ACE applications are now open through October 15. Join a national network committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive Ataxia care. Apply Now!
ACE applications are now open through October 15. Join a national network committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive Ataxia care. Apply Now!
April 1 – 3, 2027
The Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) is where our community comes together—people living with Ataxia, their loved ones, and the experts working toward treatments and a cure. It’s a time to learn, share, and connect with others who understand the journey. Whether you join us in person or online, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and reminded that none of us face Ataxia alone.
📍 Planet Hollywood
3667 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Awardees will receive round-trip airfare and a three-night stay at Planet Hollywood.
Awardees receive free event registration.
In person, virtual, and industry registration options.
Limited discounted group rate available on a first-come, first-served basis.
On-site registration will be available for $425.
Choose how you’d like to join us at the 2027 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC)! In-person registration includes admission to all AAC functions, including general sessions, a welcome reception, Birds of a Feather sessions, the exhibitor hall, and the Saturday banquet dinner, plus complimentary access to the virtual webpage. Virtual registration covers access to the online webpage, which will include live-streamed general sessions and virtual Birds of a Feather sessions.
Financial assistance is available. If cost is a concern, we offer travel grants and virtual scholarships—learn more about how to apply.
*$325 Early Registration (ends 2/2) *$375 Regular registration on-site registration is available for $425 for non-industry attendees.
No refunds of registration fees for cancellations after 3/05/2027*. Registration at the door is not recommended.
Our conference sessions bring together leading experts, inspiring speakers, and community voices to share the latest in Ataxia research, care, and living well.
The program offers a dynamic mix of experiences—from educational sessions to smaller group discussions and interactive workshops—designed to meet a variety of interests and needs. Alongside the learning, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities for fun and connection through social gatherings, making the conference both informative and enjoyable.
The full schedule will be available soon. We’re working hard to create a memorable AAC experience for everyone, and we can’t wait to share more with you!
Wednesday, March 24, 2027
Virtual Birds of a Feather
Friday, April 2, 2027
In-Person Attendees Only
Please note: Pre-conference Virtual Birds of a Feather Sessions will take place before the conference and are open to all registered attendees. We encourage in-person attendees to attend these sessions as well.
Please note: Due to technology constraints, in-person Birds of a Feather sessions will not be live-streamed.
Make the most of your conference experience by staying at our host hotel, Planet Hollywood, located at 3667 Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV. Guests of Planet Hollywood can enjoy 2 separate pools with relaxing poolside daybeds or cabanas and dining at more than 20 restaurants. Guests can also shop, dine, and enjoy live entertainment at over 200 outlets inside the hotel’s Miracle Mile Shops. You’ll be just steps away from all conference activities, with easy access to nearby restaurants, attractions, and the local airport. We’ve arranged a special group rate for attendees—reserve your room early to secure the best availability. Reservations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning December 1, 2026. Rooms will be available while inventory lasts until Tuesday, March 9, 2027.
Tip for a Smoother Trip: Traveling with a companion can make navigating a new city easier and more enjoyable—plus, it’s always great to have someone to share the experience with! NAF recommends traveling with a companion if you typically rely on assistance with daily tasks, mobility, or transferring to help ensure a safer and more comfortable experience. If you are able, consider arriving a day before the conference starts to allow for a rest period before everything gets started.
Environmental Consideration: Please note that Planet Hollywood Las Vegas has designated indoor smoking areas within the casino. While guest rooms, meeting spaces, and most restaurants are smoke-free, attendees may encounter cigarette smoke when walking through certain areas of the resort. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory concerns, we recommend planning your route accordingly and allowing extra time to navigate through smoke-free pathways when possible.
Detailed information about the hotel and the Las Vegas area is available below. Select a tab to review the information.
Please note that at the time of booking your reservation, you will be charged a deposit equal to the first night’s stay + resort fee + tax.
Changes or cancellations to your reservation can be made up to 72 hours prior to your check-in date for a full refund. Cancellations after this time may forfeit the deposit.
Book non-ADA rooms directly through Planet Hollywood. Starting 12/01/2026, you can book standard rooms online or by phone.
ADA rooms are limited and cannot be reserved through the hotel. They must be requested through NAF. ADA room reservations will be accepted beginning at 12pm EST on December 1, 2026. Email your request to kari@ataxia.org or call 763-553-0093 and leave a voicemail with your name and contact information to be added to the waiting list for an ADA room. Calls and emails will be time-stamped and processed in the order they were received. ADA room reservations will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Email your request to kari@ataxia.org or call 763-553-0093 and leave a voicemail with your name and contact information to be added to the waiting list for an ADA room. We will time-stamp and process calls and emails in the order received.
