2024 Annual PSC Partners Conference Frequently Asked Questions for Conference Attendees

First Things First - When you arrive: 

Stop at the Check-In Desk -- We have your name tag and other important Conference information for you at the PSC Partners Conference Check-In desk located on Level 1 of the Conference Center. Don't forget to stop there first, so we know you've arrived.

Check-in, Information Booth and Community Space areas and the General Sessions Ballroom are on Level 1 of the Conference Center. Remember Your Name Tag -- Please wear your name tag at all times during the Conference. Name tags are required at all meals and to get into all sessions. Additionally, on the back of your name tag is a reminder of which breakout sessions you selected. We have also listed any dietary restrictions you indicated when you registered, which you will need to show to the servers at every meal and snack. 

Volunteer -- If you've already signed up to volunteer, thank you! If not and you'd like to give us a bit of your time to help with the Conference, please let a staff member know! 

Teens Invited to Teen Lounge -- We have set aside a room specifically for young attendees. Feel free to relax and enjoy the camaraderie! We also have a special onsite outing scheduled just for this important group. Times and location will be listed on the Cvent app. 

Purchase Items at the PSC Partners Shop - We will have fun PSC Partners gear available at our onsite Conference shop. We hope everyone grabs a 20th Anniversary shirt to commemorate this special occasion. Wear it to the gala if you don't plan on wearing a costume. 

Understand Your Photo Consent -- By registering for the Conference, you have given us consent to take your photo/video and use it in various ways. We truly appreciate your help in our efforts to continue increasing awareness about PSC, which greatly aids us in our search for a cure. We promise not to use your name, unless we get your permission. (We blur out nametags whenever possible.) 

Additionally, we always do our best to never use an image that you wouldn't like. If you have any questions or concerns, please let Jen Chavez know, jen@pscpartners.org. 

Join the PSC Partners Registry -- The PSC Partners Patient Registry Team invites you to join the Registry. Visit Rachel Gomel, Sharon Nanz, and Mary Vyas at the Registry table near the registration desk. Registering only takes 30 minutes and really helps in our search for a cure.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the agenda, connect with other Conference-attendees, and get updated? DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE APP

We created an app for the 2024 PSC Partners 20th Anniversary Annual Conference! Use it to stay up to date with the latest announcements, see your personal schedule, create your event profile, engage in interactive polls, and connect with other attendees. Click here to download the app.

How can I request a golf cart to drive me to my room or to the Conference?

To request a free golf cart ride, text 855.209.5015, and let them know where to pick you up.

I am from outside the U.S. and can't text without incurring a cost. What can I do to request a golf cart?

Please ask anyone from the U.S. to text on your behalf. Any staff member or Conference attendee will be happy to help!

What is the Wifi Password? PSCP2024

Who is attending the Conference?

PSC Patients, Caregivers, Parents, Family Members, Friends, Researchers, Clinicians, Industry Representatives

Attendees must be 13-years-of-age or older. Due to the serious nature of some of the Conference presentations and conversations, there is no exception to this rule, including babies. 

What is the dress code? ANYTHING GOES

There is no set dress code for the Conference. Most attendees wear jeans or slacks. Because conditions can vary due to air conditioning, a sweater or sweatshirt is strongly advised. Meals will be outside, and it will be warm for breakfast and lunch. Things may cool off in the evening while we're outside for dinner. So, it's important to prepare for that, as well. 

I'm coming to Phoenix early/staying late. Are folks meeting up for dinner on Thursday or Sunday? YES 

• On Thursday, join us on the patio at the onsite restaurant Aunt Chilada's anytime between 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a meet and greet. No RSVP needed! 
• If you are staying through Sunday night, join us at Rustler's Rooste. This fun, cowboy-themed restaurant is onsite and available via a free van ride. Email us to let us know you're coming: contactus@pscpartners.org.

These events are not covered in the registration fee. Everyone will order on their own from the menu and cover their individual bills.  

I heard the theme of the Saturday Night Gala is Roaring 20s. Do I need a costume? YES and NO

While costumes are not required, they are highly encouraged. Some folks choose to stay lowkey when choosing an outfit while others go all out! Additionally, we created a unique, festive 20th Anniversary t-shirt for purchase in the Conference shop. Your chosen attire is completely up to you, but plan to have a rip-roaring fun time, especially because karaoke is making a comeback at this year's Gala. 

