Congress of Neurological Surgeons - CNS Annual Meeting 2026
Event Date
October 31 – November 4, 2026
Location
Washington, DC
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe CNS Annual Meeting, organized by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), is one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings in the field of neurosurgery. The 2026 edition, themed "Evolution," is billed as the premier global gathering for neurosurgical innovation, collaboration, and leadership. As the organizers put it, in neurosurgery change is the only constant, and the meeting offers the industry's largest venue and best opportunity for dynamic, participant-centered education.
The meeting draws neurosurgeons, residents, fellows, allied health professionals, researchers, and medical-device and pharmaceutical companies from around the world. Attendees engage with cutting-edge scientific research, hands-on and practical education, an extensive exhibit hall, and abundant networking events. The program spans the full breadth of neurosurgical subspecialties and includes abstract presentations, award programs, and CME-accredited sessions.
With a strong emphasis on scientific exchange, professional development, and industry connection, the CNS Annual Meeting is worth attending for anyone seeking the latest advances, career opportunities, and community in neurological surgery. The 2026 meeting takes place in Washington, D.C., October 31 – November 4.
Show Highlights
The 2026 CNS Annual Meeting, themed "Evolution," features a slate of high-profile featured speakers and honored guests alongside its scientific program.
- Featured Speakers: Lindsey Vonn (Olympic champion and New York Times bestselling author), Sal Khan (Founder & CEO of Khan Academy and Vision Steward of TED), Meredith Whittaker (President of Signal and Chief Advisor of the AI Now Institute), and Charles Duhigg (Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit).
- Honored Guests: Gail Rosseau, MD (Chairman of the Board, G4 Alliance; Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery, George Washington University) and Ron L. Alterman, MD (Chief, Division of Neurosurgery, Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Department of Surgery).
- Scientific Program: Extensive sessions covering the neurosurgical subspecialties, oral and poster abstract presentations, and late-breaking abstracts.
- Exhibit Hall: A large industry exhibition showcasing the latest devices, technology, and services.
- Awards Programs: Including Abstract Awards, the Distinguished Service Award, the Founder's Laurel Award, and the Innovator of the Year Award.
- Networking Events and dedicated programming for residents and first-time attendees.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 CNS Annual Meeting is open online through the CNS Annual Meeting registration gateway at cns.org.
- Register via the official "Register for #2026CNS Today" portal on the CNS Annual Meeting website.
- Active-duty military benefits are available for eligible attendees.
- International attendees can request an International Invitation Letter to support visa applications.
- MCI serves as the official registration and housing partner; questions can be directed to cns@jade.mcievents.com or (972) 349-5539 (7:00 am–5:00 pm CST).
- Hotel reservations are available only to registered attendees and should be booked through MCI by October 8, 2026.
History
The Congress of Neurological Surgeons hosts this event as its flagship Annual Meeting; the 2026 edition marks the 76th CNS Annual Meeting. The CNS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance health and improve lives through innovative neurosurgical education, advancement of clinical practice, and scientific exchange. The meeting has grown into what the organization describes as the neurosurgery industry's largest gathering, rotating among major U.S. cities each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 CNS Annual Meeting?
The 2026 CNS Annual Meeting takes place October 31 – November 4, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, D.C. It is the 76th CNS Annual Meeting.
Who should attend the CNS Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for neurosurgeons, residents, fellows, allied health professionals, researchers, and medical-device and pharmaceutical companies. It is the industry's largest neurosurgical gathering and a key venue for education, scientific exchange, and networking.
How do I register for the meeting?
Registration is available online through the official CNS Annual Meeting registration gateway at cns.org. Active-duty military benefits are available, and MCI is the official registration and housing partner for questions and hotel bookings.
Which hotels are available and when should I book?
Official hotels include the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. (headquarters), The Westin DC Downtown, Grand Hyatt Washington, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center. Reservations are for registered attendees and should be made through MCI by October 8, 2026.
How do I get to the venue and is there parking?
The convention center has direct Metro access via the Green and Yellow lines at the Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center station, and Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport. There is no large on-site public parking, but over 3,000 parking spaces are available within a three-block radius.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement