FAQ’s
You Asked. We Answered.
When and where is the 17th National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT?
HA CONNECT will be held on July 14–16, 2022 at the Austin Marriott Downtown.
Austin Marriott Downtown
304 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701
Why is the 17th National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT, moving to in-person?
The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) knows that individuals living with hydrocephalus and their loved ones are eager for in-person connections. The best way to meet this need is to host our 17th National Conference on Hydrocephalus in-person July 14-16, 2022 in Austin, TX at the Austin Marriott Downtown. HA CONNECT is the largest event that provides an opportunity for the hydrocephalus community to connect and network with patients, caregivers, medical professionals, scientists, medical device representatives and other organizations.
Will HA offer a virtual component to HA CONNECT 2022?
No. Time and time again, attendees have told us that what they value most about HA CONNECT is the ability to make connections and the in-person live experience. While we valued the increased virtual engagement during our 2020 conference, due to our limited staff capacity and financial resources we are unable to offer a hybrid event that offers both in-person and virtual opportunities. We have a strict budget for our conference that we must adhere to in order to continue offering our other programs and services, such as support, education, advocacy, and research. So adding a virtual component to the conference is not possible at this time. However, we plan to continue our robust virtual HA Community Network (support group) meetings and will pilot a one-day virtual-only mini HA CONNECT in 2023. Stay tuned for additional details!
How is HA keeping participants safe?
Your health, well-being and safety is our top priority. HA is working hard to ensure all necessary safety measures are in place and we are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for our attendees. We are closely monitoring the continuing development pertaining to the novel coronavirus and will follow all guidance and health regulations put forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the city of Austin, and the state of Texas, as well as track all travel restrictions issued by the U.S. government during the 2022 National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT. We will continue to provide updates over the course of the coming months on our Safety Precautions page.
If you have any questions, please contact HA by email at conference@hydroassoc.org. We also encourage you to sign up for our conference newsletter to receive the latest updates by email. You can sign up here. We are all working together to help keep meeting attendees safe!
Below are some helpful resources.
The headquarters hotel, the Austin Downtown Marriott Austin, adheres to their own “Commitment to Clean” protocols.
Information on COVID-19 resources in the city of Austin can be found on the Visit Austin Health and Safety page, which is updated regularly as additional information from community partners is collected.
Who attends the conference?
HA CONNECT attracts participants from all over the world and people of all ages including those researching the condition, delivering care to those with hydrocephalus, staff from health industry corporations and other organizations, and those living with the condition, family members and their caregivers. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with the condition for many years, the program will cover topics of interest to all members in the hydrocephalus community.
Why stay at the conference hotel?
HA has reserved a block of guestrooms at a special discounted rate for attendees. The Austin Marriott Downtown is the center of conference activities. It’s a quick trip to get to the sessions and it provides opportunities for gathering and networking with other conference attendees.
Why is it so expensive to attend the conference?
We understand that registration for HA CONNECT can be costly. Our financial goal for HA CONNECT is only to break even. We know the importance of gathering our community and providing you with educational resources, and we try to do that as affordably as possible.
In order to put on a successful conference of this size, expenses include, but are not limited to,meeting room space, technology, and providing food and beverage for conference attendees. It is always our goal to offer an informative and effective conference that is as cost manageable for our community as possible. HA works to minimize the prices of registration fees by obtaining other funding sources through in-kind donations, sponsors, and exhibitors. HA also offers financial assistance to help attend HA CONNECT for those in need.
Why should I sign my child up for the Kids Camp program?
Kids Camp is offered to all children with or without hydrocephalus between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. The kids spend their time engaging in activities, learning valuable skills and get to attend interactive workshops and off-site events.
The group is run by experienced volunteers who will provide the best care for your child or children.
By signing your child up for Kids Camp, it allows the parent or guardian to attend the conference sessions and socialize with other adults while their child is having a wonderful experience with people who may become lifelong friends.
What is the weather like in Austin in July?
The average temperatures for Austin in July are 96 degrees for the high and 76 degrees for the low.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code for the conference is casual. Attendees are able to dress in any appropriate attire that is comfortable for them. Please keep in mind, hotel meeting rooms are invariably chilly, so we encourage attendees to bring a sweater or light jacket with them to the sessions and events held in doors.
What is there to do in Austin?
For more information and for things to do in Houston, please visit, Things to Do.
When will the program be available to view?
HA’s staff and the National Conference Medical Chairs, Local Co-Hosts, and Program Committee are vigorously working on putting together an exciting and educational program for the conference packed with many informative sessions. The preliminary program will be available in January 2022. Stay tuned for updates!
When will registration open?
Registration for HA CONNECT opens in January 2022. Early bird rate ends April 1, 2022. Visit our registration page for more information on fees.
When is the next National Conference?
HA plans to pilot a one-day virtual-only mini HA CONNECT in 2023. Stay tuned for additional details on mini HA CONNECT and the 18th National Conference on Hydrocephalus!
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions or if you would like to sign up for notifications on the conference, please contact HA staff directly at conference@hydroassoc.org.
Stay Connected. #HACONNECT