Are there pools and a waterpark at the Arizona Grand Resort? YES

In addition to numerous pools located throughout the resort, there is a waterpark with slides and a lazy river. Upon check in at the resort front desk, you will be issued a wrist band for admittance into the resort's Oasis Water Park.

What happens if I don't have enough energy to make it through a whole day? NO PROBLEM

Nobody understands being tired and worn out quite like the PSC community. There is no penalty for missing a lecture and no problem if you need to be excused during one. As long as you don’t create a disruption for the speaker or those who are enjoying the presentations, you can enter and leave the rooms as needed. There also are designated spots for rest and relaxation throughout the venue. Plus, you can easily hop on a golf cart and ask to be taken back to your room at any time.

Will patients/caregivers have a chance to talk with PSC experts?

YES. Not only will there be time for post-presentation questions, we also have events and free time throughout the weekend where engagement is encouraged. 

When do I meet my Mentor?

There is a Mentor Meet Up on Friday at 10 a.m. If you are not here in time for that, there's another Mentor Meet Up on Friday at 6:30 p.m. 

Where should teens go to gather?

At the Conference, we offer options specifically for this important group of attendees, including:

• A designated teen lounge (monitored by young adult mentors) where they can rest, relax, chat, recharge, snack, and have fun
• Social events scheduled just for them
• Supportive peer group sessions and mentors

If your teen is reserved or shy, no problem! Teens and young adults who have been to PSC Partners functions in the past will engage with newcomers to ensure everyone feels welcome and included. Additionally, if teens are interested in any of the educational sessions, they are welcome to attend. Remember that Conference attendees must be aged 13 and over.

What is the dress code?

There is no set dress code for the Conference. Most attendees wear jeans or slacks. Because conditions can vary due to air conditioning, a sweater or sweatshirt is strongly advised. Meals will be outside, and it will be warm. So, it's important to prepare for that, as well. The theme of the Saturday evening gala is Roaring 20s, and costumes are encouraged, but not required. 

What happens if I don't have enough energy to make it through a whole day?

Nobody understands being tired and worn out quite like the PSC community. There is no penalty for missing a lecture and no problem if you need to be excused during one. As long as you don’t create a disruption for the speaker or those who are enjoying the presentations, you can enter and leave the rooms as needed.

Do I have to attend the entire Conference?

NO. While we hope folks will come to most, if not all, of the sessions and events, we know that isn’t always possible. However, Conference fees will not be prorated for partial attendance.

Will the Conference be too much for me emotionally?

Conference topics sometimes cover sensitive issues and can be overwhelming. With that in mind, we strive to make our weekends balanced and temper the seriousness with lots of time to bond, ask questions, relax, and even laugh together. We’ve been told time and time again that attendees leave with a much more positive attitude about life with PSC. Additionally, attendees usually meet lifelong friends and establish an extra support system to boot!

Can my dietary needs be accommodated?

When planning our menus, we do our best to provide meal options that meet the needs of PSC and IBD patients. On the registration form, we offered vegetarian, gluten free, and low fiber options. Those will be available to those who asked for special meals.

Are there any hidden charges once I arrive?

There are NO hidden charges once you arrive. There will be an opportunity to purchase PSC Partners’ merchandise, but no other funds are required to attend the Conference once your registration and hotel room fees have been paid. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for all Conference meals. Alcoholic beverages, while available at the hotel or event location, are not included in the registration fee. Each year, we provide a venue for a pre-Conference meet and greet dinner on the night before the Conference officially begins. Fees for this event are paid by each attendee who chooses to attend.

Will the Conference be recorded?

YES. Presentations will be recorded and posted on our website and YouTube channel. Peer sessions and social events will not be recorded. 

What About COVID-19?

We know COVID is still an issue, especially for people who are immunocompromised. With that in mind, here are some precautions from last year that we are implementing again at this year’s Annual Conference.

• Masks will be available, and wearing them will be encouraged
• Group meals will be held outside
• Buttons clearly indicating a personal desire for social distancing will be available
• Hand sanitizing stations will be present throughout the Conference venue

Click here to view the 2024 PSC Partners Conference Policies.