HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. | Perioperative nurses and surgical professionals from across the Southeast are invited to gather for one of the region’s premier educational and networking events as the 2026 Southeast Councils of periOperative Nurses Conference comes to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Nov. 13-15, 2026.
Hosted at the Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa, the conference will bring together nursing leaders, educators, clinicians and industry experts for three days of continuing education, leadership development, exhibits and professional connection centered around the 2026 theme, “The Power of Legacy and Advocacy: Advancing Excellence, Inspiring the Future.”
Conference organizers also announced the addition of the Louisiana Council of Registered periOperative Nurses to the growing coalition of state councils proudly supporting the event. The Louisiana council joins the Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee councils in strengthening regional collaboration and advancing perioperative excellence throughout the Southeast.
“This conference celebrates the extraordinary impact perioperative nurses make every day – as patient advocates, innovators, mentors and leaders,” organizers said. “The addition of Louisiana’s council reflects the growing momentum behind this regional partnership and our shared commitment to education, advocacy and excellence in surgical care.”
Attendees will have access to up to 10 CEUs through a robust educational lineup featuring nationally recognized speakers and timely topics shaping the future of perioperative nursing. Sessions will explore leadership, workforce culture, artificial intelligence in healthcare, ethics, patient safety and professional advocacy.
Featured keynote and education presenters include leaders from AORN, the American Nurses Association, Kaiser Permanente, Emory Healthcare, WellStar Health System and other nationally respected healthcare organizations.
Educational highlights include:
- Quantum Caring Leadership in the OR: Visionary Leader to System Architect
- Balancing Technology with Human Judgment: AI & Safety
- Beyond the Mask: Professional Citizen
- The Healthy OR
- Professionalism, True North and Finding the Human Connection
In addition to CE-accredited education, attendees can explore exhibits featuring leading vendors and technologies, participate in networking receptions and celebrate nursing excellence during the DAISY Foundation Awards presentation.
Early bird registration is abailable for $99 through Aug. 31, 2026. Standard registration is $125 after Aug. 31, with onsite registration available for $150. Registration includes admission to educational sessions, exhibits and conference events, as well as access to on-demand online education following the conference.
Organizers encourage attendees to register early, as hotel accommodations and conference capacity are expected to fill quickly. The conference room block at the Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa is available at a group rate of $242 per night through Oct. 22, 2026, or until sold out.
The conference begins Friday evening with a welcome reception and continues through Sunday afternoon with keynote presentations, education sessions and state council meetings.
For registration, hotel information and the latest conference schedule, visit:
www.southeastperiop.com
About the Southeast Councils of periOperative Nurses Conference
The Southeast Councils of periOperative Nurses Conference is a collaborative regional event dedicated to advancing perioperative nursing through education, advocacy, leadership development and professional connection. The conference is proudly supported by the Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee councils of periOperative Registered Nurses.
