Building Bridges 2026
A national, family-focused conference for the HCU, MSUD, PKU, UCD and allied disorders community
June 5-7, 2026 | Montreal, Quebec
Hosted by CanPKU+, it brings together individuals, families, clinicians, researchers, and partners for a meaningful weekend of learning, connection, and community.
Welcome to Building Bridges
Building Bridges 2026 is CanPKU+s national, family-focused conference for individuals and families living with PKU, HCU, MSUD, and UCDs. The weekend also creates space for clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to connect with the community in a way that is personal, practical, and grounded in lived experience.
Guided by the CanPKU+ CARES pillars - Community, Advocacy, Research, Education, and Support - Building Bridges is designed to strengthen relationships, share trusted knowledge, and support families across Canada.
What to Expect
Building Bridges is intentionally designed as a smaller, interactive event where families can learn, ask questions, and build meaningful connections. The program will include plenary sessions, disorder-specific discussions, research and registry updates, advocacy conversations, mental health and psychosocial topics, and Nourish & Flourish sessions focused on nutrition and quality of life.
Families can also expect onsite childcare for children ages 12 and under, a Teen Lounge for ages 13-17, low-protein meal support, and transportation between the preferred hotel and Centre St-Pierre for those who pre-register for shuttle service.
Friday evening begins with registration and a casual community gathering. Saturday is the main conference day. Sunday continues with educational sessions, community discussion, and closing remarks before wrap-up in the afternoon.
Registration and Event Information
Hotel and Booking Information
Preferred conference hotel:
Holiday Inn & Suites Montreal Airport
10888 Côte-de-Liesse
Montréal, Quebec H8T 1A8
Tel: (514) 422-8080
Booking code: CANPCU
Conference rate: $189 CAD per night
Book by April 30, 2026 to receive the group rate.
Hotel features include complimentary airport shuttle, parking for one vehicle per room, refrigerator and microwave in each room, an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre, on-site restaurant, and WiFi.
Taxes and fees apply. Triple and quad occupancy are subject to an additional charge.
Family Spaces
Building Bridges is designed with families at its core. Dedicated spaces are planned to support both younger children and teens during the weekend.
Childcare Space - Ages 12 and under
Onsite childcare will be available for children ages 12 and under. No food is served in the childcare space. Please review the bilingual childcare waiver here: Childcare Waiver.
Teen Lounge - Ages 13-17
A Teen Lounge is planned for youth ages 13-17, with programming offered depending on registration numbers. Please review the bilingual Teen Lounge waiver here: Teen Lounge Waiver.
Garrod Association and CCMG Joint Professional Conference 2026
Garrod Association and CCMG Joint Professional Conference 2026
Following Building Bridges, some clinicians, researchers, and other professionals may continue on to the 2026 joint meeting of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG) and the Garrod Association Symposium.
This separate professional conference provides a national forum on genetic disorders with an emphasis on inborn errors of metabolism. It brings together physicians, nurses, dietitians, genetic counsellors, allied health professionals, laboratory geneticists, laboratory staff, researchers, trainees, patient advocacy groups, and industry partners. The programme includes keynote and invited presentations, abstract-based oral and poster sessions, and interactive discussions exploring innovation in diagnostics and established and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Please note: This is a separate event hosted by other organizations and is for professionals only. Building Bridges family registrants and general family attendees are not invited to attend this event. CanPKU+ is working with this event to still provide a bridging opportunity for the HCPs and community they serve.
For professionals attending both events, shuttle service will be available on June 7 for transfer onward from Building Bridges to Bromont, QC. Professionals are also encouraged to consider contributing to Building Bridges through a presentation, session, or shared expertise that supports families and community learning.
Learn more about the joint conference here: CCMG and Garrod Association Joint Conference 2026
Health care professionals and medical specialists who would like access to CanPKU+ professional materials not available to the general public are welcome to contact Admin or Tanya for assistance with website login credentials and access as we begin to build this resource for clinicians and HCPs that serve the metabolic and genetic communities.
Call for Professional Speakers and Posters
Call for Professional Speakers and Posters
CanPKU+ welcomes clinicians, researchers, dietitians, genetic counsellors, trainees, and other health care professionals to consider contributing to the Building Bridges conference. As many professionals will already be travelling to the region for the 2026 joint meeting of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists and the Garrod Association Symposium, Building Bridges offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with families and the metabolic community.
We invite proposals for short presentations, workshops, panel participation, or poster-style knowledge sharing that can help strengthen learning, collaboration, and community engagement across the metabolic and genetic disorder space.
For professionals attending both events, a complimentary shuttle will be available on June 7 to support travel from Building Bridges onward to Bromont, QC for the Garrod and CCMG conference.
Join Us in Montreal
We look forward to welcoming our community for a meaningful weekend of learning, connection, and support.
Register for Building Bridges 2026