For questions about ADA room availability, contact Kari Brooks, Community Services Coordinator at 763-553-0093 or kari@ataxia.org.
The width of the bathroom door in the standard sleeping rooms is 32-33″
Hotel Information
If you need ADA equipment, you are encouraged to bring those items with you or make arrangements to rent equipment locally. NAF is unable to provide ADA equipment. Be sure to rent or request any needed equipment from Planet Hollywood or a local provider in advance to be accommodated, based on availability.
The service dog relief area at the Planet Hollywood is located just outside of the front desk doors to the left. Please pick up after your service animal.
Valet Parking
Hours: 24/7
Flat Rate Per Day
-Mon-Sun: $40
-PLT/DIA/SEV: Free
From Las Vegas Blvd., turn onto E. Harmon. At the first traffic light, turn left into the Valet Parking entrance and follow the signs.
Self Parking
Hours: 24/7
Weekday Hourly Rate Per Day (Mon-Thur)
-1st Hour: Free*
-1-3 Hours: $18
-3-24 Hours: $20
-Daily Max: $20
-Hotel Lodger: $20 (Charged per vehicle to room, allows in & out privileges with room key)
-PLT/DIA/SER: Free
Weekend Hourly Rate Per Day (Fri-Sun):
-1st Hour: Free*
-1-3 Hours: $25
-3-24 Hours: $25
-Daily Max: $25
-Hotel Lodger: $20 (Charged per vehicle to room, allows in & out privileges with room key)
-PLT/DIA/SER: Free
-Special event rates may apply
-Nevada ID’s not accepted
-Hotel guests’ fees must be billed to room prior to checkout
*Only the first 30 minutes are free in the Harmon Avenue garage.
The walk from the parking garage to the front desk in Planet Hollywood is a ½ mile. When arriving, Planet Hollywood recommends driving up to the front to unload your bags with the bell desk before self-parking or valet-parking. After parking, check in at the front desk and collect your bags from the bell desk
Oversized Vehicles
The clearance of the Parking Garage is 6’ 8’’.
There is a much smaller parking lot, that is first come first served basis, off of the main Planet Hollywood’s main drive that can accommodate smaller U-Hauls, larger sized trucks/vans, etc. For anything larger there is not any oversized parking at Planet Hollywood, Paris or Horseshoe.
To help you with planning, NAF encourages you to access websites that will inform you of your rights and responsibilities when traveling by air. Go to NAF’s website resources page at www.ataxia.org/general-references/ and select the “Accessible Travel” option. You will be directed to a list of links such as Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Passengers requiring any in-flight assistance for your arrival or departure flights should contact their airline before traveling. Airlines will generally work with passengers to try to meet their in-flight needs. Also, visit the TSA Cares website www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support for contact information to request screening assistance, scooter assistance, service animal assistance, and any other accessible services that you may need at the airports you utilize during your travels. For your safety and for the safety of other travelers please do not leave your baggage unattended at any airport you visit during your travels. Video: How To Navigate an Airport in a Wheelchair.
Local Airport:
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
5757 Wayne Newton Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Many services such as skycaps, sighted guides, and wheelchairs are provided by the airlines. Please contact your airline to reserve a wheelchair.
Visitor Information
Visit www.visitlasvegas.com and www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/planning-tools/special-needs-visitors/ for a complete list of attractions and planning information.
Transportation
To help you with planning, NAF encourages you to access the following links to important websites that will inform you of your rights and your responsibilities when traveling by air. Go to NAF’s website resources page at www.ataxia.org/general-references/ and select the “Accessible Travel & Recreation” option. You will be directed to a list of links such as Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Passengers requiring any in-flight assistance for your arrival or departure flights should contact their airline before traveling. Airlines will generally work with passengers to try to meet their in-flight needs. Please visit the TSA Cares website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support for contact information to request screening assistance, scooter assistance, service animal assistance, and any other accessible services that you may need at the airports you utilize during your travels. For your safety and for the safety of other travelers please do not leave your baggage unattended at any airport you visit during your travels. Video: How To Navigate an Airport in a Wheelchair
Detailed information about services and facilities at the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to assist travelers with disabilities can be found at www.harryreidairport.com/SpecialAssistance. The distance from the gates to baggage claim and ground transportation varies greatly depending on which airline you are arriving on. The maps on the airport’s website can give you an idea about the distance to baggage claim and ground transportation for the airline you are utilizing. Sunday and Monday are the heaviest departure days at the airport. If you are departing on one of these days, it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes to an hour earlier than you normally would for your flight.
