Everything’s Bigger Here. Including Connection.
Join HS Connect in Houston for Empower HS 2026, a two-day conference designed to educate, connect, and empower people impacted by hidradenitis suppurativa through expert education, hands-on sessions, community, advocacy, wellness, and an unforgettable evening celebration. Can’t attend in person? Free virtual streaming will be available so you can participate from anywhere.
Empower HS 2026
Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17, 2026
Houston, Texas • The Ronin Harrisburg • 100 attendees expected
Doors open at 9:00 AM both days for sign-in. Programming begins at 10:00 AM and wraps around 4:30–5:00 PM both days. Lunch will be served both days.
About Empower HS
The HS Connect Empower Conference is a one-of-a-kind experience designed to educate, connect, and empower those impacted by hidradenitis suppurativa. This event brings together patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals for a powerful day of learning, support, and community.
Education
Expert-led sessions covering HS treatment options, surgery, pain management, mental health, self-advocacy, and more.
Connection
A space where real experiences are shared, meaningful conversations happen, and people with HS feel seen and understood.
Empowerment
Attendees leave with practical tools, trusted information, and a stronger sense of community.
Attend Your Way
Attend In Person
Join us at The Ronin in Houston, Texas for two days of education, connection, advocacy, wellness experiences, and community.
- Interactive educational sessions
- Hands-on demonstrations and activities
- Lunch provided both days
- Evening dinner and celebration
- Meet other people living with HS
Attend Virtually
Can’t make it to Houston? We don’t want you to miss out.
Free virtual streaming will be available for Empower HS 2026, allowing attendees to participate remotely from anywhere.
- Watch sessions live
- Learn from expert speakers
- Stay connected with the HS community
- Accessible from anywhere
More than just a conference.
This is a place to feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with HS for years, Empower HS is built to meet you where you are.
Empower Scholarship
We want Empower HS to be accessible to members of the HS community who want to attend, learn, connect, and feel supported. The Empower Scholarship application is now available for attendees who may need assistance in order to participate.
Scholarship availability may be limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Please complete the application form so the HS Connect team can review your request.
Tentative Event Schedule
Each day is organized as its own full-width section so attendees can quickly scan what is happening and when. Agenda is subject to change. Final session details, speakers, and timing will be confirmed closer to the event.
Good to know: Doors open at 9:00 AM both days for sign-in. Programming begins at 10:00 AM and wraps around 4:30–5:00 PM both days. Lunch will be served both days.
Day 1 — Friday, October 16, 2026
Morning Sessions
Afternoon Sessions
End of Day — Breakouts & Wrap-Up
Day 2 — Saturday, October 17, 2026
Morning Sessions
Afternoon Sessions
Emotional Wellness Block
Evening Event — Red Carpet Dinner, Awards & Find Us Runway
Where to Stay
Our host hotel for Empower HS 2026 is C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton in Downtown Houston. Event attendees will receive 10% off their stay. This is a discount code, not a room block, so rooms will be based on hotel availability.
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
Host hotel: C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 400 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77002
Attendee rate: 10% off your stay with the event discount code
Important: This is a discount code, not a room block. Rooms will be based on hotel availability.
Booking details: Discount code and booking instructions coming soon.
Why Stay Here?
- Official host hotel for Empower HS 2026.
- Shuttle service will be provided for both days of the conference.
- Located in Downtown Houston near dining, entertainment, parks, and major attractions.
- Close to the event area and convenient for attendees using conference transportation.
Transportation & Shuttle
A conference bus will help attendees get to and from the conference. Shuttle service will be provided from the host hotel, C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton, for both days of the conference.
Conference Shuttle
- Shuttle service will be provided for both days of the conference.
- Host hotel pickup will be at C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton.
- Doors open at 9:00 AM both days for sign-in.
- Programming begins at 10:00 AM both days.
- Programming wraps around 4:30–5:00 PM both days.
Dinner Transportation
- Day 2 dinner begins at 7:00 PM at Eight Row Flint.
- The bus will bring attendees to dinner.
- Eight Row Flint is next door, making the evening transition easy for attendees.
- Final shuttle timing, accessibility details, and transportation contact information will be shared closer to the event.
Things to Do While You’re Here
Welcome to Houston! While attending Empower HS 2026, we invite you to explore the energy, culture, food, and skyline views of Downtown Houston and EaDo, East Downtown. This area offers restaurants, parks, entertainment, public art, sports venues, and walkable attractions before, during, or after the event.
Restaurant Recs
8th Wonder Brewery
2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003
A casual brewery and gathering space near Shell Energy Stadium.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
A legendary Houston restaurant known for Tex-Mex and local history.
Truck Yard Houston
2118 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77003
A casual outdoor space with food, drinks, live music, and a laid-back Houston atmosphere.
Featured Attractions
Discovery Green
1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
A downtown park with green space, public art, restaurants, walking areas, and seasonal activities.
POST Houston
401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
A popular downtown destination with a food hall, rooftop park, skyline views, events, and creative spaces.
Market Square Park
301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
A historic downtown park surrounded by restaurants, entertainment, public art, and local culture.
Photo Spots + Exploring
EaDo Murals & Street Art Walking Tour
EaDo is known for colorful murals, creative photo spots, and local street art.
Safety note: Please be safe when exploring and travel in pairs when possible.
Evening event: Dinner on Day 2 will be held at Eight Row Flint, next door.
Built by us, for us.
HS Connect was created to empower others to share their stories, allow their voices to be heard, and ensure that they are not living in silence.
We see you. We get you. We got you.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Empower HS 2026 is made possible through the support of organizations committed to improving the lives of people impacted by hidradenitis suppurativa. We are grateful for their partnership and dedication to the HS community.
Conference Sponsors
Empower HS 2026 is proudly supported by Incyte, UCB, and Novartis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this event for?
Empower HS is for people living with HS, caregivers, advocates, healthcare professionals, and supporters.
Do I need to have HS to attend?
No. Caregivers, family members, providers, advocates, and supporters are welcome.
Will there be a hotel room block?
No. We are working with C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton on a 10% discount code for rooms, but this will not be a room block. Rooms will be based on hotel availability.
Will transportation be available?
Yes. Shuttle service will be provided from the host hotel for both days of the conference. A bus will also bring attendees to the Day 2 dinner at Eight Row Flint. Final pickup times and details will be posted once confirmed.
Will meals be provided?
Lunch will be served both conference days. Dinner is planned for Day 2 at 7:00 PM at Eight Row Flint.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 9:00 AM both days for sign-in. Programming begins at 10:00 AM and wraps around 4:30–5:00 PM both days.
Is there a scholarship available?
Yes. Attendees who may need assistance can apply for the Empower Scholarship using the scholarship application form.
Will there be a virtual option?
Yes. Free virtual streaming will be available for attendees who are unable to travel to Houston. You can register for either in-person or virtual attendance through the registration page.