The 2026 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo returns April 11-14 in New Orleans, bringing together perioperative nurses at every career stage for immersive education, professional connection and practice-shaping dialogue.
Founded in 1949, AORN is the leading professional organization for perioperative nurses, supporting the practice of more than 200,000 perioperative nurses by providing evidence-based research, nursing education, standards and practice resources to enable optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures.
The theme for the AORN Global Surgical Conference and Expo 2026 is Lighting the Pathway.
“This year’s theme, Lighting the Pathway, honors the legacy of Florence Nightingale. Carrying her lamp, she brought care and comfort to wounded soldiers, and the image of her walking through the wards remains a powerful symbol of hope and healing,” AORN President Darlene Murdock, MSN, BBA, RN, CNOR, CSSM, said. “It represents the enduring presence and unwavering dedication of nurses. At Expo 2026, perioperative nurses will carry forward Nightingale’s legacy, lighting the pathway with care, compassion, hope and guidance. Together, we’ll showcase the vital role of perioperative nursing in healthcare through insightful presentations and hands-on learning opportunities designed to strengthen practice and improve patient outcomes.”
The four-day conference features evidence-based education, hands-on engagement with emerging surgical technologies, and exclusive reveals that will help shape perioperative practice in the year ahead.
“The AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo is where perioperative nurses engage with the latest surgical evidence, explore emerging technologies, and exchange ideas that actively shape practice and patient safety,” said David Wyatt, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, AORN CEO and executive director. “It’s a dynamic space for learning and connection, where nurses step away from the daily intensity of the OR, challenge their thinking, learn from peers, and return to their teams energized, focused, and ready to lead.”
Education Built for Perioperative Nurses
AORN Expo 2026 offers a practice-driven education experience built for perioperative professionals at every career stage. Education highlights include:
- Evidence-Based Clinical Education: Sessions grounded in the latest surgical evidence focus on infection prevention, surgical smoke safety, patient positioning, guideline implementation and emerging technologies shaping perioperative care.
- Hands-On and Applied Learning: Interactive formats – including Skill Studios, Learning Labs and case-based sessions – allow nurses to practice techniques, apply concepts and translate learning directly into day-to-day perioperative practice.
- Leadership Summit: A conference-within-the-conference designed for perioperative leaders, with sessions addressing workforce challenges, psychological safety, change management and strategies for leading teams through complexity.
- Ambulatory Surgery & ASC Hub Programming: Dedicated education for ambulatory surgery professionals, with sessions focused on applying AORN Guidelines in ASCs, improving workflows, strengthening policies and procedures, and supporting patient safety in outpatient settings.
- Educator Hub (new in 2026): A dedicated destination for perioperative educators, offering evidence-based teaching strategies, smarter training approaches, and practical tools to support onboarding, competency development and staff education across the perioperative continuum.
- Reverse Trade Show: A collaborative learning experience that brings healthcare decision-makers and industry partners together to explore products, technologies and solutions aligned with organizational priorities.
Connection, Collaboration & Career Growth
AORN Expo 2026 features built-in networking events and dedicated spaces designed to help attendees connect, exchange ideas and build relationships that support professional growth.
Innovation on Display in the Expo Hall
The Expo Hall is a central destination for exploring products, technologies and solutions shaping today’s surgical environment. With hundreds of exhibitors, attendees can engage in hands-on demonstrations, speak directly with product experts and evaluate innovations designed to support patient and staff safety in real-world perioperative settings.
“There’s nothing quite like the energy of Expo,” Wyatt said. “It’s where perioperative nurses reconnect with one another, share ideas face to face, and leave recharged – ready to take what they’ve learned back to their teams.”
For more information and to register, visit the AORN Expo website.
