A couple of weeks ago, I spent an incredible 5 days in San Antonio, Texas, attending the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo. It was five days of learning, networking, making new friends, and seeing friends that I only get to connect with at the conference.
There was a very marked difference between the attendance last year and this year. Last year, it seemed like everyone was still hesitant, still a little timid, the energy was subdued, and we were all still just guarded. It’s amazing how the pandemic affected our ability to connect and build relationships. This year, however, it seemed like everyone had overcome the hurdles the pandemic had thrown our way and the energy was actually palpable. Everyone seemed excited to be together again, excited to attend the educational sessions, and the enthusiasm while the Expo Hall was open was contagious.
Meeting in person!
While I was there, I ran into so many of the First Case podcast guests. It’s amazing to get to meet people in person that you’ve only connected with online! I also met a couple of The Circulating Life fans – and it was amazing to meet you in person! I think that was the highlight of the conference for me – meeting people and getting to experience human connections.
I also attended the AORN Congress sessions and it was helpful to hear what issues were being addressed. It was also encouraging to see that the AORN Board listened to its members and worked to make changes based on members’ input.
3 ways to help offset your cost to attend Expo
I want to encourage you to attend the AORN Expo in Nashville next year, March 9 – 12, 2024. There are so many ways that AORN works to make attending affordable, including scholarships offered by the AORN Foundation. I was a scholarship recipient last year, and I am still thankful for their assistance that made it possible for me to attend. If you have a topic that you are passionate about, you can submit it for approval for an educational session for next year. They are accepting proposals until May 31st! You can bet I’ll be submitting a proposal, will you? Registration fees are usually covered for conference speakers.
Also, did you know you could go as a funded delegate through your local AORN chapter? Talk to your chapter to find out more about this option.
If you don’t belong to an AORN chapter, or if you don’t have one in your area, you can join the eChapter! I am a member of the eChapter and I also serve on the Board of Directors. You should join us! eChapter makes it possible for all AORN members to have a chapter. We offer monthly CE presentations, opportunities to give presentations, and a global network of perioperative nurses. We’re actively working to increase our membership, to increase our social media presence (currently you can find us on LinkedIn and Facebook), and to provide more options for all of us to connect on a regular basis!
The AORN Expo was a refreshing, energizing experience this year. Won’t you consider attending next year? I’d love to get to meet you if you’re in Nashville!
Until next time,
Melanie
