2026 Rallying to the Challenge

Rallying to the Challenge is a community-focused meeting designed for and by people with Parkinson’s, care partners and advocates. It features presentations on the latest research, discussions about important issues in Parkinson’s and opportunities to connect with other participants and speakers.

Hosted by Van Andel Institute and Cure Parkinson’s, Rallying to the Challenge occurs in tandem with the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium and serves as a bridge between leading-edge science and lived experience.

Registration
Rallying to the Challenge in-person attendees also receive admission to the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium, which occurs alongside the meeting. The registration fee includes coffee/tea, lunch and evening receptions on both days at VAI.

Cost

• $50 for people with Parkinson’s and care partners; in-person attendance required
• $25 for virtual attendance at Rallying to the Challenge (does not include registration for Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease)
• $50 for in-person attendance

Questions? Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] or 616.234.5821.

When is the Rallying to the Challenge meeting? How much does it cost?
Rallying to the Challenge will take place Sept. 23–24. Registration will open in spring 2026 and close in September 2026.

• $50 for people with Parkinson’s and care partners; in-person attendance required
• $25 for virtual attendance at Rallying to the Challenge (does not include registration for Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease)
• $50 for in-person attendance

How are the Rallying to the Challenge meeting and Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium connected?
Rallying to the Challenge and Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease are hosted side-by-side at Van Andel Institute on Sept. 23–24. This format fosters connection and enables attendees to participate in sessions at both the symposium and meeting.

Are there any evening events I can attend?
Yes! All attendees are invited to evening receptions on Sept. 23 and 24 at VAI. The scientific poster session will take place during the Sept. 23 reception. Both events are included with your registration.

What if I need other accommodations?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle to discuss any special accommodation needs.

How do I become a sponsor?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

When is the registration deadline for Rallying to the Challenge?
The registration deadline to join us in person is Sept. 16. Registration for Rallying to the Challenge virtual attendance will remain open through the event.

When is the refund deadline?
The refund deadline is Sept. 16.

What is the refund policy?
Refund requests must be made in writing to Rallying to the Challenge by Sept. 16. After Sept. 16, refund requests will not be honored. If you are not able to attend, a substitute may attend in your place. The name and email address of the substitute must be emailed to Courtney Zirkle prior to Sept. 16.

Code of Conduct Guidelines
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free, non-discriminatory symposium experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics covered by applicable law. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. We expect participants at our events to engage in constructive and professional discussions at all times. Harassment can include unwelcomed attention, inappropriate comments or jokes that refer to sexual topics, requests for dates, or other sexual activities as well as the use of language that may demean or degrade individuals. These behaviors are not appropriate for any of our conference venues, including talks, workshops, networking sessions, poster sessions, social networking platforms, and other online media platforms. Any participant violating these guidelines will be removed from the symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Anyone who has experienced the above, or who has witnessed such behavior, should notify Courtney Zirkle. Anonymous reporting may also be done through the EthicsPoint Hotline.