Top Neurosurgery Conferences to Attend in 2026

Neurosurgery in 2026 sits at a remarkable convergence of tradition and transformation. Robotic-assisted surgery, AI- guided tumour resection, next-generation neuromodulation, brain-computer interfaces, and computational neurosurgery are all reshaping what is possible in the operating theatre. The conferences that define this field are where these advances are first presented, debated, and adopted into practice. 

This guide covers the most important neurosurgery conferences in 2026 — from the flagship AANS and CNS meetings in the USA to the EANS Congress in Hamburg and specialist events in functional, paediatric, and computational neurosurgery. For each event we list the date, location, audience, and what you gain. 

For broader neurology events covering stroke, neurodegenerative disease, and clinical neuroscience, see our top neuroscience conferences in 2026 guide. For stroke-specific events, see our top stroke conferences in 2026 guide. 

Why attend a neurosurgery conference in 2026? 

Neurosurgery is a technically demanding specialty that evolves fast. New surgical approaches, implants, imaging systems, and AI tools reach neurosurgeons through conferences — often well before they appear in textbooks or hospital protocols. 

Here is what you gain by attending: 

• Access to the latest surgical techniques, trial results, and technology presentations before publication. 
• CME credits for board certification maintenance and licence renewal. 
• Hands-on skills workshops covering robotic surgery, endoscopy, awake craniotomy, and neuromodulation. 
• Networking with leading neurosurgeons, neuroscience researchers, and industry partners. 
• Abstract presentation and publication opportunities for surgical and clinical research

Top neurosurgery conferences in 2026 

1. ★ International Neurology Conference 2026 — PubScholars (Boston, USA) 

Date: November 20–21, 2026 

Location:  Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton110 Royall St, Canton, MA 02021, United States (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

Theme: “Next-Generation Neurology: Integrating AI, Genomics & Clinical Excellence” 

The PubScholars International Neurology Conference 2026 is the most accessible event on this list for neurosurgeons and neurological researchers who want to present their work internationally and get it published. The conference covers neurotechnology  and neuroprosthetics, AI in neurological diagnosis, neuroimaging innovations, neurorehabilitation, brain-computer interfaces, and clinical updates across epilepsy, stroke, tumour neurology, and movement disorders — all areas with direct relevance to neurosurgical practice. 

Both in-person and virtual attendance are fully supported. Abstracts are reviewed by an international scientific committee and accepted papers are published in official conference proceedings. Virtual attendees receive full session access and a digital certificate. 

Who should attend: Neurosurgeons, neurological researchers, neurotechnology developers, neurorehabilitation specialists, clinical researchers in surgical neuroscience, and postgraduate students presenting original neurosurgical research 

CME / CPD Credits: CPD-accredited credits available. Contact info@pubscholars.org 

Abstract submission:  https://pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/

Website:  https://pubscholars.org/

Early Bird Registration closes June 30, 2026. Abstract submission is open. 

2. AANS Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 — American Association of Neurological Surgeons (San Antonio, USA) 

Date: May 1–4, 2026 (already held) 

Location: Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA 

Theme: “Neurosurgery Frontiers: Innovation, Collaboration, Transformation” 

 The 2026 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting is one of the two largest neurosurgery conferences in the USA and one of the most important neurosurgical events globally. The 2026 San Antonio meeting was organised around the theme ‘Neurosurgery Frontiers: Innovation, Collaboration, Transformation’ and featured strong representation from the European neurosurgical community alongside the global neurosurgery field. 

The AANS meeting covers the full breadth of neurosurgery — brain tumours, spinal surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, functional neurosurgery, paediatric neurosurgery, trauma, and peripheral nerve surgery — with scientific sessions, hands-on workshops, and the Annual Debate. The 2026 edition has already taken place. The AANS Annual Meeting 2027 is confirmed for April 9–12, 2027 in San Diego, with the theme ‘Navigating the Impossible.’ 

Who should attend: Neurosurgeons at all career stages, neurosurgery residents and fellows, allied health professionals in neurosurgical care, and neurosurgical researchers across all subspecialties 

CME Credits: AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ — one of the most comprehensive CME programmes in neurosurgery 

Website:  https://www.aans.org/annual-meeting/

3. CNS Annual Meeting 2026: Evolution — Congress of Neurological Surgeons (Washington, DC) 

Date: October 31 – November 4, 2026 

Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, USA 

Theme: “Evolution” 

The 2026 CNS Annual Meeting: Evolution is described as the premier global gathering for neurosurgical innovation, collaboration, and leadership. The Congress of Neurological Surgeons is committed to celebrating the diversity of neurosurgeons — across different practices, geographies, and approaches — while advancing the evolution of the profession through technology, science, and education. 

