HOW SPARK STARTED
The ELPFDD-Externally Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting | August 19, 2019, Hyattsville, MD
We partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to bring awareness about the burdens patients face while on their IgAN journey. Over 180 patients, academia, and industry members attended the event. The goal was to express our desperate need for better treatments for IgAN while also addressing the need to accelerate the pathways to bring them to market. This was a global effort and we had over 300 virtual attendees from all over the world. For many, this was the first time they ever met another person with IgA Nephropathy.
WHY SPARK?
When you get a group of people with a common goal aka real treatment and cure for IgA Nephropathy – we create a SPARK. No one should face IgA Nephropathy alone.
WHAT IS SPARK?
SPARK is a 2-day symposium hosted by The IgA Nephropathy Foundation for IgA Nephropathy patients and their caregivers to learn about the disease, living with the disease, and being a caregiver for those with the disease. It promises to be an information-packed event with plenty of time for mingling with others and sharing your stories.
As a family member I came away with the knowledge I needed to be a donor champion for my daughter. I knew that if a question I didn’t think to ask while there I came home with the resources and connections to find the info on my own. But I no longer felt “on my own”.
2025 SPARK ATTENDEE
The ONLY Event Dedicated to IgAN Patients and Families
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION?
SPARK Registration & Pricing
Ticket Cost
- $150 USD per person
- Includes SPARK registration, two (2) nights hotel accommodations, and all meals
Your $150 ticket represents a significant investment by the IgA Nephropathy Foundation to ensure SPARK remains accessible to patients, caregivers, and families, while delivering a high-quality, inclusive experience.
Registration Fee per person $150 USD.
The SPARK experience has been called priceless from previous attendees.
Presale Access (Members Only)
- Register by March 15 for member-only presale access
- Presale access is available exclusively to IgAN Foundation members (patients and caregivers)
- Membership is FREE for patients and caregivers
Not a member? Sign up for free, then log in to register
Important: SPARK has sold out for the past four years. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
After March 15
- Registration opens to non-members.
Patient Aid Tickets
If you need financial support to attend SPARK:
- Apply for SPARK Patient Aid (applications open February 13, 2026) LINK TO COME
- Approved applicants will receive a discount code to register
- Registration is limited to two adults per family, plus children 12 and under
- One registration per family
Child Registration
- Children ages 0–12 attend free, but registration is required
- Registration fees apply per person
What Your Registration Includes
- Welcome to SPARK swag kit (lanyard, badge, notebook, pen, T-shirt, bag, and more)
- Access to all SPARK sessions
- Access to the exhibit hall
- All Meals – listed below
Meals Included
All meals will be clearly labeled to accommodate dietary needs. Please include dietary restrictions during registration.
- Friday, July 24: Cocktail reception and dinner
- Saturday, July 25: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and on-site dinner party
- Sunday, July 26: Breakfast and snack
AGENDA
Friday, July 24th – Sunday, July 26th
InterContinental Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Event Kick Off is Friday, July 24th at 3:00PM with a session targeted for First Time Attendees
All day sessions with on-site dinner party on Saturday night, July 25th – more details to come
Sunday, July 26th Sessions will end around 1:00PM
Friday, July 24
IgAN Foundation Welcome Reception
Meet your IgAN Community
Food/Drinks/Prizes
Exhibit Hall – Meet our partners and sponsors
Saturday, July 25
Keynote Speaker
Taylor Coffman is an actor, author, and rare disease advocate whose life changed dramatically following the birth of her daughter, when a sudden and severe rare disease left her near death with multiple organ failure. While on dialysis, she began writing Rare Disease Girl, a powerful memoir that blends raw honesty with humor, hope, and resilience. Taylor’s voice in patient empowerment has reached national audiences, including a #1 Apple News–ranked Huffington Post article and appearances before the FDA, major medical societies, and storytelling platforms like The Moth. Drawing on her background in comedy, acting, and media leadership, Taylor inspires audiences to reclaim their voice in healthcare and find purpose, strength, and even joy amid profound adversity.
Saturday, July 25
Step into a glamorous night of intrigue at SPARK’s Saturday onsite Mystery Dinner. As dinner and drinks flow, a priceless diamond vanishes in plain sight, and it is up to you to help crack the case. This family-friendly, interactive experience brings high fashion, clever clues, and plenty of twists together for a true night out in. Summer cocktail attire encouraged, with florals and garden-tea looks welcome. Come ready to dine, sip, sleuth, and celebrate an unforgettable evening at SPARK.
