Register for Eos Connection 2026

APFED's annual patient education conference is a hybrid event. In 2026, it will include live events at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center from July 9-11, as well as virtual sessions on July 12. 

Registration includes access to our pre-conference webinar (details to be announced), main conference (July 9-12), and 25th Anniversary Celebration (July 10).

Registration options

  • Virtual attendees: $0
  • Onsite conference: $75 per person

What to Expect

This hybrid event featured live events at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center, with select sessions streamed online for virtual participants.

Review conference code of conduct.

Everyone who registers for the conference can:


Learn about eosinophil-associated diseases and practical strategies from experts


Explore new research in our virtual Poster Hall


Learn about resources, products, and services in the virtual Exhibit Hall


Access session recordings on-demand for six months following the live events

Conference Agenda

July 9, 2026 11:00 AM

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

This is a volunteer-led group trip. Details on how to sign up will be sent to registrants. For travel planning purposes, the group will depart 10:15am from the hotel lobby, with an estimated return at 2pm.

July 9, 2026 03:00 PM

Meet and Greet

Foyer
July 9, 2026 04:00 PM

Lab and Poster Tours

July 9, 2026 07:30 PM

Community Story-Sharing

Lobby
July 10, 2026 08:00 AM

Breakfast + Exhibits

July 10, 2026 09:00 AM

Session 1 (July 10)

Welcome + Opening Remarks


Patient Voice: Impact of EGID


How EGIDs Differ Biologically and Clinically

Laura A. Quinn, MD

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine


What Genetics Can—and Can’t—Tell Us About EGIDs Today

Tetsuo Shoda, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center


EGID Diagnostics and Monitoring: Current and Future Directions

Nathalie Nguyen, MD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition University of Colorado

Clinical Director of  Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado


Panel Q&A

July 10, 2026 10:15 AM

Break

July 10, 2026 10:35 AM

Session 2 (July 10)

Emerging Research in Non-EoE EGID

Calies Menard-Katcher, MD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

University of Colorado School of Medicine

Digestive Health Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado


Where Is EGID Research Headed? Updates and New Directions from CEGIR

Glenn Furuta, MD

Director, Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Panel Q&A

July 10, 2026 11:30 AM

Lunch

July 10, 2026 12:30 PM

Session 3 (July 10)

Reevaluating Your Care Plan: When Something Isn’t Working—and What to Do Next

Session Sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron

Nathalie Nguyen, MD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

University of Colorado

Clinical Director of Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Am I Eliminating Too Much? New Paradigm Shifts in Dietary Treatment

Allison Hicks, MD

Assistant Professor, Pediatric Allergy & Immunology

Associate Medical Director, Colorado Springs Allergy & Immunology

Children's Hospital Colorado


Nutrition and Dietary Therapy in EGIDs: Practical Considerations

Taryn Van Brennan, RDN

Pediatric Clinical Dietitian

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Feeding Challenges in EGIDs: The Role of Feeding Therapy and Nutrition Specialists

Rebecca Doidge, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist and Feeding Specialist

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Panel Q&A

July 10, 2026 02:00 PM

Break

July 10, 2026 02:20 PM

Session 4 (July 10)

How Gut Bacteria and Immune Cells Influence EGID

Lisa Spencer, PhD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics-Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

University of Colorado Anschutz


EoE Treatments and Breakthroughs

Maureen Bauer, MD

Associate Professor

Pediatrics- Allergy & Immunology

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Panel Q&A

July 10, 2026 05:30 PM

APFED 25th Anniversary Celebration

Join us as we celebrate APFED's 25th Anniversary with an evening of fun, connection, and impact! Enjoy an allergy-friendly buffet, play a lively game of BINGO — one complimentary card included for our celebratory round, plus 5 complimentary cards for rounds that follow — and explore our Silent Auction featuring exciting items. Auction items will be showcased during the event, with bidding opening on Thursday and winners announced on Friday evening. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will support APFED's Hope on the Horizon Research Grant Program.

