When: August 1-3, 2025

Where: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

The VHL Alliance invites you to join us for our annual Family Weekend, a unique opportunity to connect with the VHL community, hear from leading experts, and share experiences with others impacted by von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. This year, we’re thrilled to partner with the University of Michigan to host the event in beautiful Ann Arbor.

What to Expect:

• Educational Sessions: Learn the latest in VHL research, treatments, and patient care from top medical professionals.
• Community Building: Meet and bond with families with lived experience and supporters of the VHL community
• Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on activities and discussions tailored to help navigate the challenges of living with VHL.
• Kid-Friendly Activities: Fun, supervised programs for children, making this event enjoyable for all ages.

Who Should Attend:

• Individuals and families living with VHL
• Medical professionals and researchers
• Caregivers, advocates, and supporters

Whether this is your first Family Weekend or you join us every year, Family Weekend always promises to inspire, inform, and connect. Come be part of a supportive community that understands the unique challenges of living with VHL.

Tickets are available for only $50 – Click here to secure your spot!

• Please note that we require a registration for every person who plans to attend Family Weekend
• Your ticket price includes a welcome dinner on Friday night and additional activities throughout the weekend!

FRIDAY

Check in at The Graduate, 615 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (855-605-0316)

When checking in, please look for us in the hotel lobby. We’ll have a general schedule for you, as well as your name badge for the weekend. 

“The Big House” Tour 

Transportation to the UM Stadium will leave promptly from the hotel lobby at 4:30 PM.  The tour is approximately 1-1.5 hours long. Transportation to the stadium, and onto the Welcome Tailgate will be provided. If you are staying at a different location, are a local, or prefer to use your own transportation, please meet at the Jack Roth Stadium Club Entrance on the east side of the Stadium just north of Crisler Center. Please Note: The tour is at capacity so only those who confirmed their attendance will be admitted on the tour. 

6:30 PM Welcome Dinner Tailgate: BURNS PARK 1300 Baldwin Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (enter at the corner of Wells and Baldwin)

Tailgating fun begins at 6:30 PM. Traditional BBQ fixings, and other snacks, will kick off an evening of fun and community. If you attend the tour, transportation to Burns Park will be provided. 

**If you are not attending the tour, but are attending the Welcome Tailgate, pick-up will be at 6:10 outside The Graduate lobby.  Transportation will be provided to The Graduate at the conclusion of the event.**

SATURDAY

8:30 AM University of Michigan: Palmer Commons 100 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,  Great Lakes Room 4th Fl

Transportation will not be provided from The Graduate to the UM, as it is within walking distance. However, those who have noted mobility exceptions will be driven to Palmer Commons by staff, and we will depart promptly at 8:15 AM.  

Parking is available in the Palmer Drive Parking Structure. Parking vouchers will be provided. 

A light breakfast will be provided from 8:30, with presentations beginning at 9 AM. Youth will depart for their day of fun at approximately 9:45. (Please see below for detailed information on their schedule).  Please be aware that there will be photography, video, and seminar recording throughout the day. Presentations will conclude at 3:30 PM

Kids programming, Chaperoned by UM Genetic Counseling Program Volunteers; departing Palmer Commons at 9:45 AM

Kids 10 and under:
10:00 Hands-On Museum of Ann Arbor
12:15 Lunch
12:45 University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
1 PM Planetarium-The Sky Tonight
2 PM (Optional) T-Rex
3:30 Return to Palmer Commons

Teens:
10:00 Launch Family Entertainment
12:15 Lunch
1:00 University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
1 PM Planetarium-The Sky Tonight
2 PM (Optional) T-Rex
3:30 Return to Palmer Commons

SUNDAY

9 AM The Graduate, 615 E Huron, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

The day will begin with an optional 7:30 Yoga class on the terrace, followed by the Community Breakfast at 9 AM.  We have a great lineup of speakers and sessions for the final morning of the event. We will conclude at Noon, with a boxed lunch for your travels!

Lodging:

We recommend staying at The Graduate hotel in Ann Arbor.

*Please note that we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate dietary requests received after July 7th*

Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details, including the agenda and guest speakers. We can’t wait to see you there!

Want to attend VHL Family Weekend 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but worried about travel costs? We’re here to help!

The VHL Alliance is offering travel scholarships of up to $500 to help make this special weekend accessible to as many families as possible. Apply by June 12 to be considered. Click here to apply now!

Please direct any questions about this event to [email protected]

This event is brought to you with support from