General Information Who should attend the 41st Annual National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) Conference? We invite anyone who has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, along with their friends and family members, to attend the Conference. The educational content, as well as the activities, are planned with everyone affected by alopecia areata in mind. We encourage you to attend as many sessions as you would like. This is my first NAAF Annual Conference, what can help me have an enjoyable experience? We understand that going to a conference for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. To help individuals attending their first NAAF Annual Conference have an enjoyable experience, we have created a webpage with information for first-time attendees and created a Conference Ambassador Program. Conference Ambassadors are individuals who have previously attended the NAAF Annual Conference and have volunteered to welcome first-time conference attendees, providing an on-site connection to help first-time attendees navigate the conference. These volunteers help create a positive and inclusive conference experience for first-time attendees. You can request a Conference Ambassador when you register for the conference. Additional information for first-time attendees: The conference features an Exhibit Hall featuring pharmaceutical companies with FDA-approved treatments for alopecia areata, wig and cosmetic vendors, as well as other exhibitors. More information can be found on our Exhibitor Information page. The Youth Camp at the conference is an opportunity for children ages 5 – 17 engage with other children living with alopecia areata or who have a sibling with alopecia areata. The camp features a robust program of activities developed by Corporate Kids Events in conjunction with NAAF staff. The camp is included as a part of your child’s registration fees for the conference. You must register your child for the camp BY May 26, 2026. You can register your child for the camp when you register for the conference. An example Youth Camp schedule can be found here. Activities, times, and special guests vary from year to year. We are sensitive that some individuals living with alopecia areata may not want to appear in photos and videos taken at the conference. Individuals who do not wish to appear on photos and videos of the conference may opt-out when they register for the event. Support sessions are scheduled throughout the conference beginning on Thursday June 25 at 6 PM. These sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to engage with others in a supportive environment and a great way to meet other attendees who have a shared experience with alopecia areata. Additionally, a general support group meeting will be held Friday and Saturday evening. More information about these sessions can be found on the conference session page. The conference mobile app (available in March) provides an excellent opportunity to stay engaged with events at the conference. The app will allow you to see the conference program, add sessions to your personal schedule, chat with other attendees, and receive on-site notifications. IMPORTANT: Attendees will not be able to sign up for sessions during registration. More details about sessions and the Conference schedule will be available in the conference app in March. What is the Conference Ambassador Program? Conference Ambassadors are individuals who have previously attended the NAAF Annual Conference and have volunteered to welcome first-time conference attendees, providing an on-site connection to help first-time attendees navigate the conference. These volunteers help create a positive and inclusive conference experience for first-time attendees. You can volunteer to be a Conference Ambassador when you register for the conference. You can learn more about the Conference Ambassador Program here. Where do I go to get my registration badge? All attendees at the 41st Annual NAAF Conference must wear their registration badge throughout the conference to access sessions and conference-related events. If you have registered for the conference, you can pick up your registration badge, conference tote bag, and t-shirt at the Registration and Check-in Table located Universal B. What are the hours for the Registration and Information Desk? Conference Registration will be located in Universal B. Registration will be open during the following times: Thursday, June 25th, 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Friday, June 26th, 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday, June 27th, 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, June 28th, 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. What is included in my registration fee? Registered attendees for the NAAF Annual Conference can enjoy the following: Conference tote bag and t-shirt Any complimentary meals provided on the day(s) they are registered to attend the conference, including the Walk For Alopecia Areta Kick off Lunch Access to conference sessions scheduled on the day(s) they are registered to attend the conference Access to the Exhibit Hall on the day(s) they are registered to attend the conference For children ages 5 – 17, conference registration includes the Youth Camp – provided that you register for the camp when registering for the conference. Youth Camp includes a continental breakfast each morning of the camp, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Camp registration ENDS on May 26, 2026. The Saturday Night conference Dance Party. Things that are not included in your conference registration fee: Hotel room at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando Parking fees at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. NAAF has negotiated special pricing for parking fees at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for our attendees staying at the hotel. Attendees staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton will pay a reduced rate of $15 per day for self-parking and $41 per day for valet parking. Will conference sessions be recorded or is there a virtual option to attend the conference? Unfortunately, the NAAF Annual Conference is an in-person event. Conference sessions will not be recorded and will not be available virtually. For individuals looking for virtual options for education, please see information about the You Are Not Alone: Education and Empowerment Webinar Series conducted by NAAF. Will presenter slides be made available to conference attendees? Due to the sensitive nature of some presentations and concerns around intellectual property, conference speakers are not required to share presentations with conference attendees. If speakers have provided presentations or other materials to share