July 11, 2026 08:00 AM

Breakfast + Exhibits

July 11, 2026 09:00 AM

Session 5 (July 11)

Welcome + Opening Remarks


Supporting Mental Health While Managing Medical Care

Jane Robinson, PhD

Clinical Pediatric Psychologist

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Multidisciplinary EGID Care: Benefits and Challenges 

Dan Atkins


Advocacy, Communication, and Self-Care in Complex Medical Care


Panel Q&A

July 11, 2026 09:05 AM

Break

July 11, 2026 10:30 AM

Session 6 (July 11)

Welcome + Opening Remarks


Managing EGID Day to Day: Medications, Diets, and Appointments

Jordan Koplon, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Stephanie Skirka, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Transitions That Matter: Changing Providers, Insurance Considerations, and Life Stages

Jordan Koplon, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado 

Stephanie Skirka, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado


Panel Q&A

July 11, 2026 11:30 AM

Lunch

July 11, 2026 12:30 PM

Session 7 (July 11)

School Advocacy: When Communication Breaks Down and What You Can Do About It + Q&A

To be announced


EGIDs and Family Life: Striking a Balance + Q&A

To be announced


Traveling with EGID + Q&A

To be announced

July 11, 2026 01:40 PM

Break

July 11, 2026 02:00 PM

Session 8 (July 11)

Patient Panel


Fireside Chat: Looking Back, Looking Forward, 25 Years of Progress, People, and Purpose


APFED Mission Update

July 12, 2026 10:00 AM

Virtual Sessions

For Sunday, July 12, attendees who wish to view the virtual program will have access to a live stream in a designated meeting room.

July 12, 2026 10:15 AM

Meow Wolf

Those attending onsite in Denver who prefer not to participate in the virtual sessions are invited to meet in the hotel lobby at 10:15 AM for a group outing to Meow Wolf, a kid-friendly, immersive art experience in Denver. Additional details and a sign-up form will be shared with registered participants.

Picture of youth attending Eos Connection

Youth Program

We offer special youth programming to help children and teens learn about the conditions they are impacted by (either as a patient or family member), and connect with other youth. 

Ages 4-10 must be accompanied by a chaperone.

View schedule

25th Anniversary Celebration

Join us as we celebrate APFED's 25th Anniversary with an evening of fun, connection, and impact! Enjoy an allergy-friendly buffet, play a lively game of BINGO — one complimentary card included for our celebratory round, plus 5 complimentary cards for rounds that follow — and explore our Silent Auction featuring exciting items. Auction items will be showcased during the event, with bidding opening on Thursday and winners announced on Friday evening. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will support APFED's Hope on the Horizon Research Grant Program.

We're seeking donated items for the silent auction. Whether you have connections with local businesses, can contribute items yourself, or know someone who can help, your support will directly benefit APFED's HOPE on the Horizon Research Program. If you can help, please email fundraise@apfed.org.

Speakers

We look forward to having clinicians, scientists, patients, and caregivers present at this year's conference. Confirmed speakers for Eos Connections 2026, include:

Dan Atkins, MD
Maureen Baker, MD
Rebecca Doidge, MS, CCC-SLP
Glenn Furuta, MD
Allison Hicks, MD
Jordan Koplon, RN
Calies Menard-Katcher, MD
Nathalie Nguyen, MD

Laura A. Quinn, MD 
Jane Robinson, PhD
Tetsuo Shoda, MD, PhD
Stephanie Skirka, RN
Lisa Spencer
Taryn Van Brennan

Additional speakers to be announced.

Interested in sharing your experiences as a panelist at the conference? Complete this volunteer interest form.

Travel Details

Hotel

Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
13200 East 14th Place, Aurora, CO 80011

Discounted room rate: $175.00 plus taxes

Discounted reservation deadline: Tuesday, June 16

Check-in: 3:00 PM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Reserve a room

Note: Rooms with a King bed also have a sleeper sofa. If you would prefer a room with 2 Queen beds, after reserving your room, please complete this interest form.

