MSUD Symposium 2026 is quickly approaching! You won’t want to miss the information that will be shared or the fellowship! New this year: concise research updates and more breakouts.
The MSUD Symposium is fueled by the dedication of our community. Every other year, families, clinicians, researchers, and industry partners gather for this signature event of the MSUD Family Support Group.
For more than two decades, the MSUD Symposium has provided a place to learn about advances in research and treatment, connect with others who understand the journey, and strengthen the bonds of our community. Families leave with new knowledge, lifelong friendships, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
The MSUD Symposium continues to thrive because it reflects the love, care, and commitment of the MSUD community. We are proud to carry this tradition forward, bringing together voices from across the country and around the world.
Registration: Please complete the registration form by clicking the link below or by using the form you received in in the mail, so that we will have an accurate count of attendees. Complete the form below or mail by May 24, 2026, to Dave and Sandy Bulcher, 958 Medinah Terrace, Columbus, OH 43235.
Date: June 25-27, 2026
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Cleveland-Rockside. The hotel is located 13 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) near the intersections of I-77 and I-480.
Hotel Information:
Address -5800 Rockside Woods Blvd, Independence, OH 44131
Phone- 216-617-2122 (sales coordinator)
Website- https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cleines-embassy-suites-cleveland-rockside/
Schedule: The symposium starts Thursday evening June 25th at 7PM with registration and reception. The sessions will be from 8AM- 5PM on Friday June 26th and 8AM- 12N on Saturday June 27th. A complete schedule and agenda will be available on this website soon and an additional mailing with more information will be sent out in a few months.
Speakers:
Kevin Strauss, MD- How Far We’ve Come in The Last 25 Years
Andrea Gropman, MD- fNIRS Study Update (brain study)
Gerry Vockley, MD, PhD- Gene Therapy Projects
Kevin Strauss, MD-Bovine Gene Therapy
Grace Meier, MD- Metformin Study
Karen Dolins, EdD, RDN – MSUD Research Overview
George Mazariegos, MD and UPMC Transplant Team- Pre and Post Transplant Breakouts
Jessica Gold, MD, PhD- Executive Functioning and Transitioning to Adulthood Breakout
Sandy van Calcar, RD, PhD- MSUD 101, Understanding Basic Management
Diana Shellmer, PhD- Mental Health and MSUD
Sandy van Calcar, RD, PhD and Karen Dolins, EdD, RDN- Lifestyle Issues- Managing Weight and Physical Activity with MSUD
Evie Vancisin-Advocacy Through Storytelling
Cost: The registration fee is $30 per person in each family, maximum of $100 per family. If registering as a professional, vendor, or exhibitor, the fee is $100. The fee is to help defray symposium costs. This can be paid when you register on this website or by mailing a check with your registration form. Make check payable to “MSUD Family Support Group” and mail to Dave and Sandy Bulcher, 958 Medinah Terrace, Columbus, OH 43235.
Hotel Rate and Accommodations: Room rate is $145 per night plus tax for a suite room with 1 king bed and $155 per night plus tax for a suite room with 2 double beds. Accessible rooms are available on request. This special group rate is available three days before and after the symposium depending on availability. Each suite room contains separate bedroom and living space. There is a pull-out couch, microwave, and refrigerator in each room. Other hotel amenities include on-site restaurant, free parking, indoor pool, fitness center, nearby walking path, and free snacks and drinks at the Evening Reception. There are several restaurants in the area as well.
Hotel check-in: 4:00PM and check-out is 11:00AM. Early check-in may be an option depending on room availability.
Hotel reservations: You can make your reservation now! This special room rate will be available until June 3, 2026. To make your reservation, click HERE or call the hotel sales coordinator directly at 216-617-2122. State that you are attending the “MSUD 2026 Symposium” to receive the discounted rate. If you get voicemail, please leave a message and the sales coordinator will call back to assist with the reservation.
Meals: During the Thursday evening June 25th reception, dinner will be provided which will include regular and low protein pizza, salad and regular and low protein cookies. A breakfast buffet on Friday June 26th, a lunch buffet on Friday June 26th and a breakfast buffet on Saturday June 27th will be provided free of charge to all attendees. Low protein food options will be available for those meals as well. Dinner on Friday evening June 26th is on your own.
If you have other dietary needs such as Kosher or gluten free, please inform Sandy Bulcher.
Attire: Comfortable, casual attire is appropriate for the entire symposium. Consider bringing a sweater in case the meeting room is colder than you prefer.
Children’s Activity Room: There will be a room available with activities/entertainment for children and there will be several volunteers to assist the children. However, there will be no babysitting services. Please keep this in mind as you plan your trip. Consider bringing a grandparent, teenager, or sibling to babysit your younger children. Older children, teens, and young adults are encouraged to attend the general sessions.
Transportation to the hotel from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: There is no shuttle from the airport to the hotel, so a taxi or Uber are your best options.
Travel Assistance: We have funds available to assist with travel expenses. The funds were raised in the fall of 2025 during the MSUD Moves campaign. If you would like to attend the symposium and need financial assistance, you may apply by sending an email to execdirector@msud-support.org or by contacting Denise Kolivoski at 814-218-9498. Please note that the deadline for applying for funds is Friday March 13th. (there may be exceptions to the deadline in rare circumstances).
What should I do next if I want to attend the 2026 MSUD Symposium?
1) Complete and return the registration form HERE or mail the registration form to Dave and Sandy Bulcher, 958 Medinah Terrace, Columbus, OH 43235.
2) Make your hotel reservation HERE or call the hotel sales coordinator directly at 216-617-2122, state that you are attending the “MSUD 2026 Symposium” to receive the reduced room rate.
3) If you need financial assistance to attend, please reach out to Denise Kolivoski via email at execdirector@msud-support.org or phone 814-218-9498 and request a travel assistance application.
What is there to do in the area? Top Golf (across from the hotel), Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, West Side Market, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to name a few.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sandy Bulcher at 740-972-5619 or email at sandybulcher@gmail.com or Denise Kolivoski at 814-218-9498 or execdirector@msud-support.org
See you in Cleveland in June!
Sandy Bulcher and Denise Kolivoski, MSUD 2026 Symposium Co-Coordinators