements
ASF receives a modest rebate from the hotel for each room booked under the official symposium room block. These funds help offset the costs of hosting the event and are reinvested directly into conference programming and support services for attendees.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is fully accessible. If you or a family member requires specific accommodations (e.g., ASL interpretation, wheelchair support), please indicate this during registration or email us at events@angelman.org.
The resort has multiple dining options for you and your family to choose from.
Yes.
We understand that families and guests make lodging decisions based on many different needs. Should you choose not to stay onsite at the Gaylord Rockies Resort, there are a few important things to know.
The ASF assures you that all registered conference attendees—whether staying onsite or offsite—will have full access to every ASF-hosted conference activities, including educational sessions, social events, and all scheduled ASF programming.
However, access to Gaylord resort amenities—including the pool, waterpark, fitness center, and spa—is limited to guests who are staying overnight at the Gaylord property.
If you and your family are hoping to enjoy the resort amenities during your stay, overnight accommodations at the Gaylord are required. We explored options for off-site families and received the following clarification directly from the Gaylord:
“Due to liability concerns, we are unable to allow non-hotel guests to utilize the resort pool. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests and to comply with insurance and legal requirements. The fitness center and spa would require a resort pass to access. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
We know how important access to safe, fun, and inclusive spaces can be for our families, and we truly appreciate your understanding as these policies are set by the resort and are outside of ASF’s control. Our team remains fully committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful conference experience for all families—no matter where you are staying.
If you have questions or would like support in thinking through lodging options that best meet your family’s needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out (events@angelman.org). We’re always happy to help.
A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at a discounted rate at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. These discounted rooms may be available for up to three days before and after the conference, subject to availability.
If you would like to extend your stay, the discounted rate is available for the three days before and three days after the Conference.
Conference registration can be modified or cancelled at any time by clicking on the “Already Registered?” link on this website.
If you wish to cancel your registration, we recommend contacting the event team as soon as possible at events@angelman.org so we can process your cancellation.
To ensure a full refund for cancellation of hotel accommodations at the Gaylord Rockies Resort should your plans change, please contact the Gaylord directly a minimum of three (3) business days prior to your scheduled arrival date. The Gaylord Rockies Resort reservations desk can be reached by phone at +1 (720) 452-6900.
Yes. One-day conference registration options are not available. However, during the registration process, you will be asked to select which conference sessions and activities you plan to attend to help us with planning and accommodations.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center booking system allows reservations for up to four guests per room due to the hotel’s fire code. If you need to include an additional child in your room reservation, please note this in the ‘Additional Requests’ section when making your hotel reservation.
The ASF Research Symposium is closed to the public to maintain a collaborative, safe environment where researchers can openly share unpublished data and explore potential findings.
Yes, there is a registration fee:
Yes. The Research Symposium planning committee will begin accepting abstracts and poster submissions on April 1, 2026. The submission window will close on May 1, 2026, and all applicants will be notified of decisions by May 15, 2026. For updates and submission details, visit ASFConference.org.
All presentations and oral abstracts will be available virtually, and NO sessions will be recorded and shared at a later date, as this is a closed-door science meeting. Posters will not be available virtually, but you can request a list of poster presenters and topics from research@angelman.org.
NO sessions will be recorded and shared at a later date as this is a closed door science meeting.
Recommended arrival for the ASF Research Symposium is before 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29.
Recommended departure is after the final session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. However, research guests are also invited to join the ASF Family Conference, with the Family Conference Welcome Reception beginning at 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 30.
Please indicate your attendance at both the Research Symposium and Family Conference during registration.
Event times are subject to change.
Attendees should wear business clothing. Meeting rooms are air-conditioned and may be cool. Sweaters or jackets may be needed.
Yes, there is a registration fee. However, we never want cost to be a barrier to participation. If the registration fee is a challenge for your family, scholarships are available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help. Email events@angelman.org.
Yes! Supporting families is ASF’s top priority. Scholarship applications will open on October 1, 2025 at ASFConference.org. Each scholarship includes one standard group-rate hotel room for up to three nights [valued $1,000] and complimentary event registration for the entire family [valued $100].
Yes! Just email us at events@angelman.org. We’re excited to have you join the ASF Family Conference Planning Committee! This team plays a vital role in both the lead-up to the event and on-site during conference week. As a local volunteer, you’ll be our invaluable “boots on the ground,” helping bring the conference to life.
One of your key responsibilities will be helping plan the family reception—our 2024 Glow Party was a highlight, and we’re excited to dream up something just as memorable with your input. You may also be asked to assist in finding local vendors, sharing ideas for event programming, and supporting various planning tasks along the way.
We deeply value your time and contributions. For now, we’ll add your name to the committee list. You can expect to receive details soon about monthly committee calls, which will begin in October 2025.
Thank you again—we’re thrilled to have you on board!
— Liz Thompson, Chloe Knouff & Alisa Tammaro
If you require a fully enclosed safety bed at the conference, please email familysupport@angelman.org. We encourage you to bring your own safety bed if possible. There are a limited number of beds available for us to use so they will be supplied on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to ensure they can be shipped in time for the conference, you must submit your request no later than May 24, 2026.
Yes. The ASF provides a designated adult changing area within the conference center to ensure privacy, dignity, respect, and proper hygiene for individuals with Angelman syndrome who have outgrown standard restroom changing tables. The area will be clearly marked, and the registration desk can guide you to its location.
A general outline of each conference day will be available by May 2026, with a full agenda released in early June 2026 and readily available on ASFConference.org. We appreciate your patience as we finalize our speaker lineup. You can look forward to presentations from top Angelman syndrome experts, 1:1 and small group consultations, a robust exhibitor fair, and plenty of networking opportunities for families.
