11th Annual ECD Medical Symposium – Birmingham 2026
Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance Announces 2026 Medical Symposium
Birmingham, AL — The Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance (ECDGA) and UAB School of Medicine invites healthcare professionals and researchers.
- Medical Symposium: April 30–May 2, 2026
Friday, April 30, 2026
Patient & Family Gathering: 8:00am-4:30pm
Location: Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Celebration Dinner: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Hilton at UAB Downtown
Saturday, May 1, 2026
Medical Symposium: 8:00am-5:00pm
Location: Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical Symposium Medical Reception: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Sunday, May 2, 2026
ECD Care Center Meeting: 8:00am-11:00am
Location: UAB Cancer Center
This event will bring together the global Erdheim-Chester disease community with leading medical experts to share the latest research, clinical insights, and community resources. Attendees can expect educational sessions, opportunities to connect with peers, and updates on emerging treatments and patient care.
Further details on the hotel and program highlights will be released in the coming months.
NOTE: Register before February 1st to take advantage of the early bird registration cost! Save $200 USD and register for only $300 USD!
Mark Heaney Awareness Award & Community Champion Award
February 1st, 2026 – Last day to submit your nomination for the Mark Heaney Awareness Award & Community Champion Award .
- Please submit your nominations here.
- Mark Heaney Awareness Award. Nominate a medical professional who is working to improve the lives of ECD patients by bringing awareness to the disease within the medical profession.
- Community Champion Award. Nominate anyone (patient, caregiver, medical professional, friend, etc.) who has volunteered their time to help improve the lives of all of those impacted by ECD.
Oral / Poster Presentation Abstracts
February 1, 2026- Abstracts Due.
- Abstract submissions for the Medical Symposium on 1 May, are accepted here Please submit abstracts for oral and/or poster presentation. This is a great opportunity to share your work and the work of your colleagues. Please let them know of the opportunity.
Travel Scholarships
Travel Assistance – The Glenn Padnick Memorial Travel Fund Now accepting applications for the 2026 ECDGA Conference.
Glenn Padnick lived a full and impactful life while navigating Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) for decades. From 2011 to 2022, he served with unwavering dedication on the ECD Global Alliance Board of Directors, always ensuring that the voices and needs of patients remained central to every decision.
In honor of Glenn’s legacy of service and compassion, his family generously established the Glenn Padnick Memorial Travel Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to help patients, caregivers, and medical professionals attend the annual ECD conference for those who may not otherwise be able to participate due to financial constraints.
Applications are now open for travel assistance for the 2026 ECD Conference. Funding is limited, and priority will be given to individuals who have never attended the event before. Our goal is to make this opportunity available to as many community members as possible with the resources available.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 Award Notifications: No later than March 1, 2026
Apply Here: Glenn Padnick Memorial Travel Fund Request.
Conference Hotel & Travel Information
Conference Hotel
Hilton Birmingham at UAB
808 20th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: +1 (659) 251-1934
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Birmingham at UAB for conference attendees.
Rooms must be reserved by April 6, 2026, to receive the group rate.
Airport Transportation
Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Birmingham airport to the hotel and is provided directly by the Hilton Downtown at UAB.
To use the shuttle:
- Collect your luggage.
- Call the hotel at 205-933-9000 to request the shuttle.
- Proceed to Door #4L and wait for the bus marked “Hilton.”
Traveling via Atlanta
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is approximately 3 hours from Birmingham and offers direct international flights to most countries. Shuttle services are available between the Atlanta airport and Birmingham for travelers arriving through ATL.
Contact:
Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance
Email: support@erdheim-chester.org
