NeuroImmunology & Beyond!: Part II

2026 CNS Spring Conference

Event Information

When:

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March 20 - 22, 2026

Friday morning through Sunday morning.

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Where:

Dana Point, CA

The conference will be hosted at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Follow the link to use the CNS discount.


Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

25135 Park Lantern

Dana Point, CA 92629, US

Telephone: +1 949-661-5000


The California Neurology Society’s room block at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point is now fully reserved. As a result, the hotel has temporarily closed both online and phone reservations for CNS‑designated rooms until additional availability is confirmed.


If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email Event Coordinator, Virginia Ho, at virginiaho323@gmail.com.

While we will monitor any openings, additional rooms cannot be guaranteed.


What:

Brain icon

NeuroImmunology & Beyond!: Part II

Get the latest updates in neuroimmunology and connect with leading experts on a wide variety of neurology and immunology topics.


Scroll down to see the conference agenda when available.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of CME Consultants and California Neurology Society. CME Consultants is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 


CME Consultants designates this live activity for a maximum of 17.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Scott S. Zamvil, MD, PhD, FAAN

SESSION SPOTLIGHT

Saturday, March  21, 2026 from 2 to 2:45PM

NMOSD and MOGAD by Scott S. Zamvil, MD, PhD, FAAN from UCSF 


Dr. Scott S. Zamvil, Professor of Neurology and Faculty, Program in Immunology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializes in care of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). His group's research has advanced our understanding of how antigen-specific T cells participate in these diseases and contributed to the development of widely used models for central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity.

Agenda

CNS SPRING CONFERENCE 2026: NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & BEYOND!: Part II

  • Thursday, March 19, 2026

    • 7:00 – 9:30 Board Meeting 

  • Friday, March 20, 2026

    • 6:30 – 8:30 Breakfast / Registration Exhibit Hall
    • 7:00 - 8:00 Ultomiris for NMOSD  Samir Macwan MD (Eisenhower Medical Center) Alexion (No CME) 
    • 8:00 – 8:20 End of Breakfast Exhibit Hall
    • 8:20 – 8:30 Welcome 
    • 8:30 – 9:15 Migraines/Headaches in NeuroImmunologic Disease George Sarka, MD, DrPH (CSUN;CSMC)
    • 9:15 – 10:00 Radiologic Biomarkers in MS Pascal Sati, PhD (CSMC)
    • 10:00-10:30 Coffee Break Exhibits
    • 10:30 – 11:15 Differentiating Autoimmune & Infectious Causes of Meningitis & Encephalitis Rumyar Ardakani, MD (USC/LAGMC)
    • 11:15 - 12:00 Leukodystrophies Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan, MD (UCD)
    • 12:00 – 2:00 Lunch Provided by CNS for Attendees Exhibits
    • (12:30 – 1:30) gMG Update: Twice Yearly Uplizna - Treatment for Adults  with anti-AChR or Anti-MuSK positive gMG Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA) Amgen (No CME)
    • 1:30 - 2:00 End of Lunch Exhibits
    • 2:00 – 2:45 Benefits of Vaccines and Consequences of Not Tom Cesario , MD (UCI)
    • 2:45 – 3:30 Multiple Sclerosis Update Regina Berkovich, MD, PhD
    • 3:30 - 4:00 Coffee Break Exhibits
    • 4:00 – 4:45 Neuroinflammatory and Neuroinfectious Diseases in Animals Adrien Dupanloup, DVM (UCD)
    • 4:45 – 5:30 Genetic Treatments for Neuromuscular Disease Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA)
    • 5:30 – 6:00 CNS Reception (for everyone) Exhibits
    • 6:00 - 9:00 Dinner for Attendees Hosted by CNS Conference Area
    • (6:30 - 7:30) A targeted treatment option in generalized myasthenia gravis - ZILBRYSQ (zilucoplan)  Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA) UCB (No CME)