Yes. The Family Conference planning committee will begin accepting abstract and poster submissions on April 1, 2026. The submission window will close on May 1, 2026, and all applicants will be notified of decisions by May 15, 2026. For updates and submission details, visit ASFConference.org.
All presentations/educational sessions will be recorded and shared at a later date at no-cost. A limited number of sessions will be live-streamed for on-demand viewing.
Check out our 2024 Conference session playlist here:
The in-person experience is truly half the magic of the conference weekend. If you haven’t been before, we encourage you to come and be part of it—these three days are filled with warmth, connection, and joy. You’ll be met with more smiles and hugs than you can imagine and connect with lifelong friends who just get it.
That said, we’re committed to accessibility and won’t gatekeep the incredible educational content shared by the leading experts in Angelman syndrome—we promise! All presentations and educational sessions will be recorded and shared later at no cost.
Check out our 2024 Conference session playlist here:
Your concerns are completely valid, and we want everyone to feel safe. The ASF does not purchase or supply any items with flashing lights, and we kindly ask all guests to avoid bringing products that flash. The glow party will feature glow sticks and other continuous-glow items to create a fun, calm atmosphere. Lights will be dimmed, not flashing. We also encourage everyone to wear bright or white clothing to shine under the glow!
While we do not provide formal childcare, we will offer supervised activity rooms for siblings, sensory-friendly play spaces, and quiet zones for individuals with AS. Parents must remain on-site and are encouraged to take advantage of our many family-friendly sessions.
Absolutely—the ASF Family Conference is for everyone. We welcome and expect the joyful noise that comes with having our loved ones present. Their presence is part of what makes the conference so special.
The only sessions we hope you can attend without needing to act as a caregiver are the “Just for Moms,” “Just for Dads,” and “Just for Grandparents” sessions. These are designed to give you space to connect and fully engage.
That said, we completely understand that not everyone travels with a support person. If you need to bring a dependent with you, please do! It’s most important that you come, no matter what.
SibShops are specially designed just for siblings. Research shows that siblings sometimes need dedicated space to express themselves freely and connect with peers who share similar experiences. To support this openness and ensure a comfortable environment, we kindly ask that only siblings participate in these sessions. Thank you for understanding and helping us honor this important time just for them.
Meals are generally not included in the registration fee. However, you can expect 2–3 reception-style events hosted by ASF featuring heavy appetizers, small bites, and non-alcoholic beverages—perfect for mingling and socializing.
During registration, please indicate if you plan to attend these events so we can provide accurate guest counts to the catering team and ensure there’s enough for everyone.
Yes! A robust exhibitor fair featuring AAC providers, equipment vendors, service organizations, and more will take place during the Family Conference. Guests are encouraged to visit all the booths and stamp their passports. Guests who complete their passports with all stamps will be entered into a drawing for some really great prizes!
Absolutely. Anyone supporting your family is welcome.
Yes! We’re planning several social events, meet-ups by stage of your journey, relationship to AS, age group, demographics, and more casual hangouts to help families connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.
Absolutely—how could there not be? This conference is for them, and for you. We’re planning several sessions and gatherings designed specifically with individuals with Angelman syndrome top of mind. We do kindly ask that a caregiver always accompany their loved one with AS to ensure safety and support throughout the event.
Recommended arrival for the ASF Family Conference is by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30.
Departure is recommended after the farewell reception ends at 8:30 p.m on Saturday, August 1. Event times are subject to change.
Your registration is an investment in three meaningful and unforgettable days of learning, support, and connection for the whole family. The ASF Family Conference truly offers something for everyone. Each day begins with expert-led general sessions, followed by breakout sessions and Q&A opportunities. Attendees can choose from multiple session tracks covering a wide range of topics and formats, including panel presentations, workshops, special-topic seminars, a bustling exhibitor fair, sibling programs, specialized activities for individuals with AS, and various interactive discussions and socials.
Conference registration includes access to all educational sessions, consultations, and workshops (available on a first-come, first-served sign-up basis), a welcome reception with refreshments on Thursday, breakfast refreshments on Friday, and a farewell celebration with heavy hors d’oeuvres on Saturday.
Registration does not include transportation to and from the conference, hotel guest rooms and related fees, meals not listed above, incidental expenses, or Day Camp programming.
Family packages are advantageous for parties of 4+ as it includes registration for all immediate family members attending the conference together. Remember that individuals with AS are free.
Individual registrations are advantageous for parties of 3 or fewer, individuals attending without family, or who prefer to register separately.
Attendees should wear casual clothing. Meeting rooms are air-conditioned and may be cool. Sweaters or jackets may be needed. Also, remember to wear some sparkles for Saturday evening’s Farewell Reception.
Be sure to carry your medicine with you at all times. This means you should keep your medicine in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss and ensure temperature control. Bring an ice pack to keep your medicine at the required temperature if refrigeration is required. You may also want to carry copies of your prescriptions and a letter from your healthcare provider, especially if traveling internationally through countries with strict narcotic laws.
The TSA website has a wealth of information, and caregivers are encouraged to complete a TSA Cares Assistance request prior to traveling. Please visit this page for TSA Cares information and to find the most up-to-date medication regulations.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is situated at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet. To help your body adjust, we encourage you to stay well hydrated. Water will be provided throughout the Conference space, so bring a reusable water bottle.
You may be able to deduct the cost of registration and travel to the Conference on your 2026 tax filing. Please consult a certified tax professional for additional information.