Higgy Con 2026

QUICK FACTS

What is Higgy Con?

Higgy Con is a big, heart-filled gathering for kids and teens with scoliosis (and the people who love them). Think panels, encouragement, community, crafts, and a whole lot of “You’re not alone.”

Who is it for?

Kids and teens with scoliosis, their parents, siblings and supportive friends. Higgy Con's programming is designed for kids and teens with scoliosis ages 5-15. Ages 19 and under are welcome, but must attend with their parents.

Where & When?

DeVos Place- Grand Rapids, Michigan

July 17th & July 18th, 2026

Hours to be announced in 2026

Tickets

$50 per person

What your ticket includes

Access to all main-stage panels and sessions
Entry to all kid/teen activities and experiences in the main hall
Access to exhibitor/partner area and photo opportunities
Schedule to be released in Spring of 2026.

What your ticket does not include

Hotel
Meals
Travel costs

*Food will be available on site to purchase at the convention center.

*Hotel room discounts to be announced soon.

View Hotels in the Area By Clicking Here!

A Note From Lauren:

When I first dreamed up this version of Higgy Con, my huge, giant, probably-a-little-bit-wild goal was to make tickets free and, with enough fundraising, even help cover hotel and maybe travel costs for families.

I shared that dream out loud: “If everyone jumps in and helps fundraise, we might be able to make tickets free and help with costs!” About 50 amazing families out of around 1,000 did jump in and fundraise (thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!), but we didn’t raise enough to cover the costs of a free convention, plus hotel, plus travel.

Instead of canceling Higgy Con or pretending the numbers work when they don’t, I’m choosing a different path: paid tickets at a reasonable price so that Higgy Con can actually happen and continue in the future.

The $50 ticket price helps cover the real expenses of renting the space, AV, equipment, staff, insurance, and everything else needed to safely host an event for thousands of people.

I know this is a change from the original dream, and I’m so sorry for any confusion or disappointment it may cause. My heart is still the same: I want as many families as possible to experience Higgy Con, feel less alone, and know they are part of something bigger. 💚

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I thought tickets might be free. What happened?

A: The original dream was that if our community fundraising reached a very high goal, we’d be able to make tickets free and possibly even help with hotel/travel. About 30 amazing families fundraised, but we didn’t raise enough to cover those huge costs. Rather than cancel, we moved to a ticket model so we could still hold Higgy Con in a sustainable way.

Q: Are hotel, food, or travel covered?

A: No. Your ticket gives you full access to Higgy Con panels and activities, but families are responsible for their own hotel, meals, and travel.

Q: Why did the location change?

A: Our original location had unexpected cost increases that would have made it very difficult for many families to attend (especially with major events driving prices up). Moving to Grand Rapids, MI lets us keep costs more manageable and secure space for a high-quality, safe event.

Q: Are there scholarships or discounts?

A: Right now, the ticket price is $50 per person so we can cover the cost of the event itself. We do not have scholarships available at this time.

Q: Can siblings come?

A: Yes! Siblings are absolutely welcome. Higgy Con is designed for the whole family to experience together.

Q: What ages is Higgy Con best for?

A: Higgy Con is ideal for kids and teens with scoliosis, generally ages 5-15, but younger siblings and older teens/young adults are welcome. Parents will stay with their kids/teens the entire convention and experience Higgy Con together.

Q: Who can I reach out to if I have further questions?

A: Please email the Higgy Con Team at higgycon@higgybears.com and we will get back with you as soon as we can.

HIGGY CON 2026- GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN