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Events

Learn more about all the ways to learn, connect, and engage with IDF—online and in person.

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Signature events

Learn more about IDF signature events: Advocacy Day, Young Advocates Academy, the PI Conference, the Teen and Young Adult Escape Weekend, and the Walk for PI.  

Advocacy Day & Young Advocates Academy

Every day, Congress makes policy decisions that impact our lives. However, most legislators know very little about PI and the effect that different policies could have on those with rare, chronic conditions. By sharing experiences and resources with policymakers, participants help ensure the unique needs of the PI community are met. This is an opportunity for participants to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress, share their stories, and influence policy. Participants are chosen through a highly selective application process and receive advocacy training, as well as background on priority issues.

Young Advocates Academy a program for teens and young adults, is held one day in advance of Advocacy Day; programming is specifically tailored to young people (ages 15-25). On Advocacy Day, these young members of the community join other participants in meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill.

group posing at U.S. Capitol in Washington DC

PI Conference

The Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) Conference brings together the entire PI community (patients, caregivers, and clinicians) for two days of connection, learning, and networking. Sessions from world-class immunologists, compelling panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with others are highlights of the conference.

First launched in 2001, the conference has been held in person in ten locations across the United States. Join us at our next conference: June 20-22, 2024, in Chicago!

This year's theme is "Reel talk about primary immunodeficiency" and will include the world premiere of our new feature-length documentary.

Learn more & register

audience seated in a large conference room

Teen & Young Adult Escape

The Teen & Young Adult Escape is a weekend getaway exclusively for teens and young adults (ages 12-25) who have been diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency (PI). During the event, participants develop coping skills, promote and nurture friendships, and are provided with educational guidance. Parents of teens can also participate in sessions geared toward their own issues and concerns.

With an ever-evolving, age-appropriate curriculum, medical and life skill experts present invaluable information for teens, young adults, and parents. These escapes provide a program in which teens/young adults living with PI and their families can relax, learn, have fun, and connect in a setting away from the familiarity of day-to-day medical concerns. 

four young people together outside

Walk for PI

The IDF Walk for Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) is an opportunity for communities across the nation to gather and raise both funds and awareness for PI and the immunocompromised community in general. Fundraising can be done in teams or individually, and locations vary by year.

These fun, enlightening, family-friendly events are open to all. If a walk is not happening near you, there is a virtual walk each year that includes people from all across the nation. Funds from the Walk for PI are used to support research grants and IDF programs that connect, engage, and empower those affected by primary immunodeficiency.

group of children and adults in a park

Other events

In addition to our signature events, there are a variety of additional ways to get involved with IDF throughout the year.