Like No Other: WPC’s Impact on All of Us
Why the World Parkinson Congress is a Must-Attend Experience
Reflections from Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO, American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Over the years, I’ve had attended many conferences focused on Parkinson’s disease (PD), but there is one that stands apart — the World Parkinson Congress (WPC). WPC is not just a conference; it’s a global movement, a global gathering, a global community. It’s where people with PD, care partners, researchers, and medical professionals come together — not in separate tracks, but in shared spaces, united by a common goal: to improve lives and advance progress.
Our mission at APDA is to provide support, education, and fund research to help people impacted by Parkinson’s live life to the fullest, and it is truly inspiring to meet so many individuals from around the world who are equally dedicated to this cause.
From the moment you walk through the doors, you know you’re part of something special.
A Conference Like No Other
What makes WPC truly unique is its inclusivity. It doesn’t silo professionals from the people they serve — it brings everyone together to learn from and with one another. Whether you're a person living with PD, a care partner, or a neurologist at a leading research hospital, WPC is designed for you. And that blend of perspectives creates something special that you won’t find anywhere else.
When I attended WPC in Kyoto, Japan, I was reminded of just how powerful that experience can be. While we all may get frustrated at times with the pace of research and medical progress, I am always encouraged when I hear renowned doctors talking passionately about their dedication to PD and the latest work they are doing, as I did at that WPC. That kind of passion is contagious. It lifts you up, renews your energy, and makes you believe — even in the face of a tough disease — that we are making progress.
Leslie A. Chambers, with MayMay Ali at WPC 2016 in Portland, OR, USA
A Global Community, Connected Beyond Borders
WPC brings the world together — literally. Most recently at the WPC in Barcelona, more than 2,600 attendees from 73 countries gathered to learn, connect, and collaborate. And the conversations didn’t stop at the podium. At every turn, I met individuals and families facing PD with courage and determination. After both Kyoto and Barcelona, I remember thinking about how despite geographic distance, cultural differences, and language barriers, we had so many meaningful and insightful discussions.
Those human connections are the heart of WPC. They remind us that PD is a global issue — and that solutions will come from global collaboration.
APDA has been a longtime partner of WPC. Most recently, we were proud to be an International Partner of the WPC in Barcelona and to participate in the Leadership Forum. As always, our presence in the Exhibit Hall allowed us to connect directly with the global PD community. I was especially touched by how many attendees from outside the US already knew about APDA from our virtual programming. It was so exciting to see the far reach of APDA’s programs as people from around the world came talk to us about our programs they had attended online. And for the many Spanish-speaking attendees, it was gratifying to be able to offer them so many APDA resources in their native language — a reflection of our deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
A Cultural and Emotional Experience
Each host city adds its own unique flavor to the WPC experience, making the event even more unforgettable. For example, in Kyoto, I was moved by how beautifully the local culture was woven into the conference. From the incredible performances by local Japanese musicians during the Opening Ceremony to a massive display of 15,000 folded paper cranes (a project designed and lead by Parkinson’s advocates), to the bento box lunches, it was a treat to get a taste of the wonderful host city. Those thoughtful touches remind us that while PD is serious, joy and beauty are still a vital part of life.
Leslie A. Chambers, with APDA’s COO, Michelle McDonald, at WPC in Barcelona, Spain
APDA at WPC: Sharing and Leading
We’re proud of the role APDA plays at WPC. For 2026, APDA is a Double Platinum Champion Partner of the upcoming 7th World Parkinson Congress (May 24-27) in Phoenix, Arizona. We can’t wait to once again be among this incredible, dedicated, determined community. I am personally serving on the 2026 Steering Committee and other members of our team have already been involved in subcommittee planning meetings to make sure the agenda is jam-packed with exciting and relevant content. At every WPC, APDA is always proud to showcase our ongoing work in the poster sessions and engage with people from around the world who are just as passionate as we are about supporting those affected by PD. The poster sessions are a unique opportunity to show our progress, demonstrate our commitment to the cause, and share our learnings with a global audience. It’s also a chance to celebrate the progress being made — not just in labs, but in communities across the globe.
Don’t Miss It
If you’ve never been to a WPC before, make 2026 your year. If you have attended before, you already know how transformative the experience can be.
WPC is more than a conference. It’s where hope is shared. Where knowledge is expanded. Where community is built. Whether you're newly diagnosed, decades into your journey, a care partner, or a health care professional — you will benefit from being there. You’ll leave energized, informed, and inspired. It is a reminder to us all that we are stronger together.
Registration will open on September 4, 2025 — so start planning now. Mark your calendar. Book your flights. Be part of something bigger.
Together, we’ll keep pushing forward. And together, we’ll continue building a better future for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.
APDA will be at WPC 2026, will you? We hope to see you in Phoenix!
About APDA: The American Parkinson Disease Associationn (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $313 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against PD and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org or call 800-223-2732.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Parkinson Coalition®