Reflections from Phoenix: C-OPN at the 7th World Parkinson Congress

May 24–27, 2026 | Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona

The 7th World Parkinson Congress (WPC) brought together thousands of people from across the globe, including researchers, clinicians, people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, advocates, industry representatives, and policymakers, for four days of learning, connection, and shared purpose in Phoenix, Arizona. For many in attendance, it was more than a conference. It was a reminder of just how large, how dedicated, and how hopeful our community truly is.

C-OPN was proud to have members of our community among those in Phoenix, and we’re delighted to share a few of their reflections here.

“A Highly Interactive Gathering” | Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, Neurologist, Ottawa Site

Dr. Schlossmacher came away from the WPC with a clear sense of what made this edition special: the spirit of togetherness that permeated every session and hallway.

“The WPC was a successful event, in my opinion,” he told us. “It was a highly interactive gathering, as patients, their care partners, family members, therapists, doctors, scientists, industry representatives and learners mingled; attendees created a highly interactive atmosphere.”

Among his personal highlights were a standout session on exercise on the final day of the meeting, the lively and engaging poster sessions, and the lunch tables set up daily to encourage informal conversation between clinicians and patients. He was also moved by a more personal moment: “I was delighted to see two of my patients who bravely had made the trip from Ottawa to Phoenix.”

Dr. Schlossmacher noted that the organizers made a thoughtful effort to limit parallel programming, prioritizing accessibility for patients over scientific variety, a trade-off that will resonate differently depending on who you ask, but one that speaks to the patient-centred ethos of the WPC.

He also offered a candid and important recommendation looking ahead: registration costs. “The registration fees have to come down,” he said. “Attending conferences like the WPC becomes more and more expensive, and is thus increasingly unaffordable for patients and learners.” It’s a point worth taking seriously as we look toward the next Congress, and one we hope organizers will carry forward.

“Cautious Optimism and the Power of Connection” | Bob de Wit, C-OPN Executive Committee Member

Bob de Wit, a member of C-OPN’s Executive Committee who lives with Parkinson’s, brought a deeply personal perspective to Phoenix and returned with a renewed sense of hope.

What struck Bob most immediately was the diversity of the crowd. “I was struck by the sheer diversity of people involved in the Parkinson’s community,” he reflected. “Researchers, clinicians, people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, advocates, industry representatives, and policymakers were all participating in the same conversations. It reinforced for me that progress against Parkinson’s requires many different perspectives working together.”

He was equally moved by the way lived experience was centred throughout the Congress. “Researchers weren’t just presenting findings; they were listening, asking questions, and seeking feedback from those of us living with Parkinson’s every day. That dynamic made the conference feel unusually collaborative and patient-centred.”

Bob also captured something that many in the room seemed to feel but might have struggled to name: a kind of grounded, collective optimism. “There was a sense of cautious optimism that seemed to permeate many discussions. No one was suggesting that breakthroughs are imminent or that Parkinson’s will be solved overnight. At the same time, there was a palpable sense that knowledge is accumulating, new approaches are being explored, and meaningful advances are being made across multiple fronts. I left feeling encouraged, not because of any single discovery, but because of the collective momentum of the global Parkinson’s community.”

Perhaps most powerfully, Bob spoke to the antidote the WPC offers to one of the quieter challenges of living with Parkinson’s: isolation. “Living with Parkinson’s can sometimes feel isolating, but spending several days surrounded by thousands of people who understand the challenges firsthand was both energizing and reassuring. The conference reminded me that while each person’s journey is unique, we are part of a much larger community working toward better care, better treatments, and ultimately a better future for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.”

“An Emotional Journey” | Dianne Bramble, C-OPN Parkinson Community Advisory Committee Member

For Dianne, a WPC Ambassador, the Congress carried a weight she hadn’t anticipated. Her time in Phoenix came just two weeks after the death of her mother, who had suffered a severe stroke.

“My experience at the WPC 2026 was emotional,” she shared. She wasn’t even sure she would make the trip. “I wasn’t even sure that I was going to go, but I know my mom was very proud of me being chosen as an ambassador, so I went.”

What carried her through was the community she found among her fellow Ambassadors, who had been told of her loss. “My fellow Ambassadors were wonderful and supportive. I can’t remember the last time I had so many hugs. They helped me get through the week, and I actually enjoyed myself.”

Despite the circumstances, Dianne found meaning in connecting with others, including people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s who were struggling to find their footing. “I was able to connect with so many people and was even able to help some people who had been recently diagnosed and were struggling.”

Looking back, Dianne reflected on a Congress that turned out very differently than she expected, but no less meaningful for it. “I didn’t have the congress I was expecting, but it was an amazing experience and I’m very glad I went.”

Looking Ahead: See You in Québec City in 2029!

We are thrilled to share that the 8th World Parkinson Congress will be held in Québec City, and C-OPN will absolutely be there.

Hosting the WPC in Canada is a tremendous opportunity for our community, and we are already looking forward to the conversations, collaborations, and connections that will unfold on home soil. We hope to see as many of our network members, partners, and friends there as possible, and we’ll be working to make sure that as many voices as possible, including those of patients and learners, can be part of it.

In the meantime, thank you to Dr. Schlossmacher, Bob de Wit, and Dianne Bramble for sharing their experiences from Phoenix, and to everyone in the broader Parkinson’s community who made the 7th WPC such a meaningful gathering.