If you haven’t made up your mind to register for PHA 2026 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions, discover these six must-attend general sessions.

Opening session

Kick off PHA 2026 in the June 12 opening session, “Charting Your Own Path to Healing.” Speakers Rana Awdish and Eric Borstein will share how their healing journeys after life-changing diagnoses. The session will explore breathwork and yoga, exercise and creative expression to show how therapeutic interventions paired with medical interventions can change the path of your pulmonary hypertension journey.

The opening session will end with a fireside chat between Awdish and Borstein, emphasizing the importance of holistic healing and share-decision making between patients and providers.

Stop by the exhibit hall from 2:30-3:30 p.m. CDT, for a signing of Awdish’s newest book, “After Shock.” Visit the Kitchen Table exhibit, across from the PHA Hub, to receive one of 100 free copies of the book.

Medical update dinner

Learn the latest in PH research and treatment during the Medical Update Dinner on June 12. Experts will explain how recent advances can slow disease progression, support heart health and improve everyday life for people with PH. Designed for both patients and health care professionals, this session will share how today’s research is shaping the future of PH care.

Networking breakfast

Looking to make new PH friends? Attend the Networking Breakfast on June 13 to connect with other patients, caregivers, family members and health care professionals. Find out who’s in the “Hot Seat” during a video interview at the beginning of this session.

Journeys lunch

A long-standing tradition of PHA conferences, this year’s Journey’s lunch will focus on how three people with PH manage their careers. Speakers Meera Salamah, Lauren Janzen and Jackie Wong will discuss how living with PH emboldened them to fulfill their passions.

Outstanding Member Awards dinner

Celebrate people in the PH community who go above and beyond. PHA will recognize nine people for their volunteer work in advocacy, philanthropy, peer support, patient care and advancing PH research.

Closing breakfast

End your PHA 2026 experience with “Empower Your Mind: A Brain-Based Approach to Navigating Chronic Illness.” Speaker Kristen Eccleston and moderator Jeffrey Lauzon will address overlooked mental and emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness. Learn why stress and anxiety affect the brain, and share a simple, science-based tool to stop anxiety spirals. At the end of the session, Eccleston and Lauzon will host a fireside chat to discuss the importance of mental health care.