What to Expect at the 2026 VCP International Scientific & Community Summit
- Cure VCP Disease, Inc.
- 15 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Scientists, researchers, patients, and families come together in Midtown Atlanta for a landmark gathering on VCP-associated multisystem proteinopathy.
Basic Details
When: Wednesday, July 22 - Saturday, July 25, 2026
Where: Hyatt Centric | Midtown Atlanta
Four Days, Two Communities, One Goal
The conference is thoughtfully structured to serve both the scientific and patient communities.
Wednesday, July 22 — Welcome Reception
Thursday, July 23 — Conference Sessions(with keynote)
Friday, July 24 — Conference Sessions
Saturday, July 25 — Conference Sessions + Evening Celebration (BBQ, Brews & Bingo)
*The 2026 Cure VCP Disease Celebration requires a separate ticket and registration. For more information, visit:
Featured Speaker: Dr. Michael Benatar
The summit's keynote address is titled "Bridging ALS and VCP Disease — Lessons for Therapeutic Development" and will be delivered by Michael Benatar, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology at the University of Miami.
Drawing on his leadership with the CREATE Consortium, Dr. Benatar will discuss how drug development strategies and collaborative research models from the ALS field can inform therapeutic approaches for VCP-MSP.
Dr. Benatar is known for his groundbreaking work in ALS and pre-symptomatic disease research. His talk will set the foundation for the conference's exploration of how insights can be translated across disease states to accelerate patient care and treatment development.
Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta
The conference is hosted at the Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta, located at 125 10th Street NE — a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of Midtown. A block of rooms (including all ADA rooms) has been reserved for attendees.
Breakfast for two is included with each paid night.
Nightly rate: $159 USD
Parking is free with a paid room
Self-parking: $14 per day (discounted from $28 per day) for all event attendees
Valet parking: $40 per day
ADA rooms: All included in block (limited availability)
Public Transportation: MARTA
Midtown Atlanta is exceptionally well-served by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). The hotel is just a 4-minute walk (0.2 miles) from the Midtown MARTA station.
From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Board the MARTA Gold or Red Line at the Airport station (inside the domestic terminal). Trains run frequently and the ride to Midtown takes roughly 25–30 minutes.
Exit at Midtown Station
Get off at the Midtown MARTA station on the Gold/Red Line. This station is on 10th Street NE — the same street as the hotel.
Walk 0.2 miles to the Hyatt Centric
The hotel is a short 4-minute walk east along 10th Street.
Tip: A Breeze Card (MARTA's reloadable transit card) can be purchased at any MARTA station. Single rides are $2.50. The Breeze Card also makes day-trip travel to other Atlanta attractions easy throughout the week.
Driving & Parking
The hotel offers self-parking at $14 per day (discounted from $28 per day) or valet at $40 per day. Atlanta traffic can be heavy, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector) is the main artery — plan extra time if arriving during peak hours. Google Maps and Waze are your best friends for real-time routing around Atlanta's famously unpredictable traffic.
Where to Eat in Midtown Atlanta
Midtown is one of Atlanta's most food-rich neighborhoods. Here are some standout options within easy reach of the hotel:
In the hotel- Author's Den
The Hyatt's own American bar and restaurant. Open from 6:30am daily, it's perfect for grabbing breakfast before sessions or winding down with dinner. Known for its shrimp and grits and the house burger.
Highly rated- Crescent City Kitchen
A beloved Midtown brunch and lunch spot just a few blocks north. New Orleans–inspired menu — the crab cake hash, catfish and grits, and croffle flight are highlights. Reservations recommended.
Brunch- T's Brunch Bar
A lively Midtown brunch staple on Peachtree Street. Known for its catfish and waffles, beignets, and festive atmosphere. Validated parking available. Great for groups.
Tapas & cocktails- Blackjack Bar Tapas
A stylish cocktail bar and tapas spot a few blocks north on Peachtree. The calamari, kimchi fried rice, and shrimp wontons are crowd favorites. A great option for an evening out. Validates parking.
Korean fried chicken- bb.q Chicken Midtown
A newer spot on Peachtree with outstanding Korean fried chicken — huge, crispy pieces in soy garlic or house sauce. Great for a casual dinner. Very clean space with dine-in and takeout.
Coffee
A popular café on W. Peachtree St open from 6am — ideal for early risers before sessions. Oat milk lattes, iced chai, gelato, and gluten-free snacks. Cozy and reliable.
A mission-driven specialty coffee shop on Spring St with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly rated for its cinnamon honey lattes and attentive staff. Great for working or catching up between sessions.
A beautiful and cozy café on Spring St with a stunning interior and signature drinks like blueberry matcha. Open until 2pm — best for mornings and mid-morning breaks.
Explore Midtown Atlanta
The Hyatt is ideally positioned near some of Atlanta's best attractions. Whether you have a free afternoon before the conference or want to extend your trip, here are some highlights within easy reach:
Park · Free
Atlanta's answer to Central Park, just a short walk from the hotel. Beautiful lake views, walking trails, and open lawns. Perfect for a morning run or an evening stroll.
Museum · Nearby
One of the top art museums in the Southeast, just up Peachtree. The permanent collection and rotating exhibitions are world-class. Closed Mondays; open Tue–Sun.
Garden · Nearby
Adjacent to Piedmont Park, the Botanical Garden is stunning in summer. Stroll the Canopy Walk, explore the Edible Garden, and enjoy seasonal outdoor art installations.
Aquarium · Downtown
One of the largest aquariums in the world, located downtown (MARTA-accessible). The Ocean Voyager gallery — with whale sharks and manta rays — is unmissable. Book tickets in advance.
History · Downtown
A powerful, emotionally resonant museum in downtown Atlanta exploring the American civil rights movement and its global connections. Adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium.
Campus · Walking
The Georgia Tech campus is a short walk from the hotel — a beautiful urban campus worth exploring if you have time between sessions. The Tech Tower area is particularly scenic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can patients attend the scientific sessions?
Yes, attendance across session types is actively encouraged. Scientists may attend patient-day sessions and patients may attend scientific sessions. This cross-participation is what makes the summit unique.
Can I submit a speaker proposal?
The abstract submission deadline was May 1, 2026, so the submission window has closed. Check the schedule page for finalized sessions and speakers.
Is the Saturday evening celebration included in registration?
No — the BBQ, Brews & Bingo celebration on Saturday evening requires separate tickets. Purchase them here.
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to the organizing team at info@curevcp.org.
