#StrongerTogether2026

Surround yourself
with people who get it

If your child has had epilepsy surgery, or may need it, this conference is for you. Learn from some of the world’s top neuro-professionals, educators, researchers, and rehabilitation clinicians who will present rich sessions on issues related to pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Over 20 exhibitors will share their resources for our community and professional childcare is available so that kids have safe and supervised fun.

Special session track and meet ups for self-advocates (teens and adults who had surgery in childhood).

Join hundreds of families from around the world and enjoy two days of learning, fun, and fellowship at America’s largest waterpark – the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas!

Our conference theme this year is “Stronger Together”. It’s a reminder that even when the challenges feel overwhelming, none of us has to face them alone.

Epilepsy surgery include resections, lobectomies, laser ablation, neuromodulation devices like RNS, DBS, and VNS, as well as large surgeries like hemispherectomy. All are welcome!

About the Kalahari Resort

The Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas, is a self-contained family fun zone, built around a massive indoor waterpark so you can swim and slide no matter the weather. The resort’s water attractions include several waterslides, pools and whirlpools, plus features like a FlowRider surf simulator and a wave pool experience. There are also kid-focused splash areas, cabanas, and other waterpark spaces designed for different ages and energy levels.

The resort includes a wide range of on-site dining options, from sit-down restaurants to quick stops for families on the move. Inside the waterpark alone, there are multiple dining outlets, including places for burgers, pizza, smoothies, grab-and-go items, and swim-up bar options for adults.

If you want breaks from the water, Kalahari also has solid “walk-around” experiences, including resort shopping. On-site retail includes spots like a marketplace, a Build-A-Bear, swimwear and accessories, a grocery-style stop for basics, and kid-focused shops. You can pick up what you forgot, grab snacks, or let kids do a little browsing without getting in a car.

More About The Resort

General Information

Tickets

Get Your Tickets

Early bird rates through April 30, 2026 at midnight PT
- adults $179
- youth (10 – 17) $99
- children (3 – 9) $69
- free for children 2 and under
Regular rates May 1, 2026, – July 9, 2026, at midnight PT:
- adults $199
- youth (10 – 17) $119
- children (3 – 9) $89
- free for children 2 and under

Hotel is separate.

California families: Admission to this conference may be paid by your regional center. Contact your service coordinator for more information.

Please note that you’re not fully registered until every adult in your party signs a waiver of liability. This includes signing for any children or conserved adults under your care who will be coming to the conference. If your child is attending kid camp, a separate waiver and information form is also required by the company that runs the camp.

Sign the CONFERENCE WAIVER

Hotel

This year’s event is at America’s largest water park – the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas.

Our special room rate is $249 per night plus taxes and fees, including a $35 per night resort fee. Includes WiFi, Book your room before our block is sold out!

One room includes four (4) tickets to the indoor water park. Tickets to Tom Foolery Arcade must be purchased separately.

The resort includes multiple restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as shopping and retail experiences like Build-A-Bear workshop.

Onsite parking is free for registered guests.

Deadline to book your room is June 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Book Your Room

Kid Camp

Professional child care services (“kid camp”) will be available for children of any ability.

Date: Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost per child: Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the $350 per child cost of kid camp is reduced to $25 total, which covers both days (this is separate from conference registration fees).
Location: Kalahari Resort – Nile and Zambezi rooms only. Sponsored childcare is unavailable for children anywhere in the park. Parents must supervise their children on park grounds at all times.
You must pay for kid camp when you register for the event.
A waiver must be signed before your child participates in kid camp.
Child care will be provided onsite and indoors.
Child care ratios:
- Children with special needs – 1:2
- Infants (0 – 2) – 1:2
- Children (3 – 5) – 1:4
- Children (6 – 12) – 1:6
- Children (13-17) – 1:8

Kid camp is limited to 75 children.

Is kid camp right for your child?

Although our Kid Camp is specially designed for all children, we’ve noticed that older, neurotypical children (ages 12 and above) generally do not find the camp as engaging as younger children or those with cognitive challenges. We recommend that you consider alternative arrangements to ensure every child’s experience is enjoyable and appropriate to their interests.

Services are provided by Corporate Kids Events.

Onsite Registration

Corporate Kids requires you and your child to participate in an onsite registration process prior to entering kid camp. Their safety program includes:

•use of ID bracelets
•secure sign-in and sign-out procedures
•digital photo security system (digital photos of each child with their parents or guardians)
•detailed review of each child’s dietary and medical needs

Activities

Children will enjoy a full day of “kid-tested” activities that are age-appropriate, stimulating and, of course, always fun!

Participate in research

The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance encourages scientific research programs because they contribute to advances in the study of functional outcomes after epilepsy surgery. We will send you an email about research when opportunities are confirmed.

Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering at the conference? After you purchase your tickets, you will receive information about how to sign up.

