HOW SPARK STARTED
The ELPFDD-Externally Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting
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 IgAN 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”.
2022 SPARK ATTENDEE
The ONLY Event Dedicated to IgAN Patients and Families
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION?
Registration Costs:
- Full Cost: $175 (Regular Ticket)
Includes 2 nights hotel stay, SPARK registration and all meals.
[REGISTER BY MARCH 15th TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EARLY BIRD OFFER]
Early Bird Pricing:
Available exclusively to Members Only (Patients + Caregivers).
- Member Champion: $100
- Member Free: $125
Patient Aid Ticket:
- Requires a discount code. Approved applicants will receive a code to register.
- Registration is limited to 2 adults (plus children 12 and under).
- One registration per family.
Non-Member Rate:
- $175 (Not eligible for Early Bird).
- Reminder: Signing up to be a member is FREE (Patients + Caregivers only).
Children:
- Ages 0-12 years: Free but registration is required.
Registration is based off double occupancy. You can have more or less people in your room. The Registration fee is per person.
Children 12 and under are FREE, but still require registration.
- Hotel Accommodations based on (double occupancy) for 2 Nights
- Welcome to SPARK Chicago Swag Kit: Lanyard, Badge, Notebook, Pen, T-Shirt, Bag, and more!
- Access to all Spark Sessions
- Access to Exhibit Hall
Meals Included:
All meals will be labeled clearly to be inclusive of all dietary restrictions, please be sure to include during registration
Friday, July 25th Cocktail Reception + Dinner
Saturday, July 26th Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and AFTERPARTY: On-Site Dinner
Sunday, July 27th Breakfast, Snack
AGENDA
Friday, July 25th – Sunday, July 27th
WESTIN CHICAGO MICHIGAN AVE
909 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Event Kick Off is Friday, July 25th at 5:00PM
All day sessions with on-site party on Saturday, July 26th
Sunday, July 27th Sessions will end around 1:00PM
Friday, July 25
IgAN Foundation Welcome Reception
Meet your IgAN Community
Food/Drinks/Prizes
Exhibit Hall – Meet our partners and sponsors
FULL AGENDA 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.
When and Where is SPARK?
Friday, July 25th – Sunday, July 27th
WESTIN CHICAGO MICHIGAN AVE
909 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
How much does it cost to attend?
Early Bird Registration
Available exclusively to Members Only (Patients + Caregivers).
Member Champion: $100
Member Free: $125
Not a member SIGN UP HERE FOR FREE
[REGISTER BY MARCH 15th TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER]
Regular Registration is $175/per person.
***This pricing is for patients and caregivers only.
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.
- Hotel Accommodations based on (double occupancy) for 2 Nights. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKING
- Welcome to SPARK Chicago Swag Kit: Lanyard, Badge, Notebook, Pen, T-Shirt, Bag, and more!
- Access to all Spark Sessions
- Access to Exhibit Hall
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
LINK COMING SOON
***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.
***Bank/ATM Cards sometimes let charges through. We suggest using a credit card for booking.
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
All attendees are required to participate in onsite COVID testing. We recommend that you test prior to travel as well.
Meeting attendees will receive additional communication closer to the event date clearly detailing requirements regarding COVID-19 diagnostic testing as well as requirements for completing daily health attestation while attending the event. Masks will be optional but encouraged. 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