Transportation

Denver International Airport: 15 miles/20 minutes

Travel Grants

APFED will award a limited number of travel grants of up to $1,000 USD, which may be applied to travel expenses (e.g., hotel, transportation, mileage, meal, and/or childcare costs)  to attend APFED's EOS Connection Patient Education Conference onsite July 9-12, 2026 in Denver, CO. Recipients will also have conference registration fees waived for themselves and immediate family members who are attending the conference with them.

Apply for a travel grant

Research Posters

We are now accepting research abstracts for our virtual poster hall. Abstracts are due by Friday, May 15. If accepted, posters and videos are due by Friday, May 29. 

Submit an Abstract

FAQS


Wear what is comfortable for you! The conference rooms may be a little cool, so you may want to bring a sweater.


Children under age 11 are not permitted in the conference ballroom where the main sessions are being held.

All children ages 4-10 must be accompanied at all times by an adult or chaperone who is at least age 15. Select activities will be available for ages 4-10 who register for the conference. Chaperones do not need to register for the conference unless they are planning to attend general sessions and/or access event meals.

Conference programming is not suitable for children under age 4.

We are planning a program with activities that are appropriate for children in middle and high school. These will be clearly listed on the final agenda.

APFED does not provide childcare services, but as a courtesy, can provide information upon request about local childcare services available.

Companions do not need to register for the conference unless they are planning to attend general sessions and/or access event meals.

The conference is open to anyone wishing to learn more about EGIDs. Healthcare providers, allied healthcare professionals, and others interested in EGIDs will find the sessions beneficial. CME/CEU credits are not offered, however, we will produce a certificate of participation, if requested.

Onsite conference registration includes five (5) meals. All meals will be served buffet-style and include allergy-friendly options, with ingredients labeled. Meals will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday.

If companions would like to access event meals, please register them for the conference.


Meals will be served buffet-style and include allergy-friendly options, with ingredients labeled.

APFED works with the catering staff to educate them on how to avoid cross-contact and provides recommendtions for ingredient substitution and specialty foods. We work to ensure that catering staff labels all ingredients carefully, and that buffet items are separated with designated serving utensils. Please be cautious, read all food labels, and be aware that some foods may contain ingredients that you should avoid.

To accommodate conference attendees with formula or other dietary needs, we will provide a Hospitality Suite for food storage and preparation. The suite includes a refrigerator and freezer, microwave, sink, dish soap, paper towels, and disposable tableware. This room will be staffed and open during the posted hours, Thursday-Saturday. Conference attendees can gain access to this suite outside of the posted hours. More information will be provided onsite at check-in.

Yes! Our conferences are a success thanks to the generosity of our volunteers. We often have tasks leading up to the conference, and onsite at the conference during that weekend. To add your name to our volunteer list, please contact conference@apfed.org. We may not have something to assign you right away, but we will keep your contact information handy. Please note that we cannot waive conference fees for volunteers.

A limited number of travel grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible applicants. Learn more and apply.

If you would like to attend onsite but the registration fee poses a hardship, please email conference@apfed.org stating your need and a request for waived conference registration.

Cancellations must be received in writing mail@apfed.org by 5 p.m. ET on June 18, 2026. to receive a full refund of registration fees. After that time, no refunds will be issued. We will ship conference materials and email a link to recorded sessions to paid registrants who are unable to attend. Hotel cancellations must be made separately. Charges may be incurred if reservations are not canceled.

Education Partners

Thank you to the following organizations for supporting Eos Connection 2026.

If you are interested in sponsoring APFED's annual patient education conference, please contact mjstrobel@apfed.org.

Collaborating Education Partners

Presenting Education Partners

Diamond Education Partners

Platinum Education Partners

Silver Education Partners

Mead Johnson Nutrition