Transportation + Medical Care

Here are some suggestions to make your trip less stressful:

Make sure you have your current health insurance card/information in case of any medical emergencies. Review your policy regarding emergency care when traveling. Bring a hard copy of your child’s Seizure Action Plan.
Place medications in your carry-on bag and make sure to bring an extra week’s worth to be safe.
Pack sunscreen for time at the pool!
The weather in Round Rock can reach well into the 90s in July, with humidity. Bring warm weather clothes as well as a light sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings.

Closest Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Local Transportation

There is no free shuttle between the hotel and the airport
Uber/Lyft/Taxi available

Closest Hospital

St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

Exhibitor Information

Our indoor exhibit hall is a great opportunity to reach and connect with all attendees of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Conference. It is a primary networking area for attendees.

Exhibit Hall Dates and Hours: July 17, 2026 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Set-Up: July 17, 2026, at 7:00 am

Benefits to Exhibiting:

Exposure to over 400 family members of children with disabilities from across the country. Logo on the exhibitor page of our website with link back to your webpage.

Exhibit Booth Details:

50-word company description in the final program. 6′ table with two chairs and table cloth. Price $1500 (for profit company), $250 (non-profit) per space includes lunch on July 17, 2026, for one person. Does not include full conference registration. Contact nmurray@epilepsysurgeryalliance.org for more information.

Prior conference sessions

Prior conferences have included sessions and workshops on a wide range of topics. You can view prior conference sessions our YouTube channel here.

Cancellation policy

The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance reserves the right to cancel all or any part of this event if there is insufficient registration or for other reasons. We are not responsible for cancellation charges assessed by the airlines, travel agencies, hotel, or other losses incurred due to the cancellation of this conference. You will be reimbursed for your ticket(s), less processing fees, in the event of cancellation.

Written cancellations, requests for refunds (less Raisely administrative fees), and/or changes will be accepted until seven days before the conference.

All information listed on this website is subject to change.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance wishes to take steps to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals due to the lack of auxiliary aids and services. If you require any of the auxiliary aids or services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act to attend any program, contact us at info@epilepsysurgeryalliance.org.

Terms and conditions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Your personal data will be collected to manage your registration and participation in connection with this conference and will be shared with the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance and those who are coordinating the logistics for the conference.

COVID19: We will implement health and safety protocols appropriate to the public health circumstances existing at the time of the Conference. The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance will exercise reasonable efforts to utilize protocols that will comply with federal, state, and local public health laws and private business policies in effect at the time of the conference.

CODE OF CONDUCT: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Participation in conference events and activities carries some risk, and by attending, attendees assume responsibility for their own well-being. All attendees must follow posted instructions while participating in conference events and activities. Failure to follow all protocols in effect and required by the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance, the venue provider, and governing authorities during the conference may result in registration cancellation without refund.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By registering for the conference, I hereby assume all risks associated with, resulting from, or arising in connection with, participation, in any capacity, in the conference or any conference-related activities, including, without limitation, all risks of theft, loss, harm, damage, illness or sickness (including those caused by known or unknown infectious or communicable disease such as COVID, H1N1, or other illness or sickness caused by bacteria, fungi, microorganisms or viruses), or injury to the person (including death) or property damage, whether caused by negligence, intentional act, accident, act of God, or otherwise.

WAIVER AND RELEASE: As a condition of my participation in the conference, I agree to hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, licensees, cooperating entities, agencies, their representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (the “Protected Parties”) from any and all claims of mine, my spouse, family members, or others arising from my injury or loss due to my participation in the conference, including those arising from the inherent risks of attending the conference or the negligence of the Protected Parties to the greatest extent allowed by law.

By purchasing tickets, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Participant Waiver and Image Release. I understand that this event may include activities with inherent risks, including but not limited to swimming, water park features, physical activities, and group gatherings at a resort facility. I voluntarily assume all such risks on behalf of myself and any minors I am registering, and I hereby release and hold harmless the event organizers, venue, sponsors, volunteers, and staff from any and all liability for injury, illness, or loss that may occur before, during, or after the event, whether arising from ordinary negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law. lf I am a guardian of any minors I register, and I agree to this waiver on their behalf.

Code of Conduct

Treat one another with respect, consideration, and dignity regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, immigration status, disability, neurodiverse status, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religious affiliation, socioeconomic background, educational background, career stage, political affiliation, or military service.
Comments or behaviors that may reasonably be assumed to have the effect of creating, contributing to, or maintaining an environment that is hostile toward or damaging to a person or group are prohibited, no matter whether they are made directly (e.g., in person or directly online) or indirectly (e.g., via social media).

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizations can support the conference through a variety of sponsorship levels and opportunities or participate directly in our one-day Expo & Resource Fair. All levels of support offer opportunities for meaningful interaction with families, clinicians, and researchers committed to advancing pediatric epilepsy care.

Contact our Director of Development, Nicole Murray, at nmurray@epilepsysurgeryalliance.org for further information.