USH2026 Program

Preliminary Program Overview

Conference Dates: July 17-19, 2026
Status: Draft - subject to change

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Informal Meet & Greet

SATURDAY | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Full day of presentations followed by evening social and dinner

SUNDAY MORNING | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

NEW THIS YEAR: Concurrent breakout sessions to close out the conference

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Virtual Attendance

Virtual attendance provides access to:

Live General Session presentations (Saturday only)
Engagement and connection opportunities through the Whova event app at the USH2026 hybrid event

In-Person Registration (All-Inclusive)

In-person registration provides access to:

Friday afternoon Meet & Greet opportunities
Saturday full-day conference (breakfast, refreshment break, lunch, and dinner included)
Sunday morning breakout sessions

SATURDAY PROGRAM

Opening Keynote

8:00 AM (approximate timing)

Keynote presentation by a member of the Usher community

Research & Clinical Updates

Morning Session

The morning session will focus on the latest advances in Usher syndrome research, including:

Gene-Specific Therapeutic Developments

USH1 Updates: Progress in clinical trials and emerging treatment approaches for USH1B, USH1C, USH1D, and USH1F subtypes
USH2 Advances: Clinical trial updates for USH2A including LUNA and emerging treatment approaches for USH2C
USH3 Research: Latest developments in USH3A treatment research

Gene-Agnostic Approaches

Stem cell therapy developments for vision preservation
Novel therapeutic platforms applicable across genetic subtypes

Natural History Studies & Clinical Research

Updates from natural history studies (RUSH2A, RUSH1F, USH1B, USH1C, USH3A)
Clinical trial endpoint validation and patient participation opportunities
Emerging research on balance and vestibular function

Translational Research

Usher Syndrome Society Translational Research Grant program updates
Investigator-initiated studies and early-stage research

Research Q&A Panel

Ending at 12:30 PM

Panel discussion with research presenters to address audience questions

Lunch Break

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Community & Living Well

Afternoon Session | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Topics Under Consideration

Navigating clinical trials and research participation
Assistive technology and devices
Education and employment strategies
Mental health and community support
Family resources and genetic counseling

Interactive Opportunities

Meet-the-researcher sessions
Peer networking and discussion groups
Resource fair

"Living with Usher Syndrome" Panel

Panel discussion to close out the afternoon session

Evening Social and Dinner

Following afternoon program

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Concurrent breakout sessions to provide deeper engagement on topics of interest (details to be announced)

USHANGOUTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

USHangouts is an in-person opportunity for children with Usher syndrome, their siblings, and youth family members of individuals with Usher syndrome, to make connections during the annual USH Connections Conference.

The USHangouts Program is facilitated by Ava's Voice Inc., a partner of the Usher Syndrome Coalition. The mission of Ava's Voice is to Connect USHearts Around the World through direct programming to connect families, peers, mentors, and role models with Usher syndrome.