Getting Started: First-Time Attendee Guide to the CNS Annual Meeting

Welcome to the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting—Evolution, October 31–November 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C.!

Welcome to the premier global gathering for neurosurgical innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Whether this is your first CNS Annual Meeting or you’re an annual attendee, here are tips and suggestions to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C.!

Meeting Overview

• Dates & Location: October 31–November 4, 2026, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with certain social events at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
• Mobile App: Download the CNS Annual Meeting App to create your schedule, view maps, and receive real-time updates. Remember to log in to sync your personal schedule.
• What to Pack: Professional attire for sessions; cocktail or dressy casual for evening receptions; athletic wear for the CNS 5K and Steps Challenge; comfortable shoes for exploring D.C.

Registration and Badge Pick Up

• Badge Pick-Up: Registration desks are located at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salons, and the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the meeting.
• Plan Your Days: Use the app to bookmark your must-attend sessions, such as General Scientific Sessions, Section Sessions, or hands-on Symposia.

Must-See for New Attendees

• General Scientific Sessions I–IV – featuring renowned speakers such as Lindsey Vonn (Dorothy Nash Lecturer), Sasha Shillcutt, Sal Khan, Meredith Whittaker, and Charles Duhigg!
• Guidelines Sessions – CNS is proud to present high-quality clinical practice guidelines to improve patient outcomes. Join us for these early-morning sessions reviewing the most up-to-date guidelines to bring back to your practice!
• Symposia– from Data Science and AI for Neurosurgeons to Power, Protection, and Professional Longevity: Boundaries in Neurosurgery. View all sessions
• CNS Experience Lounge-- Stop by the CNS Experience Lounge in the Exhibit Hall for:
• Live Surgeries – watch live telemedicine surgeries during Exhibit Hall breaks.
• CNS Café – enjoy free coffee and lattes while you connect with colleagues
• Art of Neurosurgery – Browse our digital exhibition of selected works created by Neurosurgeon-artists and Medical Illustrators
• CNS Membership Desk – Stop by and connect with CNS Staff to learn more about the programs we offer, ask questions, and take part in exciting giveaways throughout the meeting
• Honored Guest Presentations – Dr. Gail Rosseau's Honored Guest Presentation during the General Scientific Session on Sunday. Register for the Honored Guest Luncheon Seminar: “Lead From Where You Are” held on Monday at 12:20 pm. Don't miss Dr. Ron L. Alterman's Honored Guest Presentation during the General Scientific Session III on Tuesday.
• Residents – Check the Resident webpage on the CNS Annual Meeting website for a selection of events and sessions curated just for you!

Network & Connect

• CNS Connections Reception (Saturday, 5:00 pm | Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.) – Celebrate a festive Halloween evening with colleagues from around the world. Connect over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while engaging with leaders in neurological surgery and honoring distinguished award recipients. In the spirit of Evolution, this reception highlights the global perspectives and relationships shaping the future of the field. This complimentary event welcomes CNS Foundation donors, awardees, residents, international attendees, advanced practice providers, and their registered guests. Stick around after the event ends at 6:30 for the Stryker after party!
• Opening Reception (Sunday, 6:30 pm | Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.) – Mix and mingle with peers over cocktails and culinary delights immediately following the Opening General Scientific Session.
• Interactive Poster Sessions with Wine & Cheese (Monday and Tuesday 4:30 pm | Walter E. Washington Convention Center) – Take part in scientific presentation and discussion, complemented by wine and cheese. Selected abstract presenters will present 3-minute oral presentations of their posters from various presentation areas in the poster halls, highlighting key advances in each field.
• CNS 5K Run (Monday, 6:30 am | Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. Lobby) – Participate in the fourth annual CNS 5K at the 2025 CNS Annual Meeting!
• CNS Experience Lounge – informal drop-in space for networking and collaboration.  Open during all Exhibit Hall hours

Finding Your Way

• Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center; social events at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
• Shuttles & Transit: Most CNS-designated hotels are within walking distance of the convention center; check the app for social event shuttle details departing from the lobby of the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
• Maps & Ambassadors: Interactive maps in the app and CNS “Ask Me!” Ambassadors to help guide you onsite.

FAQs & Help

When is the 2026 CNS Annual Meeting?
The meeting will be held October 31-November 4, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with select social events at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.

What does my registration include?
Standard registration provides access to the General Scientific Sessions, Abstract Sessions, Guidelines Sessions, Interactive Sessions, Section Sessions, Exhibit Hall, Experience Lounge events, and most networking activities. Certain symposia, lunch, and dinner seminars require separate ticketing.

Is the Exhibit Hall important to see?
Yes. The Exhibit Hall showcases the latest neurosurgical technology, live surgery presentations, Crossroads of Innovation, and Neurosurgical Discoveries Skills Challenge. Come check out the new Lifestyles Lounge, or enjoy a complimentary latte in the CNS Experience Lounge. It is open Monday, November 2, through Wednesday, November 4.

Are continuing medical education (CME) credits available?
Yes. Most scientific sessions and symposia are eligible for CME credit. Details will be provided in the CNS Annual Meeting mobile app.

How do I navigate the meeting venue?
Interactive maps are available within the official CNS Annual Meeting mobile app. CNS "Ask Me!" Ambassadors and clearly marked information booths will also be available onsite for assistance.

Can I bring guests or family members?
Yes. Registered guests may attend select education and social events such as the Opening Reception and General Scientific Sessions. Washington D.C., offers numerous attractions—including museums and landmarks—ideal for accompanying family members.

Who should I contact for additional information?
For questions before the meeting, email info@cns.org. During the meeting, visit the Registration Desk, or head to the CNS Membership Desk at the Xperience Lounge inside the Exhibit Hall during open hours.