TIC-CON26 - Family & Community Conference - Request for Presentations
Conference Dates: June 12-14, 2026
Location: Nashville, TN
Submission Deadline: January 4, 2026
About the Tourette Association of America
Founded in 1972, the Tourette Association of America (TAA) is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS) and other Tic Disorders. Through advocacy, support, education, and research, the TAA works to raise awareness, drive scientific discovery, and provide direct support via an extensive network of Chapters, Support Groups, and medical Centers of Excellence across the U.S.
About TIC-CON
TIC-CON is the TAA’s premier conference and national gathering for the TS and Tic Disorder community. The event attracts individuals and families impacted by TS, clinicians, educators, researchers, scientists, celebrities, and advocates from across the country.
There are three core components of TIC-CON:
- Research Symposium (Friday, June 12)
A scholarly forum highlighting state-of-the-science research across disciplines, bringing together scientists and clinicians to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration on the latest advancements in TS and Tic Disorder research. The symposium is designed for a scientific audience, emphasizing rigor, replicability, and innovation while fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue that advances the fundamental and applied science of TS and other Tic Disorders. - Family & Community Conference (Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14)
An applied forum dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting individuals and families navigating TS and other Tic Disorders, as well as the research scientists, providers, educators, and community members who support them. Presentations and trainings focus on ensuring these audiences can access cutting-edge research and clinical advances, delivered in ways that are practical, relevant, and applicable to daily life. Researchers and providers are welcome to submit proposals that translate scientific findings for the TS and Tic Disorder community. Community members, those with lived experience, and other professionals are welcome to apply for professional-based presentations grounded in research. - Teen Summit (Friday, June 12)
An educational forum designed for young people, providing a supportive space to explore key social issues such as bullying, adapting to change, and building self-advocacy skills. The summit emphasizes peer connection, resilience, and leadership development tailored to the needs of adolescents with TS and other Tic Disorders.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome subject matter experts and licensed/credentialed professionals across sectors who have experience working with the TS and Tic Disorder community and/or have lived experience.
Proposals are invited from:
- Individuals with lived experience and their families (in professional or leadership roles)
- Community advocates and nonprofit leaders
- Educators and administrators
- Youth leaders
- Medical and mental health professionals
- Allied health providers (OTs, SLPs, PTs, etc.)
- Social workers, counselors, and school psychologists
- Researchers and academic professionals
Proposals may be submitted in one of the following formats:
- Panel Discussion (1 hour)
A one-hour presentation where one presenter will lead the discussion with questions for panel members. It is encouraged for panel members to have slides to emphasize and organize key components of their answers. A maximum of 3-5 panel members is allotted, and 10-15 minutes for Q&A is required. - Lecture Presentations (1 hour)
This one-hour presentation is a more traditional lecture that would include slides and potentially audience participation. At least 10-15 minutes for Q&A is required. - Research Workshop (1 hour)
A one-hour interactive session focused on practical skills or collaborative learning within a particular research area - Youth Workshop (1 hour)
A one-hour interactive session for youth (elementary age, middle school age, or high school age) designed to engage, inspire, and empower participants through interactive, age-appropriate programming.
Your complete proposal must include all the following information that is applicable and will not be accepted without all components.
1. Primary Presenter Information
- Full name, degree(s), and credentials
- Institution
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Contact information (email, phone, mailing address)
2. Co-Presenters (if applicable)
- Full name, degree(s), and credentials
- Institution
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Contact information (email, phone, mailing address)
3. Presenter Bios
- Max 150 words per presenter
- Professional title and affiliation (if applicable)
- Relevant experience, including contributions to the TS community
- A high-resolution headshot (.jpg or .png, min 500x500pix)
4. Presentation Title
- Your presentation title should get your session noticed by sparking curiosity or grabbing attention. If your session is chosen for presentation, the TAA may approach you with alterations to your title.
5. 150-Word Description of your Presentation
- Describe the session topic, goals, format, intended audience, audience relevance, and unique contributions.
- Please choose one intended audience and include this in your description.
- Elementary school children
- Middle school tweens
- High school tweens
- Young adults
- Adults
- Parents/Guardians
- Other family members such as siblings or grandparents (please specify)
- Medical provider
- Allied health professionals
6. Learning Objectives
- All proposals must include three clearly defined learning objectives that describe the specific knowledge, or skills participants will gain from your session. The learning objectives should be clearly defined to your intended audience.
7. Knowledge Assessment Questions (3 multiple-choice)
- Each proposal must include three multiple-choice questions that reflect the core content of the presentation. These questions should be designed to test knowledge that attendees are unlikely to know prior to the session but will gain as a result of participating. Each question must include a minimum of three answer choices.
- Presenters and co-presenters must be physically present to deliver their session.
- Each Family and Community Conference presenter will receive one complimentary registration for TIC-CON26.
- Hotel and travel accommodations are the sole responsibility of the presenter. The TAA has negotiated a block of rooms at the hotel for a discounted rate which will be made available in the coming months on a first-come first-serve basis.
- Permission must be obtained for any copyrighted material used in presentations. The choice to use such material and the responsibility for gathering and maintaining permission are the sole responsibility of the presenter. Such material will be distributed only if submitted with the publisher’s written permission attached.
- All presentations must remain free from commercial bias and conflicts of interest. Presenters are prohibited from promoting specific companies or products in their presentations, and from fundraising for other organizations or individuals.
- Upon acceptance, final versions of presentation materials and slides must be submitted for review by the TAA Conference Team. Stylistic and formatting adjustments may be recommended, but scientific content will remain unchanged.
- Upon submission, proposals are considered final. No proposal revisions will be accepted after the deadline.
- During the session, presenters will control their own slides. The TAA team will be available to provide technical assistance as needed.
How to Submit
Email proposals to proposals@tourette.org
Subject Line Format: TIC-CON26 Family & Community RFP – Your Name (Co-Presenter if applicable) – Presentation Title
Timeline
We have extended the deadline to January 4, 2026, to give everyone more time to prepare and submit their best presentation proposals. Please contact proposals@tourette.org if you have any questions.
- January 4, 2026: Proposal submissions due at 11:59pm EST
- May 12, 2026: Final slide presentations due
- June 12-14, 2026: TIC-CON in Nashville, TN
Questions?
Contact the TAA Programs Team at programs@tourette.org.
