The 49th Annual Symposium Update in Allergy and Immunology & Rhinoscopy Hands-On Workshop, held January 16 to 17, 2026, at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa, concluded as a highly successful gathering of clinicians, educators, trainees, and leaders in allergy and immunology.
The two-day meeting provided a comprehensive update on a rapidly evolving specialty, featuring sessions on eosinophilic and mast cell disorders, food allergy, immunodeficiency, aeroallergen identification, immunotherapy, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, asthma, and emerging concepts in immune regulation. Advances in genetics, biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and novel diagnostics were central themes throughout the program, reflecting the accelerating pace of change in clinical allergy and immunology.
A major highlight of this year’s conference was the rhinoscopy hands-on workshop, which combined focused didactic instruction with cadaver-based and simulation training. The workshop offered participants practical, clinically relevant experience in airway evaluation and diagnostic techniques, reinforcing the meeting’s emphasis on translating knowledge into practice.
The symposium was led by Dr. Richard F. Lockey, MD, MS, Distinguished University Health Professor and Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair of Allergy and Immunology at the University of South Florida, together with Dr. Dennis K. Ledford, MD, a nationally recognized clinician educator and former president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Their leadership helped shape a program that balanced scientific depth with real world applicability. The meeting also featured the Richard F. Lockey, MD Lectureship and the Dennis K. Ledford, MD Lectureship, honoring their enduring contributions to education, research, and clinical excellence in the field.
Reflecting on the meeting, Dr. Lockey described the conference as a “dream come true,” noting the strong engagement, high-quality discussions, and sense of community throughout the event. Special recognition was given to Dr. Juan C. Cardet for outstanding leadership and execution of the program, as well as to Alana Falcone and the CAMLS team for their critical role in delivering a seamless educational experience. Dr. Lockey also expressed appreciation to the invited guest speakers and extended special thanks to Dr. Moseley for attending and contributing to the conference.
The event also served as a meaningful reunion, bringing together current trainees, faculty, staff, and alumni spanning decades of mentorship. Dr. Lockey highlighted the pleasure of reconnecting with former trainees, including Jack Parrino, one of the division’s first graduates from the late 1970s, underscoring the lasting legacy of the program and its influence across generations.
Throughout the meeting, speakers emphasized how quickly allergy and immunology continues to evolve, driven by continuous discoveries in genes, immune pathways, and targeted therapies. The growing role of artificial intelligence was repeatedly cited as an essential tool to help clinicians navigate an expanding body of knowledge and an ever-increasing number of therapeutic options.
Planning is already underway for next year’s conference, scheduled for January 15 to 16, again at CAMLS in downtown Tampa. The upcoming meeting will mark the 50th Annual Conference, a significant milestone reflecting nearly five decades of sustained commitment to education, mentorship, and innovation in allergy and immunology.
Reference
1. Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation. 2026 Symposium Update in Allergy and Immunology and Rhinoscopy Hands-On Workshop. CAMLS-US.org. Published 2026. Accessed January 18, 2026. www.camls-us.org/programs/2025-symposium-update-in-allergy-and-immunology-and-rhinoscopy-hands-on-workshop/