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026

    • 6:30 – 8:30 Breakfast / Registration Exhibit Hall
    • 7:00 - 8:00 Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): Improving Function and Reducing Disability Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA) Academic CME – CME 1 Unit
    • 8:00 – 8:20 End of Breakfast Exhibit Hall
    • 8:20 – 8:30 Welcome
    • 8:30 – 9:15 Auto-Abs to CD320 & Auto-Immune B12 Deficiency John Pluvinage, MD, PhD (UCSF)
    • 9:15 – 10:00 Movement Disorders in Auto-Immune Disease Jonathan Snider, MD (UCD)
    • 10:00-10:30 Coffee Break Exhibits
    • 10:30 – 11:15 Parkinson’s Disease Update Paula Ravin, MD (UCLA) 
    • 11:15 - 12:00 ADEM (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis) Laura Saucier, MD (USC; CHLA)
    • 12:00 – 2:00 Lunch Provided by CNS for Attendees Exhibits
    • (12:30 – 1:30) Hosted Program for CME: Hepatic Porphyria Akshata Moghe, MD, PhD (UT) ExcelCME; CME 1 Unit
    • 1:30 - 2:00 End of Lunch Exhibits
    • 2:00 – 2:45 NMOSD and MOGAD Scott Zamvil, MD, PhD (UCSF)
    • 2:45 – 3:30 Mitochondrial Mimics of MS Jennifer Yang, MD ((UCSD)
    • 3:30 - 4:00 Coffee Break Exhibits
    • 4:00 – 4:45 NeuroInfectious Mimics of MS Avindra Nath, MD (NIH)
    • 4:45 – 5:30 Epilepsy Updates David King-Stevens, MD (UCI)
    • 5:30 – 6:00 CNS Reception (for everyone) Exhibits
    • 6:00 - 9:00 Dinner by CNS – {Ticketed} Conference Area
    • (6:15 - 7:15) VYVGART® Hytrulo for subcutaneous injection and Vyvgart for IV infusion: The First and only IgG Fc-Antibody Fragment for the Treatment of gMG in Adult Patients Who Are Anti-AChR Antibody Positive Ali Habib, MD (UCI) Argenx (No CME)
    • [7:45 – 9:45] Hx of Syphilis and NeuroSyphilis George Sarka, MD, DrPHCSUN;CSMC)

  • Sunday, March 22, 2026

    • 6:30 – 8:30 Breakfast / Registration Exhibit Hall
    • 7:00 - 8:00 The Expanding Role of FcRn Blockers to Achieve Minimal Symptom Expression in Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Speaker – Rodrigo Rodriguez, MD (USC) Academic CME – CME 1 Unit
    • 8:20 – 8:30 Welcome Jeffrey Klingman, MD, CNS Pres.
    • 8:30 – 9:15 Stroke in NeuroImmunologic Disease Jeffrey Klingman, MD, CNS Pres.
    • 9:15 - 10:00 Myasthenia Gravis: NeuroImmunology and Treatment Rodrigo Rodriguez, MD (USC)
    • 10:00 - 10:30 Coffee Break Exhibits
    • 10:30 - 11:15 Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias  William Shankle, MD (UCI;Hoag;Shankle Clinic)
    • 11:15 – 11:30 AAN Presentation TBD
    • 11:30 - 1:00 LEDGE Committee Updates
    • Welcome Introduction - Stella Legarda, MD (Co-Chair)
    • CNS Legislative Year in Review – Selim Yilmaz (CNS Legislative Advocate)
    • 2025 Major Issue Bills presented to Sac legislators 
    • New Initiatives and next LEDGE Day at the Capitol Youth Safety in Sports - Jeff Klingman, MD (CNS Pres)
    • Neurology on the Hill - Dr Legarda 
    • Duty of Care - Robert Weinmann, MD (past Chair) 
    • AAN Updates - Steve Holtz, MD (AAN Liaison) 
    • Brain Health & "new urbanism" - Johanna Rosenthal, MD (Chair)
    • Open Forum Membership Discussion 
    • 1:00 – 1:20 CNS Member Report & Committee Reports Jeffrey Klingman, MD (CNS)+Board
    • 1:20 – 1:30 Next Conference Announcement & Adjourn Jeffrey Klingman, MD, CNS Pres.
    • 1:30 – 2:30 Planning Committee Meeting CNS Planning Committee

Important Conference Information:

Flying into the conference? Here is some helpful information.