with attendees, they will be available for download through the conference mobile app (available in March). What are the important dates for the 41st Annual NAAF Conference? Some important dates to note are: Conference Dates: Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, 2025 Please note that Conference Registration and Check-in is open Thursday, June 25th from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. Early Bird Registration Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026 Youth Camp Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Financial Assistance Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Hotel Reservation Deadline: Thursday, June 4, 2026 Pre-conference Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Last Day for Registration Cancellations and Refunds: Thursday, June 4, 2026 What are the hours for the exhibitors? We have several wonderful vendors joining us this year! For more information you can visit the Exhibitor page. You will be able to shop and chat with the exhibitors during the following times: Thursday, June 25: 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Friday, June 26: 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday, June 28: 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. What payment methods are accepted? After completing your registration for the conference, you will be prompted to pay by credit card. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. What if I have registered for the conference and am no longer able to attend? We hope this won’t be necessary, but if you must cancel your conference registration, please email conference@naaf.org to cancel your registration. Cancellation requests received by NAAF no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026, will be refunded. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after June 4, 2026. If you cancel your conference registration and have already booked your hotel room, you must cancel your hotel reservation directly with the hotel. What should I wear to the conference? Casual attire is appropriate for the entire conference. Attire to keep warm while indoors is recommended since air-conditioned hotels are sometimes chilly. Don’t forget to bring your outfit for the Dance Party on Saturday. Bring a swimsuit if you want to cool in the hotel’s pool. Is there any financial assistance available to attend the conference? Yes, NAAF has a limited amount of funds available for those who cannot attend the conference without financial assistance. The NAAF Conference Financial Assistance Fund only provides financial aid to help with registration fees and/or lodging. Financial aid is not available for other travel expenses (e.g. airfare, train tickets, hotel incidentals, etc.) You can fill out the application here: 2026 Financial Assistance Application. Your application MUST include a proposed itinerary for your trip to the conference. What is the NAAF group rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando? NAAF has secured a limited number of rooms at the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for our attendees at a rate of $159/night (plus applicable taxes). The NAAF group rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando Single/Double/Triple/Quad Occupancy: $159 per night, plus applicable taxes Available for rooms with one king bed or two queen beds Certain bed types may be limited – book early for the best availability! NAAF works hard to negotiate the best possible hotel rates and to make the most of your registration dollars – keeping the conference affordable and accessible to everyone. When you reserve a room through the official link provided, you not only support this year’s conference but also the continuation of this life-changing event for the alopecia areata community. By booking your stay directly through our link (instead of a third-party site), you will also have greater flexibility to modify your reservation directly with the hotel. What are the benefits of staying in the official conference hotel? “Staying at the Annual NAAF Conference hotel made our experience even more meaningful. The convenience allowed us to connect more with other families, take breaks when needed, and start each day feeling relaxed and ready. It created a comfortable, supportive experience for both my daughter and me.” — Monica Unmatched Convenience Easy access to early morning sessions and late-night events, including the dance party Guest elevators are located just steps from conference meeting rooms Move between your room and sessions without stepping outside—no dealing with Florida heat or humidity before sessions begin Resort-Style Amenities for All Ages Junior Olympic–sized swimming pool Separate children’s pool and splash pad Relax at the tropical poolside bar Perfect for families, relaxation between sessions, or post-conference fun Exclusive Added Value Enjoy the famous warm DoubleTree cookie at check-in (including an allergy-friendly cookie option!) $15 self-parking per day (an $18/day savings compared to standard rates). Discount will be given at the hotel and does not reflect on the hotel’s website. One flat rate for single, double, triple, or quad occupancy Flexible cancellation terms negotiated exclusively for conference attendees On-site Dining Options The hotel has several on-site restaurants: American Grill Pizza, Burgers & More Sunshine Café (Open for breakfast only) Gelato Shop Support the Conference Booking within the official hotel block helps us keep registration fees affordable, secure meeting space, and continue offering high-quality programming and events for our community. What are the parking options at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando? The hotel offers valet parking for guests and visitors at the following rates: Self-parking: $15 per day – Discounted for NAAF rate only Valet Parking: $41 per day What are the airport and transportation options to the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando? Orlando is serviced by two airports. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB). Getting from Orlando International Airport to the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando **Please note that the travel times listed below are approximate and may vary for you based on current traffic conditions when you arrive in Orlando.