Many services such as skycaps, sighted guides, and wheelchairs are provided by the airlines. Please contact your airline to reserve a wheelchair.
Lift Equipped Group Shuttles
To get information regarding accessible shuttle transportation please contact the shuttle companies directly that are found on the Harry Reid International Airport website www.harryreidairport.com/SpecialAssistance/TransportationServices.
Taxis
Accessible taxi services are available at both terminals. A designated area is signed for travelers with disabilities. Taxi services are available on the east side of baggage claim, outside door exits 1 – 4 in Terminal 1. At Terminal 3, taxi services are located outside on Level Zero. There are 20 loading locations on the west end of the building and 10 loading locations on the east side to accommodate international travelers. Taxi services are also available at the Harry Reid Rent-A-Car Center.
Paratransit
If you are certified to ride paratransit, bring your certification and you will be allowed to ride for up to 21 days without a Nevada certification. Visit the RTC website www.rtcsnv.com/transit/paratransit/ or Call (702) 228-4800 one to three days in advance to schedule rides. The RTC Paratransit Shuttle Service is available by reservation at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The Terminal 1 shuttle stop is just outside the doors on Level Zero and the Terminal 3 stop is located on Level Zero, outside door exit 55.
Ride Share Services
Uber and Lyft do have an accessible ride options that can be selected when booking your ride. Accessible rides are limited so wait times for accessible rides tend to be longer. The ride-share pick-up area is in the parking garage – valet area. The distance to the ride share pick-up area is further to get to than the taxi or shuttle pick up areas.
Monorail
Hop on the Las Vegas Monorail and experience a convenient, state-of-the-art alternative to traveling the world-famous Las Vegas Strip – in 15 minutes or less! Bally’s / Paris Las Vegas Station is located at Bally’s with access to Paris Las Vegas located next door. You can reach the station by heading toward the pool area through the Bally’s Avenue Shops. The monorail does not go to the airport. Visit www.lvmonorail.com/ for schedules and ticket prices.
The following information can be used as a guide as you plan your stay in Las Vegas. The National Ataxia Foundation does not endorse products, services, or manufacturers. Those mentioned below are included for your information only. The NAF assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.
Ability Center
(702) 434-3030 Fax: (702) 434-3014
www.abilitycenter.com/wheelchair-accessible-van-rentals/
Accessible Vans
(702)536-1842
www.accessiblevans.com/wheelchair-vans-rental-las-vegas-nv.php
Mobility Works of Las Vegas (702) 876-9606
www.mobilityworks.com/mobilityworks-locations/las-vegas-nv.php
WHEELERS
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport
(800) 456-1371
wheelersvanrentals.com/US/nevada-wheelchair-van-rentals/
Please note that NAF is unable to provide attendant care services. Due to liabilities and health concerns, NAF and hotel employees are not able to provide this service. Please do not attend without making arrangements for an attendant if you need one.
Comfort Keepers Las Vegas
2881 Business Park Court, Suite 226
Las Vegas, Nevada 89128
(702)381-1570 Fax: (702)452-1001
www.comfortkeepers.com/office-142
Nurse Core
4423 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 458-1137 Fax: (702)458-1423
www.nursecore.com/
Professional Healthcare Services
(702) 362-0711
professionalhealthcareserviceslv.com
Right At Home
(702) 367-3400
www.rightathome.net/lasvegas/
CVS Pharmacy
3758 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 262-9028
www.cvs.com
Walgreens
3765 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 739-9645
www.walgreens.com
Tammy Counts – Accessibility & ADA Coordinator
TCounts@lasvegasnevada.gov
(702) 229-5055
Nevada Relay Service – Dial 711
www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Resources/Accessibility
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb00-19.pdf
Rev. Rul. 2000–24, page 963 (In part)
Rev. Rul. 2000–24, page 963 (In part) Medical expenses
Amounts paid by an individual for expenses of admission and transportation to a medical conference relating to the chronic disease of the individual’s dependent are deductible as medical expenses under section 213 of the Code (subject to the limitations of that section), if the costs are primarily for and essential to the medical care of the dependent. The cost of meals and lodging while attending the conference are not deductible as medical expenses under Code section 213.