Positioned as the industry’s largest meeting and best opportunity for dynamic, participant-centred education, the CNS Annual Meeting draws neurosurgeons from around the world to Washington, DC. The 2026 meeting is accredited for up to 27.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™. Abstract submission is open. 

Who should attend: Neurosurgeons, neurosurgery residents and fellows, advanced practice providers in neurosurgical care, and neurosurgical researchers across all subspecialties and career stages 

CME Credits: Up to 27.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ 

Website:  https://www.cns.org/annualmeeting

4. EANS Congress 2026 — European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (Hamburg, Germany) 

Date: September 30 – October 4, 2026 

Location: Congress Center Hamburg (CCH), Hamburg, Germany 

Theme: “Responsibility, Endurance and Resilience” 

The EANS Annual Congress 2026 is the flagship event of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and one of the largest neurosurgical meetings in Europe, attracting over 2,000 neurosurgeons from across Europe and worldwide. The 2026 edition marks a long-awaited return to Hamburg, after the 2021 congress was cancelled during the pandemic. The Congress Center Hamburg is one of the most modern conference venues in Europe following recent renovation. 

The 2026 congress theme — Responsibility, Endurance and Resilience — reflects core values in the neurosurgical profession, alongside a programme exploring AI, advanced neurostimulation, brain-machine interfaces, and personalised therapy in neuro-oncology. In a historic first, the Japanese Society for Neurosurgery has been invited as the first national guest society to join an EANS annual meeting. Early-bird registration is open until June 15, 2026. 

Who should attend: European neurosurgeons across all subspecialties, international neurosurgeons seeking European collaboration, neurosurgery researchers, and early-career surgeons benefiting from EANS’s strong training and education programme 

CME Credits: European CME credits available — verify on eanscongress.org 

Website:  eanscongress.org 

5. ASSFN Biennial Meeting 2026 — American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (Cleveland) 

Date: May 30 – June 1, 2026 

Location: Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Cleveland, Ohio, USA 

The 2026 ASSFN Biennial Meeting is the premier gathering for functional neurosurgery in the USA, covering deep brain stimulation (DBS), stereotactic radiosurgery, neuromodulation, epilepsy surgery, pain neurosurgery, and psychiatric neurosurgery. It is accredited for up to 27.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ — one of the most concentrated CME programmes in any neurosurgery subspecialty meeting. 

ASSFN 2026 in Cleveland is the biennial edition following the 2024 meeting. The next edition after 2026 will be in Tucson, Arizona in 2028. For functional neurosurgeons, this is the most important US-based subspecialty event of the year. 

Who should attend: Functional neurosurgeons, DBS specialists, epilepsy surgeons, pain neurosurgeons, psychiatry-neurosurgery practitioners, neuroscientists working on neuromodulation, and neurosurgical residents with a functional subspecialty interest 

CME Credits: Up to 27.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ 

Website:  https://assfn.cns.org/

6. 1st World Conference of Computational Neurosurgery 2026 (Sydney, Australia) 

Date: February 13–15, 2026 

Location: Sydney, Australia 

The 1st World Conference of Computational Neurosurgery is a landmark inaugural event marking the formal emergence of computational neurosurgery as a recognised translational field. Supported by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), the Sydney conference focuses on how computational modelling and artificial intelligence can enhance neurosurgical planning, decision-making, and outcomes. 

Computational neurosurgery leverages AI, machine learning, finite element modelling, and digital twin technologies to simulate surgical scenarios, predict outcomes, and personalise treatment. For neurosurgeons working at the frontier of technology integration, this conference represents the first dedicated global forum for this rapidly emerging field. 

Who should attend: Neurosurgeons interested in AI and computational tools, biomedical engineers working on neurosurgical applications, neuroscientists in computational neurology, and researchers in AI-assisted surgical planning and outcome prediction 

CME Credits: Verify on wfns.org 

Website:  https://wccns.com.au/

7. AANS/CNS Paediatric Neurosurgery Section Annual Meeting 2026 (San Francisco, USA) 

Date: 2026 — confirm exact dates on pedsneurosurgery.org 

Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel, San Francisco, California, USA 

The AANS/CNS Paediatric Neurosurgery Section Annual Meeting is the primary annual gathering for paediatric neurosurgeons in the USA. The 2026 meeting is held at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square — covering the full scope of paediatric neurosurgical conditions including brain tumours in children, hydrocephalus, epilepsy surgery, spinal disorders, Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, and trauma. 

For neurosurgeons specialising in or transitioning toward paediatric neurosurgery, this meeting provides the most focused peer community and the most directly applicable CME content available in the subspecialty. 

