Guide to the 2021 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo

Perioperative Professionals Invited to In-Person Event

Make plans to join the best and brightest in perioperative nursing for four days of inspiration and education in the Sunshine State. By investing a few days in your professional development, you’ll gain new insights, capabilities and spark your passion for perioperative nursing.

Celebrating its 68th annual conference, AORN is a trusted resource and the only conference presented by the authors of the Guidelines for Perioperative Practice.

The 2021 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo is set for August 7-10 in Orlando, Florida. The theme is “Our Shared Purpose: Safe Surgery Together.” AORN is excited to once again be able to get together. Members are encouraged to attend to reenergize, regroup and recommit.

“Make plans to join us for four days of inspiration and education in sunny Orlando, Florida – at the #1 perioperative nursing conference in the world,” the website states.

The in-person event will have added COVID-19 safety measures in place as well as a “virtual pass” option for the conference and expo.

“Members are very eager to reconnect in-person. They want to discuss the work they’ve been doing, their challenges and solutions over the past year and reconnect with their peers from across the country,” an AORN spokesperson said. “So many of our perioperative nurses return to the AORN Expo year after year and because the conference was canceled in 2020, they have a lot to talk about. They are also looking forward to meeting the industry reps face to face – due to COVID-19 facility restrictions, it’s been a year since they have been able to see what is new for the operating room. There are more than 800 exhibitors presenting products in the expo hall.”

Education is one aspect of the annual conference, and the 2021 version boasts top-notch presentations and a variety of tracks for health care professionals.

“Attend the most revered perioperative nursing conference in the United States that meets you where you are in your career with a customizable learning experience,” the website states. “With 13 education tracks, you can choose from over 100 sessions that align specifically to your professional role and topics that interest you most. Presented by industry experts, esteemed researchers, and world-renowned speakers, this is the place to learn the latest information about the perioperative specialty and re-energize your passion for practice … and have a lot of fun while you’re at it.”

AORN promises education for the entire team with more than 200 continuing education contact hours offered in tons of learning options, formats and tracks. The educational tracks offered include ambulatory, evidence-based practice/research, educator, global, infection control and prevention, informatics, leadership/management, professional development, risk management and sterile processing.

“More than ever, we know the importance of coming together to talk over and understand new perioperative standards and practices,” the spokesperson said. “The conference is designed to ensure we can gather safely. For those unable to travel, AORN is offering a virtual registration option – an alternative way to take part in select conference sessions and experiences. Select sessions will be live streamed during the four-day event including our first virtual general session speaker – making it a truly hybrid event. Dr. David Williams, MD, will present the Jerry G. Peers Lectureship virtually to the online and onsite audience on August 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET.”

In addition to education, virtual attendees will get access to an online vendor solution center, poster gallery and networking lounges.

Registration for the virtual pass will open in July.

Along with regular registration and the virtual pass, AORN offers a Leadership Summit option in 2021. The Leadership Summit registration is a full access pass. Individuals who select this option can attend sessions, meal symposia and activities happening at the Leadership Summit, plus all benefits included in the full conference pass.

“The Leadership Summit registration is the conference’s full access pass that is designed for emerging leaders and experienced executives,” the spokesperson added. “It is a smaller group within the larger conference where they will attend education sessions that are focused on the management and business side of perioperative nursing. The flexible pass option means leadership summit attendees can move between Leadership Summit sessions and sessions at the main conference. We will record all sessions that will then be available on-demand for 45 days after the event, so attendees can get caught up on sessions they missed after returning home.”

The conference experience will not be complete without a visit to the expo hall – one of the largest surgical trade shows in the U.S. Hundreds of leading medical companies will be sharing their newest innovations. Attendees will be able to connect with recruiters from top health care systems, participate in education workshops, hands-on simulation trainings and more.

The expo hall will be open Sunday, August 8 through Tuesday, August 10.

New in 2021, the expo hall will feature an Innovation Zone and Theater where attendees can experience presentations around the latest surgical innovations and connect with industry representatives who are leading the way in OR technology advancements. They also have the benefit of learning from the AORN Guidelines authors on best practices, participate in demos and engage in lively Q&As.

“In a typical year, we have 5,000 to 6,000 nurse attendees and about the same number of vendor reps. We are expecting approximately 50% of a typical year, which complies with CDC-mandated reduced occupancy of rooms and social distancing,” the spokesperson said.

Perioperative professionals are invited to come for the conference and stay for a vacation.

Take a well-earned break and experience all Orlando has to offer before, during and after the conference, including Universal Studios and Disney Parks, expansive resorts with incredible pools and world-class dining and shopping.

“In 2021, we’re looking forward to gathering once again – to enjoy the company of our colleagues and friends in settings we’ve been unable to visit for so long,” AORN states on the conference website. “What better place to do this than in a big city with countless adventures and unforgettable experiences? Orlando is an extraordinary place to unwind and renew your spirit. See world-renowned attractions, visit classic theme parks, listen to live music, play golf or take a daytrip to the beach. Whatever re-energizes you, Orlando has it.”

For more information about the AORN Global Surgical Conference and Expo, visit aorn.org/surgicalexpo.

Editor’s Note: All photos are from the 2019 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo held in Nashville, Tennessee.