We want the Annual Ataxia Conference to be accessible to everyone in our community. A limited number of travel grants are available to help offset costs for in-person attendees, and virtual scholarships are available to cover the registration fee for online participants. These are available for individuals with Ataxia, both adults and children, who may need financial assistance. If cost is a barrier for you, we encourage you to review the options and apply.
Travel grants are available to help cover costs for those attending the conference in Las Vegas, NV. Preference is given to those who are attending AAC for the first time. Awardees will receive:
Application Opens: 9/21/2026
Application Deadline: 12/1/2026
Virtual scholarships are available to support individuals joining the conference online.
Application Opens: 9/21/2026
Application Deadline: 3/17/2027
For questions regarding travel grants and scholarships, contact the NAF Finance Team at finance@ataxia.org.
Please review our conference policies for important information about privacy, code of conduct, and other guidelines that help ensure a safe and respectful experience for all attendees. Select a tab to review the information.
Your data privacy and security are important to us. When you register for this event, NAF will process your data in accordance with our legitimate interests for hosting an industry event and for being a community-based organization. Please review NAF’s privacy policy, including how to exercise your rights under GDPR.
NAF intends to take photographs and video of this event for us in NAF news and promotional material, in print, electronic, and other media, including the NAF website. By participating in the event, you grant NAF the right to use any image, photograph, voice, or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts.
We value the participation of each member of the community and endeavor to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Conference participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy, and respect for others and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all conference programs and events, whether officially sponsored by NAF or not. All attendees, speakers, organizers, volunteers, vendors, and staff at any NAF event are required to observe the following Code of Conduct:
NAF is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for the conference. Be kind to others. Do not insult or defame participants. Harassment in any form, such as sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not condoned at NAF events. Participants violating these rules may be asked to the leave the conference at the sole discretion of NAF.
The purpose of Birds of a Feather sessions is to provide a safe space for patients and family to connect with each other and expert facilitators. We welcome approved clinical observers. To ensure that the limited time in these sessions is fulfilling this valuable purpose to attendees we ask that all attendees agree to this Code of Conduct.
As an Ataxia patient organization, our mission is to find treatments and cures for the Ataxias. We believe creating a collaborative research environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion for all our stakeholders and partners is essential to achieving this mission. We are committed to equality of opportunity and insist that all those engaging in our community are treated with dignity and respect. We will ensure this at AAC by fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion and celebrates the contributions of all.
Infectious disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19 and Monkey Pox, can be unexpected and evolving situations. We will monitor any health emergency situations closely. At present, we are planning and preparing for an in-person conference. We do have contingency plans that will allow a quick response to changing conditions. These include postponing the event or pivoting to a fully virtual conference. We recommend that attendees do not book non-refundable travel. In addition, health safety precautions may be implemented at the discretion of NAF. Examples of safety precautions are social distancing and requiring face masks. If safety precautions are implemented, you agree to abide by them while attending conference functions. committed to equality of opportunity and insist that all those engaging in our community are treated with dignity and respect. We will ensure this at AAC by fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion and celebrates the contributions of all.
By registering, you agree that NAF may share your contact details, along with other personal data that you provide in the registration form with event sponsors, as listed in the Sponsors section of the event website for the purpose of post-event follow up communication. This consent is granted for one-off communication from each Sponsor. To opt-out, email your request to naf@ataxia.org.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all AAC attendees, the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) prohibits the display, promotion, or sale of any medical products, devices, treatments, or therapies that have not been evaluated or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This policy applies to all exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and participants involved in conference-related activities, including exhibit halls, poster sessions, workshops, and networking events.
We invite you to exhibit at the largest Ataxia gathering in the world, where the Ataxia community comes to learn, share, and meet with friends old and new. Come and be a part of our 2027 Annual Ataxia Conference!
Contact Rich McCutchen at rich@ataxia.org for more information.
We’re looking for partners to support 2027 AAC and help us bring this impactful program to the Ataxia community! Thank you to our sponsors who have already committed to supporting this event!
Contact Rich McCutchen at rich@ataxia.org for more information.
If you have other questions about AAC, please contact NAF at naf@ataxia.org for more information or call us at 763-553-0020.