Closest Airports:

  • John Way Airport (SNA)
  • Hotel - 24.0 miles SE;
  • Uber ~ $40-$60 one way
  • Long Beach (LGB)
  • Hotel - 45.0 miles SE;
  • Uber ~ $40-$70 one way
  • Los Angeles Int’l (LAX)
  • Hotel - 60.0 miles SE;
  • Uber ~ $120 one way


Notes:

  • Hotel does not have a shuttle to/from airports
  • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has electric vehicle charging stations (subject to availability)
  • The check-in time at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is 4:00 pm and the check-out time is 11:00 am.
  • By attending this event, you grant CNS, its affiliates, and authorized representatives the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, record, and otherwise capture your image, voice, and likeness in any media format. You further authorize the use, reproduction, modification, and publication of such media for any lawful promotional, marketing, advertising, or educational purpose, in any medium now known or later developed, without compensation to you. You waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or its use.
Two people walking the beach with surfboards

Dana Point, California is best known for its stunning harbor, pristine beaches, and world-class whale watching opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and laid-back coastal charm.


Nestled along the Orange County coastline, Dana Point offers activities like surfing at Doheny State Beach, kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters of Baby Beach, and hiking scenic trails at the Headlands Conservation Area with breathtaking ocean views. The Dana Point Harbor is a hub for boating, fishing, and sailing excursions, while the Ocean Institute provides hands-on marine science experiences perfect for families. The city is also famous for its annual Festival of Whales, celebrating its reputation as one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Beyond the water, visitors can explore boutique shops, coastal restaurants, and parks like Lantern Bay for sunset views. Dana Point is often described as a quintessential surf town and a starting point for the legendary Pacific Coast Highway road tripAdventures & Sunsets Blog.

Dana Point, California

Not Sure What to Do in Dana Point?

Our Conference Exhibitors

Esteemed Silver Exhibtors

Advanced Infusion Care logo

Advanced Infusion Care

Alexion logo

Alexion

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals logo

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals

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California Specialty Pharmacy logo

Novartis

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals logo

Teva Pharmaceuticals

Johnson & Johnson logo

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Lundbeck logo

Lundbeck

Merz Therapeutics logo

Merz Therapeutics

Neurocrine Biosciences logo

Neurocrine Biosciences

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Pfizer logo

Pfizer

Sutter Health logo

Sutter Health

Teva Pharmaceuticals logo

Teva Pharmaceuticals

Two-Day Exhibitors

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Acadia Pharmaceuticals logo

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Intrafusion by McKesson logo

Intrafusion

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Nufactor

Biogen logo

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BrainCheck logo

BrainCheck

CSL Behring logo

CSL Behring

LivaNova logo

LivaNova

PTC Therapeutics logo

PTC Therapeutics

One-Day Exhibitors

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Alexion Pharmaceuticals logo

Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Amgen logo

Amgen

Biogen logo

Biogen

Fuerte logo

Fuerte

GE Healthcare logo

GE Healthcare

LabCorp logo

LabCorp

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Neurelis logo

Neurelis

Novartis logo

Novartis

Optum Rx logo

Optum Rx

Optum Rx logo

Optum Rx

SK Life Science logo

SK Life Science

Takeda logo

Takeda

UCB logo

UCB Neurology

Non-Profit Exhibitors

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American Academy of Neurology logo

American Academy of Neurology

Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California logo

Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California

Young Adults with Epilepsy logo

Young Adults With Epilepsy