Join Us for KAT6 Connect

November 6th- 8th | Dallas, Texas

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‍KAT6 Connect is a new gathering created by the KAT6 Foundation to bring our community together in a meaningful and supportive way. Over three days in Dallas, families will have the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

While the KAT6 Conference focuses primarily on scientific research and clinical updates, KAT6 Connect is designed with families at the center. The event emphasizes connection, shared learning, and access to practical resources that support everyday life with a KAT6 diagnosis.

This will also be the first KAT6 Foundation event hosted outside the Northeast, marking an exciting step toward bringing the community together in new regions. Moving forward, the Foundation plans to alternate between the KAT6 Conference and KAT6 Connect in future years.

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Who Should Attend

KAT6 Connect is designed for individuals diagnosed with KAT6A or KAT6B, their parents, siblings, and extended family members. Families at any stage of their journey are welcome. Whether you are newly navigating a diagnosis or have been part of the community for many years, this event provides an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and connect with others who understand the path.

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What to Expect

The three-day event will include a variety of opportunities for families, including:

• Guest speakers and breakout sessions focused on supporting individuals with KAT6 and their families
• A resource fair featuring helpful organizations, services, and tools
• Time to meet and build relationships with other members of the KAT6 community
• A buffet lunch on Saturday, courtesy of the KAT6 Foundation
• Volunteer-provided childcare support on Saturday so parents and caregivers can more fully participate in workshops of interest
• Sibling activities and therapeutic play opportunities

The full agenda will be shared as plans are finalized.

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Research Opportunities

During the event, individuals with KAT6 and their family members will have the opportunity to provide samples, including for our iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) bank, an important resource that helps researchers study KAT6 and explore potential treatments. Other KAT6 scientists will be invited to collect data and samples for their research. Additional information about which studies will be participating and how to get involved will be shared in the coming months.

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Social Outings

The KAT6 Connect Committee is planning optional social outings on Friday and Sunday, surrounding the main event on Saturday. These gatherings are designed to provide additional opportunities for families to connect in accessible, family-friendly settings.

Families will be responsible for their own transportation and any costs associated with participating in these outings. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

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Register Early

We encourage families to register as soon as possible and book hotel accommodations early as space is limited. Early registration also helps us plan activities, prepare for blooddraws, and other event logistics to best support our community.  

Space for the KAT6 Connect event is limited. If your plans change and you’re no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another family.

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Questions

Contact our event coordinators at connect@kat6.org

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Hotel Information

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irving Las Colinas
771 W John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75039, USA

Located approximately 10 miles from Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, an indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary made-to-order breakfast, and WiFi.

A special KAT6 Connect group rate of $170 per night is available. The KAT6 Foundation will reimburse $150 per night for up to two nights to help offset lodging costs.

An online booking link will be provided after registration.

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Sponsor Opportunities

KAT6 Connect offers a meaningful opportunity for organizations and individuals to support families while helping advance research and community connection.

Sponsorships help offset event costs, enhance programming, and ensure families can fully participate in this experience.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like to learn more about available opportunities, please contact us at connect@kat6.org.

Download sponsorship package