Get the Most Out of Your Conference Experience The 41st Annual NAAF Conference will be held June 25 – 28 at the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando, FL. NAAF has secured a limited number of rooms for our attendees at a rate of $159/night (plus applicable taxes). Certain bed types may be limited – book early for the best availability! Book Your Hotel Stay 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. Why Stay 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 On-site Dining Options The hotel has several on-site restaurants: American Grill Pizza, Burgers & More Sunshine Café (Open for breakfast only) Gelato Shop 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 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. Important: Rooms and certain bed types are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We strongly encourage attendees to reserve early to take advantage of these exclusive benefits. Additional Hotel Information Check-in and Check-out Information Check-in: 4:00 PM Check-out: 11:00 AM Parking Information Self-parking: $15 per day – Discounted for NAAF rate only Valet Parking: $41 per day Don’t miss a moment. Stay in the NAAF Room Block! Registration Fees Register for the conference early to secure the lowest registration rate. Registration for children is required to participate in our Youth Camp. This Conference is for YOU! The National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s Annual Conference is the premier event for the Alopecia Areata community. Working in collaboration with our volunteer Kitchen Cabinet, we have designed a conference program of events that has something for everyone living with AA, parents and siblings of individuals living with AA, those with AA interested in treatments, or prefer to use camouflage and other cosmetic techniques. Most of all we provide a compassionate space to empower attendees to make choices regarding how they would live to live with AA. Individuals Living with Alopecia Areata For individuals living with alopecia areata, the NAAF Annual Conference offers a unique opportunity to learn about options for treating alopecia areata, cosmetic and camouflage techniques to manage AA without treatment, and strategies to cope with the psychological and social aspects of living with AA. Most importantly, the NAAF Annual Conference creates an empowering and supportive environment where those living with alopecia areata are the norm. Conference programming will also include sessions specific to individuals with mild to moderate hair loss. Parents of Children with Alopecia Areata The NAAF Annual Conference creates a space for parents of children with alopecia areata to network with and learn from other parents, in addition to learning about options for managing alopecia areata. In 2025, nearly 33% of conference attendees were parents of a child with alopecia areata. The conference program will include several sessions focusing on the unique needs of parents of children with alopecia areata. Check back for more details. Children with Alopecia Areata The Youth Camp at the NAAF Annual Conference features age-appropriate programming, activities, games, and field trips for children ages 5 – 17. Thoughtfully planned and executed by NAAF staff and Corporate Kids Events (CKE), the camp empowers children living with alopecia areata to make choices about living with AA. Check back for more details. Young Adults with Alopecia Areata The transition to adulthood can be challenging for anyone. To support individuals with alopecia areata making this transition, the NAAF Annual Conference has tailored programming and events specific to the needs of individuals with AA between the ages of 18 and 30. More details can be found on the conference program. Check back for more details. Individuals with Skin of Color with Alopecia Areata NAAF is committed to addressing the needs of everyone living with alopecia areata. This commitment is reflected in the diversity of our conference attendees. More than 40% of attendees and 50% of speakers at the 2025 NAAF Annual Conference were a person of color. The 2026 NAAF Annual Conference will feature content and programming that addresses the unique needs of individuals with skin of color who live with alopecia areata or have a loved one living with alopecia areata. Check back for more details. If you have never attended a NAAF Annual Conference, we have created some information for first-time attendees at the bottom of this page to help them become familiar with our event. Conference Ambassador Program Our Conference Ambassador Program pairs first-time attendees with returning participants who volunteer to serve as friendly guides. Ambassadors reach out before the conference to welcome you, answer questions, and serve as a familiar face on-site to help you feel at home. Youth Camp Parents of children with or without alopecia areata can take advantage of our Youth Camp, offering fun, age-appropriate programming for children living with alopecia areata—or those who have a loved one affected by it. Campers enjoy a full day of activities, plus breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. An example Youth Camp schedule can be found here. Activities, times, and special guests vary from year to year. Youth Camp Hours Thursday, June 25: 6:00–8:00 PM Friday, June 26: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM Saturday, June 27: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM Sunday, June 28: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Please note: You must register your child for the camp when you register for the conference. Space is limited, and all registrations must be completed by May 26, 2026. What to Wear Conference attire is casual and comfortable. Some attendees choose to dress up for social events, such as the Saturday Night Dance Party. Meeting rooms can be cool, so we recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket. An umbrella may also come in handy for Florida’s unpredictable weather. Also, don’t forget a swimsuit to enjoy the outdoor pool! First Time Attendees Welcome to your first Annual NAAF Conference — we’re so glad you will be joining us! To help you make the most of your experience, NAAF offers several programs and opportunities designed to help you feel connected, informed, and inspired throughout the event. Can’t-Miss Conference Highlights Be sure to join us for these special conference events and activities: Support Sessions – Thursday, June 25 | 7:00–9:00 PM Walk for Alopecia™ Kickoff Lunch – Celebrate the launch of our 2026 campaign with a complimentary lunch and learn how you can get involved this September during Alopecia Awareness Month. Saturday Night Dance Party – A beloved conference tradition and always a highlight of the weekend! Learn more about the Walk for Alopecia™ campaign. Recommended Sessions While every attendee’s interests are unique, past participants have found these sessions especially meaningful: Support Sessions (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening) Current Treatment Options & Expectations Ask the Experts Panel Walk for Alopecia™ Kickoff Lunch Make-Up Tips for Managing Alopecia Areata Saturday Night Dance Party For Parents of Children Living with Alopecia Areata: Parent Support Session (Thursday evening) Teen & Young Adult Panel This list will be updated as we confirm the details of our conference program. An example Conference at a Glance Schedule can be found here. Sessions, speakers, panelists, and social activities vary from year to year. Making Connections One of the most valued aspects of the NAAF Conference is the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with others who understand your journey. Here are some great ways to meet people and build lasting relationships: Request a Conference Ambassador when you register — it’s the perfect way to connect with a fellow attendee right away. Learn more on the Conference Ambassador Program webpage. Download the Conference Mobile App (Available in March) to access community message boards, plan meet-ups and stay up to date on all activities. Join a Support Group Session on Thursday evening — sessions are tailored to specific groups (e.g., women, parents, young adults) to foster connection and understanding. Attend Evening Support Sessions on Friday and Saturday, designed to help attendees process emotions and reflect on their experience in a supportive environment. Group Outings NAAF staff and volunteers are organizing a variety of group outings to encourage community building and fun beyond the conference sessions. Keep an eye on the conference mobile app (available in March) for details as these opportunities are announced. Register for the Conference Book Your Hotel Stay 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. Questions? Contact us at conference@naaf.org.
