
CMN Research Symposium
The 2026 CMN Research Symposium will serve as Nevus Outreach’s inaugural professional scientific meeting, bringing together leading physician-scientists, researchers, and trainees dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM). The symposium will be held on the morning of July 26, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, immediately preceding the biennial Nevus Outreach Patient & Family Conference.
IN PERSON POSTER SESSION
A poster session will be held in person at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida, USA, 32821.
Posters and supplemental materials will remain on display throughout the Conference, July 27–29, for attendees to review. In addition, presenters will provide a one-page plain-language summary of their work to help conference attendees better understand the scientific content and key findings.
Symposium Objectives
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Strengthen collaboration amongst experts in the field - Foster dialogue between clinicians, scientists, trainees, patient representatives, and NOOR leadership to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue across clinical, translational, and other scientific domains.
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Accelerate Scientific Progress in CMN and NCM Research - Provide a forum for researchers to share emerging findings, methods, and innovations, and identify gaps, unmet needs, and emerging questions for future investigation.
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Connect Research Efforts with Community Needs - Respond tothe desire from patients and families for emphasis in research, discuss how ongoing and future studies can better address patient-reported concerns and meaningful clinical outcomes, and ensure patient perspectives remain central to emerging studies.
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Share Global CMN Research with the Patient Community - Showcase current research during the patient conference through posters with lay summaries for families and patients to learn about emerging findings, who the researchers and clinicians are in the field, ask informed questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with presenters who remain for the full conference

PARTICIPANTS
NOOR
STEERING
COMMITTEE
RESEARCH OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
(ROC)
INVITED
EXPERTS
&
PHYSICIANS

RESEARCHERS
TRAINEES
STUDENTS
FELLOWS
Important Dates for Speakers
April 30
Abstract
submission due
June 30
Posters
due for reveiw
July 26
In person
poster session
Poster Requirements
Size and Format: Recommended dimensions: 36" x 48" (landscape or portrait). Posters should be printed on paper or fabric only
Requirements: Title, Full list of authors, Institutional affiliations, Background/Introduction, Objectives, Methods, Results (Figures, tables, graphs encouraged), Conclusions, contact email for the presenting or corresponding author.
​​Poster Hand Out:
To help make the symposium accessible to conference attendees, we ask each poster to be accompanied by a one-page handout that gives an overview of their research, organized in lay terms. This can be created by the presenter or a medical student trainee. This should describe key questions your work addresses, the findings from your studies, and the conclusions using non-technical language.
​
Optional additions: Future directions, QR code to a digital copy of the supplemental handout

The Symposium aims to strengthen trust, transparency, and connection between the research and patient communities. This year will be the first CMN Research Symposium, and will establish this biennial event.
Poster Categories
We're looking for fresh ideas and stories of impact across the following areas of interest. You'll be asked to select which area your content best aligns to during the submission process.
GENERAL SESSION
Traditional sessions led by a solo presenter or co-presenters focusing on best practices, forward-thinking strategies, and practical resources in a structured, large-group setting.
INTERACTIVE
WORKSHOP
Highly engaging, hands-on sessions designed for deep-dive learning and collaboration. These may include discussion, creative brainstorming, therapeutic activities, or group problem-solving.
FIRESIDE
CHAT
An informal, conversational session for smaller groups. Ideal for personal stories, reflections, or meaningful dialogue between a moderator and guest speaker(s).
PANEL DISCUSSION
Structured discussions featuring three or more thought leaders from diverse backgrounds. Moderated by a facilitator, these sessions provide multiple perspectives on key topics.