Sunday, July 26
Coming Soon
Weekend Session Highlights
Coming Soon
FULL AGENDA WITH SESSION TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS AND TIMES COMING SOON
Please plan accordingly and don’t book an early flight home on Sunday, July 27th. We have lots of surprises in store until closing remarks at 1:00PM
FAQs
Why should I attend SPARK?
You are not alone in your diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy. SPARK is the only conference dedicated to the IgA Nephropathy community hosted by The IgA Nephropathy Foundation for IgA Nephropathy patients and their families to learn about the disease, living with the disease, and being a caregiver for those with the disease.
Are children welcome at SPARK?
Yes! We love meeting IgAN Families. Children under 12 receive free registration. We will have kid-specific activities throughout the weekend; however, babysitting services will not be provided. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
My NON-IGAN PATIENT Spouse/Partner/Family Member/Friend is Attending with me, what should they expect?
They should expect to be able to learn not only from other patients but other caregivers. No one fights IgAN alone. Is it worth it? Yes, is what family and friends say year after year.
When and Where is SPARK?
Friday, July 24th – Sunday, July 26th
InterContinental Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
You are responsible for booking your hotel reservations.
Do I need to be a Member to Register for SPARK?
No. You are not required to sign up to be a member to register for SPARK. You are welcome to register for SPARK as a non-member on March 16th.
Reminder: Signing up to be a member is FREE (Patients + Caregivers only).
What is the benefit of being a Member of The Foundation
As a member of the IgAN Foundation, you’ll gain access to educational resources, clinical trial alerts, SPARK registration presale access, virtual meet-ups, mental health support, and more—all for free. Champion Members enjoy exclusive perks while directly funding IgAN research. No matter where you are in your journey, you are not alone.
How do I Unlock Presale Access
✔ Log in to the Member Portal HERE
✔ Navigate to Upcoming Events and Register for SPARK
| Once you are logged in, you will see your personal dashboard. |
| Benefits of Member Portal: ✔️ Ensure your personal details are always up to date. Ex Email, Address, Tel# ✔️ Confirm your membership status. Don’t miss out on your benefits like CALM + TalkSpace ✔️ View upcoming Member only events ✔️ Register for Upcoming events ✔️ See your event registration details ✔️ Confirm any past donations to the Foundation, or make a new one |
How much does it cost to attend?
- $150 USD per person
- Includes SPARK registration, two (2) nights hotel accommodations, and all meals
Not a member SIGN UP HERE FOR FREE
What’s included in my Registration?
Registration includes a maximum of 2 people per room and single occupancy for those traveling alone.
Children 12 and under are FREE, but still require registration. ***Families traveling together may choose to stay in one room but all attendees of SPARK require registration for safety reasons.
$150 Ticket | $1,100+ Value
Hotel. Meals. Programming. Community. All included.
- Hotel Accommodations based on (double occupancy) for 2 Nights. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKING
- Welcome to SPARK Swag Kit: Lanyard, Badge, Notebook, Pen, T-Shirt, Bag, and more!
- Access to all Spark Sessions
- Access to Exhibit Hall
- All on-site meals
Hotel Reservations
After you register for SPARK, you are responsible for making your hotel reservations. Your registration fee includes (2 nights stay) accommodations for Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26.
BOOK HERE
***You will need to put down a credit card for incidentals but it will not be charged at the time of booking.
***Your booking confirmation will show the full amount of reservation but it will not be charged.
***You can choose to extend your stay, book more nights at your own expense. You will be charged for anything over 2 nights stay at hotel check-in. Our discounted room rate is extended 3 days prior/after event but subject to availability.
***Bank/ATM Cards sometimes let charges through. We suggest using a credit card for booking. The Foundation has no control over this.
cancellation Policy
Cancel by June 20th for a FULL REFUND on registration. Any cancellations after June 20th will not be refunded. No shows subject to full costs including hotel room rate of $249/night.
What is the Event’s Covid Policy
Attendees are not required to participate in onsite COVID testing. We recommend that you test prior to travel.
Masks will be optional. This policy is subject to change based on latest CDC guidelines.
How Many Sessions Can I Attend
You are encouraged to attend as many as possible.
Is There a Virtual Option?
No. This year the event will be in person only.
I need To Inquire About an Accommodation Due to A Disability
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact us at info@igan.org
Is There any Financial Aid for SPARK?
Yes! We want as many patients and patient families to attend SPARK. Financial Aid for SPARK is open to non US Residents on a case by case basis. All Applicants must be registered members of The IgA Nephropathy Foundation and have a Verification of Diagnosis Form on file. (1) One Grant Application per family. Please share your story and fill out the application HERE
PARTICIPATE IN A PATIENT PANEL
NETWORK WITH FELLOW IGAN WARRIORS
HEAR FROM IGAN EXPERTS
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
KIDS CORNER
