Rare Disease Day 2026 💙 Virtually or in-person at the McNamara Alumni Center

Registration for Rare Disease Day, 2026 is open! University of Minnesota’s Center for Orphan Drugs (CODR) hosts this annual event to bring together patients, researchers, organizations, students, and policy-makers, and more in raising awareness for rare disease issues. The event is free and open to all on Thursday, March 5, from 9:30-2:15 with options to attend virtually or in-person at the McNamara Alumni Center. This year’s theme is “Therapies for Few, Impact for Many: Rethinking How We Develop Rare Disease Treatments.”

Patient Advocacy Town Hall breakfast starting at 9:00 am. Sponsors, family members, patients, and advocacy groups are all welcome to join the breakfast.

Official exhibit hours begin at 9:30 am and run until 2:15 pm. Come visit Love Never Sinks at our exhibit table. ❤️

Program Schedule:

• Patient Advocacy Town Hall Breakfast: 9:00 am – 10:30 am | Ski-U-Mah Room (Moderated by Erica Barnes)

• Exhibitors: 9:30 am – 2:15 pm | Johnson Great Room & Heritage Gallery

• Poster Session: 10:00 am – 11:45 am | Johnson Great Room & Memorial Hall (Posters remain up until 2:15 pm)

• Formal Program and Lunch: 11:45 am – 2:15 pm | Memorial Hall

Location & Parking The event is held at the McNamara Alumni Center (200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455).