** From Orlando International Airport (18 miles from hotel), the estimated travel time is 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis and Rideshare: Taxi Stands are located at each terminal. Terminal A on the Ground Transportation Curb (Level 1) between A22-A25 Terminal B on the Ground Transportation Curb (Level 1) between B30-B34 Terminal C on the Arrivals Curb (Level 6) Taxi fares are dependent on traffic conditions. Average fare from Orlando International Airport is $38 – 45. All Ride Share companies (such as Uber, Lyft, Wingz and KreweCar) may pick-up passengers at: Terminal A Arrivals Curb (Level 2) 24 hours per day Departures Curb (Level 3) between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM Terminal B Arrivals Curb (Level 2) 24 hours per day Departures Curb (Level 3) between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM Terminal C Arrivals Curb (Level 6) Estimated Uber fare from Orlando International Airport to the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando is $35. PLEASE NOTE THAT MEARS AIRPORT SHUTTLE DOES NOT SERVICE THE CONFERENCE HOTEL. Getting from Orlando-Sanford International Airport to the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. The Orlando-Sanford International Airport is located ~ 30 miles from the conference hotel. Estimated travel time is 35 – 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis and Rideshare: Call a cab or grab a rideshare from Uber or Lyft. Your driver can pick-up or drop-off in the designated zones across the street from Baggage Claim areas 1-3. Estimated Uber or Lyft fare from the Sanford International Airport to the DoubleTree Hilton by the Entrance to Universal Orlando is $50 – 70. Taxi Company: Yellow Cab Company of Orlando – (407)422-2222. There are also numerous pre-arranged shuttle services available. Visit the Sanford International Airport for a complete list. Family Activities Will there be a Team Up event this year? Unfortunately, there are no Major League Baseball teams in Orlando. So, we are unable to host a Team Up event. We hope to organize after-hours family-friendly activities as we get closer to the conference. Stay tuned for more details. What information do I need to sign my child(ren) up for Youth Camp? The Youth Camp is included in the conference registration for children ages 5 – 17. Campers must be registered to attend the conference. You must sign up your child for the camp when you register for the conference. Children MUST be registered for the conference and camp by May 26, 2026, or they will not be able to attend the event. While completing your online registration, parents are required to: Complete permission and emergency consent forms for EACH CHILD participating in Camp. Provide a detailed list of safe and acceptable foods for children with allergies or special dietary needs. This information MUST be provided before you are able to complete your registration. If you have a child/children who will attend the Youth Camp, you will need to know the following: Birth date and age Dietary restrictions and/or food allergies Any medical conditions and/or current medications Name and telephone number of their doctor Insurance carrier and policy number An example Youth Camp schedule can be found here. Activities, times, and special guests vary from year to year. Is there an income tax deduction for parents with children? An IRS ruling allows parents to deduct the expenses of admission and transportation to a medical conference relating to the chronic disease of the individual’s dependent. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding your individual tax situation. Are theme park tickets included in our registration fee? No, theme park tickets are not included in your registration fee. However, attendees of the 41st Annual NAAF Conference can purchase discounted on half-day tickets to Universal Orlando Resort and associated theme parks. More info can be found here. IMPORTANT: NAAF is unable to answer questions or provide customer service for these tickets. Please contact Universal Orlando Resort or KGS Kissimmee Guest Services directly if you need any assistance. Financial Assistance Fund How can I contribute to the 2026 Conference Financial Assistance Fund? To contribute, you can donate via this link, or mail a check (specifying 2026 Conference Financial Assistance Fund) to: National Alopecia Areata Foundation PO Box 1270 Suison City, CA 94585 For more information on how you can support this important event, please contact Kris van Osnabrugge, Development Director, at krisvo@naaf.org. Sponsorship & Exhibitors I would like to be a sponsor. Who can I contact for information? For information on how you can support this important event, please contact Kris van Osnabrugge, Development Director, at krisvo@naaf.org. How can I apply to be an exhibitor at the Conference? We welcome exhibits from pharmaceutical companies and other businesses with FDA-approved treatments for alopecia areata, as well as companies and individuals offering books and educational materials that empower people living with alopecia areata, wigs and headscarves, and cosmetic solutions designed to support day-to-day living with alopecia areata. To ensure a balanced and diverse exhibitor experience for attendees, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) limits the number of exhibitors within each business category (e.g., a maximum number of wig vendors, cosmetic vendors, and similar product types). Acceptance is subject to availability within each category. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as research institutes, should contact Kris van Osnabrugge, Development Director, at krisvo@naaf.org. All other commercial businesses (including wigs, headscarves, and makeup/camouflage providers) and individuals interested in exhibiting at the NAAF Annual Conference must 2026 NAAF Patient Conference Exhibitor Agreement and Application no later than Friday May 29, 2026. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is contingent upon category availability. Exhibiting Company Fees $500 exhibit fee: includes 6′ table, 2 chairs, 2 complimentary registrations to the conference. Additional tables are available for $350 fee. Additional tables include additional 1 complimentary conference registration and chair. Exhibitor tables will be located in the Universal A Exhibitor goods and services may not exceed the 3.5′ depth by 6′ width by 7′ high space. Exhibit hours: Thursday, June 25: 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Friday, June 26: 7:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Saturday, June 27: 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Unopposed exhibit times: Thursday, June 25: 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. Friday, June 26: 7:30 – 9:00 A.M. 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. 5:30 – 6:00 P.M. Saturday, June 27: 7:30 – 8:00 A.M. 1:30 – 2:00 P.M. 4:30 – 5:00 P.M. Register for the Conference Book Your Hotel Stay Additional questions? Contact us at conference@naaf.org. All You Need To Know About The 41st Annual NAAF Conference: Conference: Home Page Conference: Hotel Conference: Youth Camp Conference: Attendee Info Conference: Ambassdor Program Conference: Call for Presentations