Who should attend: Paediatric neurosurgeons, neurosurgeons with an interest in paediatric subspecialty, paediatric neurologists working alongside surgical teams, and neurosurgery residents considering paediatric fellowship training 

CME Credits: CME credits available — verify on pedsneurosurgery.org 

Website:  pedsneurosurgery.org 

8. 5th International Neurosurgery and Neurological Surgeons Conference 2026 (Dubai, UAE) 

Date: January 14–16, 2026 (already held) 

Location: Dubai, UAE 

The 5th International Neurosurgery and Neurological Surgeons Conference, supported by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), was held in Dubai in January 2026. WFNS represents over 50,000 neurosurgeons worldwide through 130 member societies across 5 continental associations. 

For neurosurgeons working in or with Middle East and international surgical communities, WFNS-associated events are particularly valuable for understanding how neurosurgical practice and training vary globally and for building international research and training collaborations. 

Who should attend: International neurosurgeons, particularly those based in or connected to Middle Eastern and Asian surgical communities, and WFNS member society representatives 

CME Credits: Verify on wfns.org 

Website:  wfns.org

9. 10th International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders — Neurosurgery Track (Berlin, Germany) 

Date: June 18–19, 2026 

Location: Holiday Inn Berlin Airport Conference Centre, Berlin, Germany 

The 10th International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders in Berlin is a CPD-accredited, Scopus-indexed event covering neurology and neurosurgical topics including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, dementia, stroke, and brain disorders. It draws international faculty and attendees across neuroscience, neurology, and related surgical disciplines. 

For neurosurgeons based in Europe who want a mid-year international event without travelling to the USA, the Berlin conference is a practical and accessible option with strong clinical and research programming. 

Who should attend: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroscience researchers from Europe and internationally seeking a CPD-accredited Scopus-indexed event in a central European location 

CME Credits: CPD-accredited — Scopus indexed. Verify on neurologyconferences.org 

Website:  neurologyconferences.org 

10. INBC 2026 — International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders (Boston, USA) 

Date: October 19–21, 2026 

Location: Hilton Boston/Woburn, 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA (Hybrid) 

Theme: “NeuroInnovations: Shaping the Future of Brain Health” 

The 13th INBC 2026 is a hybrid event in Boston covering neurology and neurological disorders — including neurosurgical conditions such as brain tumours, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and neurorehabilitation. First-round abstract submissions close July 14, 2026. 

For neurosurgeons who want a hybrid event in the Boston area with abstract submission open and a broad audience spanning neurology and neurosurgery, INBC 2026 is a practical option running alongside several other major Boston-area neuroscience events in October 2026. 

Who should attend: Neurologists, neuroscientists, translational researchers, healthcare professionals in neurological and neurosurgical care, and early-career researchers seeking international exposure 

CME Credits: CME credits available — verify on neurologycongress.com 

Website:  neurologycongress.com 

Quick comparison: neurosurgery conferences 2026 at a glance 

Use this table to find the best match for your goals and location. 

Conference	Hybrid	Abstract	CME	USA	Date
PubScholars Neurology 2026 ★	Hybrid	✓	✓	✓	Nov 20–21
AANS Annual Meeting 2026	In-person	Closed	✓	✓	May 1–4 ✓ held
CNS Annual Meeting 2026	In-person	✓	✓	✓	Oct 31–Nov 4
EANS Congress 2026 (Hamburg)	In-person	✓	✓	✗	Sep 30–Oct 4
ASSFN Biennial 2026 (Cleveland)	In-person	✓	✓	✓	May 30–Jun 1
Comp. Neuro. Conference 2026	Hybrid	✓	Limited	✓	Feb 13–15
Pediatric NS Section 2026	In-person	Limited	✓	✓	2026

 All dates verified as of May 2026. AANS 2026 and the WFNS Dubai conference have already taken place. Confirm remaining events on official websites before registering. 

How to choose the right neurosurgery conference for you 

If you want the largest USA neurosurgery event 

The CNS Annual Meeting 2026 (Oct 31 – Nov 4, Washington DC) is described as neurosurgery’s largest global meeting, with up to 27 CME credits and abstract submission open now. The AANS Annual Meeting has already taken place in 2026 (San Antonio, May 1–4) — the next edition is AANS 2027 (April 9–12, San Diego). 

If you want to present and get published 

The PubScholars Neurology Conference 2026 (Nov 20–21, Boston) is the most accessible option for abstract submission, international peer review, and publication in conference proceedings. Submit at pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/. CNS 2026 and INBC 2026 also have abstract submission open. 

If your subspecialty is functional neurosurgery 

The ASSFN Biennial Meeting 2026 (May 30 – Jun 1, Cleveland) is the most focused event for DBS, stereotactic radiosurgery, neuromodulation, and epilepsy surgery. It offers up to 27 CME credits in a focused subspecialty format. 

