PKD Connect Conference (PKDCON) 2026

We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for an in-person PKDCON! The return to a face-to-face experience will bring renewed energy as patients, families, clinicians, and researchers come together to share insights, exchange ideas, meet with exhibitors, view posters and talk with researchers, and inspire one another through their shared connection to PKD.

Our Chicago Marriott Oak Brook hotel location makes travel from both O’Hare International and Midway airports easy.

Please note that space for our in-person event is limited to 250 participants and tickets will sell out fast. So act now to get your tickets early!

For those who can’t join us in person, the virtual experience will include live-streamed sessions, on-demand content, and a virtual exhibit hall. You’ll have opportunities to connect with presenters and other attendees online, get questions answered, and build your PKD community. Recordings of PKDCON sessions will also be available on our website post-event.

In-Person Registration Pricing: (includes Grantham Dinner on Friday)

• Early Bird Registration (open through 3/31/2026)- $145
• Regular Individual Registration (4/1/2026 – 5/15/2026) – $160
• Late Individual Registration (5/16/2025 – 6/5/2026) – $175
• On-Site Registration (6/12/2026-6/13/2026) – $175
• Grantham Dinner Registration Only (not attending full conference) – $75

Virtual Registration Pricing

• Virtual Early Bird Registration (4/1/2026 – 5/17/2025) – $35
• Virtual Regular Registration (5/18/2025 – 6/12/2026) – $50

Find the answers to common PKDCON questions below. If you have questions not answered in our FAQ section, email us at education@pkdcure.org.

PKDCON is a premier educational meeting where patients with PKD, caregivers, parents, researchers, and health care professionals gather to: 

•  Share and learn about the latest in PKD research. 

• Connect with others in the PKD community. 

• Meet the researchers and doctors dedicated to finding new treatments, and eventually, a cure for PKD.  

 In addition to our in-person event, we will also offer this experience virtually. 

No matter whether you attend in Chicago or from the comfort of home, expect an agenda packed with topics important to the PKD community:  

• Over 25 general and breakout sessions to choose from 

• Plenty of time to get your questions answered by the experts 

• Poster presentations on key research findings 

• The ability to interact with other attendees and supporters 

PKDCON is developed with PKD patients, parents of children with PKD, and caregivers in mind, but clinicians and researchers are also encouraged to attend.  

• PKD patients will hear from PKD experts to understand each stage of the disease, learn about new advancements in science and research, and connect with others who live with PKD. 

• Parents of children with PKD will have an opportunity to meet expert doctors and researchers to learn more about the disease and how to manage it, and to hear about what’s new in research and science. They can also meet, connect, and get support from other parents of children with PKD. 

• Caregivers play a key role in the lives of people who have PKD; yet caring for someone who is chronically ill can be stressful. At the 2026 PKDCON, caregivers will learn more about the disease their loved one struggles with and how to support them, while also learning how to care for their own physical and emotional health. Specific sessions and topics for caregivers are available. 

Yes! Clinicians and researchers will attend the conference and present topics important to the PKD community. Attendees will have the chance to interact directly with leading experts, ask questions, and gain insight into the latest PKD research and clinical care. 

PKDCON is the premier event to learn in-depth information about PKD and disease management from top experts. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and connect with others who have PKD in a fun, open, and welcoming environment. 

Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available. Please contact our senior director of strategic partnerships, Bill Gavin, at billg@pkdcure.org. 

No, continuing education credit is not available for the in-person or virtual event. 

The deadline to submit the Attendee Assistance Grant Request Form has now passed. All applicants will be notified of their application status by March 20, 2026.

If you have questions, please email education@pkdcure.org.

Select sessions will be recorded and available on pkdcure.org in our Resource Library following the conference. However, we encourage you to attend in person or virtually to enjoy the full conference experience, including live Q&A, access to sponsors and exhibitors, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. 

We strive to make PKDCON accessible to all participants. Please note any accessibility needs on your registration form or contact us directly at education@pkdcure.org so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Please contact education@pkdcure.org for registration, travel, or general conference questions.

Cancellations must be submitted on or before May 16 to be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after May 16. 

Attendees may cancel their ticket through the Zoom platform; however, to request a refund, you must also contact us directly at education@pkdcure.org. Refunds will not be processed without direct email confirmation. 

The closest major hospital with a 24/7 emergency room to the Marriott Oak Brook (1401 W 22nd St) is Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, located approximately 10-15 minutes away at 3815 Highland Ave 

These centers provide a faster alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening conditions.   

• DuPage Immediate Care: Located in Oakbrook, offering services including diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests, and treatment for minor illnesses. 

• Immediate Care Center of Westmont: Located at 29 N Cass Ave., Westmont, IL 60559, which is just minutes from the Oakbrook area 

The closest pharmacy to the Marriott Chicago Oak Brook is the Walgreens located at 2205 W 22nd St, Oak Brook, IL 60523. It is situated roughly 1.7 miles away, featuring a pharmacy with drive-through service and is open until 11 PM on weekdays.  

We’ve arranged a special reduced-rate block of rooms for PKDCON attendees at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. The special, reduced rates are in effect through May 19, 2026—don’t miss out on this opportunity to book your room at the discounted conference rate. Special reduced rate will be extended three(3) days prior to and following the room block dates on a space available basis. Please contact the hotel directly if you have questions or issues regarding your hotel reservation.

Book My Room

The hotel does not provide a shuttle service to or from the airport. Guests may arrange transportation via taxi or rideshare services such as Uber. Car rentals are also available at the airport for those who prefer to drive. Complimentary parking is available at the hotel for guests with rental vehicles or personal cars.

Chicago Marriott Oak Brook is conveniently located near both major Chicago airports.

• From O’Hare International Airport (ORD): approximately 12 miles away, about a 20–25 minute drive depending on traffic.
• From Midway International Airport (MDW): approximately 15 miles away, about a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic.
• Travel times may vary based on time of day and traffic conditions.

The Grantham Dinner will be provided on Friday evening. On Saturday, both breakfast and lunch are included.

Please include any dietary accommodations when you complete your registration. If you did not indicate your dietary needs at that time, please email education@pkdcure.org so we can make the appropriate arrangements.