
#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.
Agenda
Thursday July 16, 2026
- 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Research Meeting with the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (by invitation only)
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Early Bird Check-In
- Tentative – Meet Ups for Children, Youth, and Siblings
Friday July 17, 2026
- 7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast
- 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Kid Camp
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Participation in research studies
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Expo and Resource Fair
- 9:00 am – 9:45 am Opening Session
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Breakout Sessions
- 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Expo Bingo
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Breakout Sessions
- 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Teen + Young Adult Bowling
- Dinner on your own
Saturday July 18, 2026
- 7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast
- 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Kids Camp Opens
- 9:00 am – 9:45 am Opening Panel
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Breakout Sessions
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Breakout Sessions
- 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Closing Banquet and Dance Party
Speakers include
Dr. Dave Clarke, Chief, Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children’s Medical Center
Dr. Sandi Lam, Division Chief, Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Dr. Alex Bowers, Associate Scientist, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard University
Dr. Marlene Behrmann, John and Clelia Sheppard Chair in Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh
Denise Gobert, PhD, Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, Texas State University
Lynn Paul, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Cal Tech
Emily Harford, Speech and Language Pathologist, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Dr. Aria Fallah, Director of Pediatric and Adult Epilepsy Surgery, UCLA
Dr. Dennis Lal, Center Director for Neurogenetics, UT Health Houston
Dr. Taylor Abel, Chief, Neurosurgery, UPMC Hospital for Children
Roni Jo Frazier, Bloom Consulting
Jamie Moyer, Bloom Consulting
Dr. M. Scott Perry, Director of the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Medical Center
more speakers announced soon!
*Agenda subject to change. Session times, speakers, and topics may be updated as details are finalized.
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.

