If you are based in Europe 

The EANS Congress 2026 (Sep 30 – Oct 4, Hamburg) is the flagship European neurosurgery event with 2,000+ attendees and early-bird registration open until June 15. The Berlin Neurology and Brain Disorders Conference (Jun 18–19) is a more accessible mid-year alternative. 

If you work in paediatric neurosurgery 

The AANS/CNS Paediatric Neurosurgery Section Annual Meeting 2026 (San Francisco, Hilton Union Square) is the most directly relevant event. Confirm current dates on pedsneurosurgery.org. 

If you are interested in AI and robotic neurosurgery 

The 1st World Conference of Computational Neurosurgery (Feb 13–15, Sydney) was the first dedicated global forum for AI and computational neurosurgery. The EANS Congress 2026 also features a strong AI and brain-machine interface programme. The CNS Annual Meeting in Washington DC also regularly features technology and robotics sessions. 

Useful guides for neurosurgeons and neurosurgical researchers 

These PubScholars resources will help you prepare: 

• How to write a conference abstract — structure, format, and template for neurosurgical research 
• What is the purpose of a conference committee — understand how your abstract is reviewed 
• Top neuroscience conferences in 2026 — broader list covering neurology, SfN, AAN, and FENS 
• Top stroke conferences 2026 — ISC, ESOC, WSC — for cerebrovascular neurosurgeons 
• Guide to USA conference visa requirements — for international neurosurgeons attending CNS in Washington DC, AANS 2027 in San Diego, or ASSFN in Cleveland 

Frequently asked questions — neurosurgery conferences 2026 

What is the biggest neurosurgery conference in 2026? 

The CNS Annual Meeting 2026 (Oct 31 – Nov 4, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC) is described as neurosurgery’s largest global meeting, offering the broadest programme and up to 27 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits. The AANS Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 (May 1–4, San Antonio) is also among the largest neurosurgery events in the world. 

Is there a neurosurgery conference in the USA in 2026? 

Yes — multiple. The CNS Annual Meeting (Oct 31 – Nov 4, Washington DC), ASSFN Biennial Meeting (May 30 – Jun 1, Cleveland), AANS/CNS Paediatric Neurosurgery Section (San Francisco), and INBC 2026 (Oct 19–21, Boston) are all USA-based neurosurgery events with upcoming dates. The PubScholars Neurology Conference 2026 (Nov 20–21, Boston) is a hybrid neurology event with abstract submission open. 

What is the difference between AANS and CNS? 

Both AANS (American Association of Neurological Surgeons) and CNS (Congress of Neurological Surgeons) are major US neurosurgery societies with their own annual scientific meetings. AANS is the older and larger society by membership; CNS describes its annual meeting as neurosurgery’s largest global gathering. Both meetings cover the full breadth of neurosurgery, have CME accreditation, and draw thousands of neurosurgeons each year. Most US neurosurgeons are members of both. 

Where can I present neurosurgery research and get published in 2026? 

The PubScholars International Neurology Conference 2026 (Nov 20–21, Boston) has abstract submissions open now, with accepted papers published in official conference proceedings after international scientific committee review. Submit at pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/. The CNS Annual Meeting and INBC 2026 (first round closes July 14) also have abstract submission open. 

Is there a functional neurosurgery conference in 2026? 

Yes. The ASSFN Biennial Meeting 2026 (May 30 – Jun 1, Cleveland) is specifically dedicated to functional neurosurgery — covering deep brain stimulation, stereotactic radiosurgery, neuromodulation, epilepsy surgery, and psychiatric neurosurgery. It offers up to 27 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits and runs biennially. 

Do I need a visa to attend a neurosurgery conference in the USA in 2026? 

International neurosurgeons travelling to the CNS Annual Meeting (Washington DC), ASSFN (Cleveland), or other US events may need a B-1 visa. Your conference organisers can provide a formal invitation letter to support your application. Read our complete guide to USA conference visa requirements for the documents you need and how to apply. 

Final thought 

Neurosurgery in 2026 is advancing on multiple fronts simultaneously — AI-guided surgery, robotic systems, neuromodulation innovation, and personalised neuro-oncology are all reshaping what is possible for patients. The conferences on this list are where neurosurgeons go to stay ahead of those advances, earn their CME credits, and build the collaborations that drive the next generation of surgical innovation. 

If you are a neurosurgeon or neurological researcher looking for a hybrid event with abstract submission open and publication in conference proceedings in 2026, the PubScholars International Neurology Conference 2026 (November 20–21, Aloft Boston Seaport District, Boston, MA) is the most accessible remaining option.