New to AANA? New to Annual Congress? Join us to connect with other first-timers and build your AANA community! Light refreshments will be served.

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Capnography is often viewed as a mature, commoditized technology—but meaningful innovation continues to shape its clinical value.

This interactive, simulation-based session challenges assumptions by putting CRNAs into real-world scenarios where equipment choice directly impacts monitoring performance.

Through hands-on experience and guided discussion, participants will explore how advances in capnography can enhance early detection, workflow efficiency, and patient safety.

Attendees will leave with practical insights they can immediately apply to strengthen their monitoring approach in procedural sedation and beyond.

Event Objectives

1. Challenge assumptions by helping CRNAs recognize how capnography performance can vary based on equipment selection, setup, and clinical application.
2. Demonstrate clinical impact of capnography advancements (e.g., sampling lines, signal reliability) on timely detection of respiratory compromise during sedation.
3. Empower CRNAs to evaluate new insights that may influence their monitoring approach and patient safety decisions.

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What separates monitoring a number from monitoring the brain? The difference lies in how clinicians interpret information, apply clinical judgment, and personalize care for each patient.

As anesthesia care continues to evolve, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists are at the forefront of advancing personalized, brain-guided care. This interactive panel brings together a recent graduate, a CRNA educator, and a clinical leader to share how they are using brain monitoring to strengthen decision-making, build clinical confidence, and support individualized patient care.

Through real-world experiences, case-based discussion, and audience engagement, attendees will gain practical insights into turning data into meaningful clinical action. Whether you’re looking to deepen your
understanding, refine your practice, or champion brain-guided care within your organization, this session will equip you with actionable ideas to help advance brain health for your patients.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how processed EEG (pEEG) can support personalized anesthetic management beyond interpretation of a single index value.
2. Identify key clinical decision points where pEEG may provide additional insight during induction, maintenance, and emergence.
3. Explore how CRNAs at different stages of their careers are incorporating brain monitoring into practice and identify tactics applicable to their own setting.
4. Identify one clinical action and one team-based strategy to support confident use of pEEG.

Register here

Speaker Bios

Nicholas Schuler

Nicholas is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and Minneapolis VA Medical Center with a passion for advancing perioperative brain health through evidence-based EEG monitoring and sustainable anesthesia practices. He serves as faculty for the Safe Brain Initiative EEG Bootcamps and was recognized with the University of Minnesota Rising Star Award for his nursing mentorship program.

Katlyn Schieler, DNP, CRNA

Katlyn is a doctoral-prepared Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Assistant Professor at Villanova University, and practicing clinician with expertise in cardiac, vascular, and respiratory anesthesia. She is recognized for her leadership in nurse anesthesia education, simulation-based training, curriculum development, and clinical partnership building. With a strong commitment to advancing perioperative care, patient safety, and the preparation of future anesthesia professionals, Katlyn brings a unique blend of academic, clinical, and professional leadership experience.

Laura L. Ardizzone, BSN, MS, DNP, FAANA

Laura is a distinguished nurse anesthesia leader, educator, and clinician with extensive experience in perioperative care, advanced nursing leadership, and academic instruction. She currently serves as Director of Nurse Anesthesia Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and has held faculty appointments at Columbia University School of Nursing and Fairfield University. Dr. Ardizzone is widely recognized for her contributions to patient safety, clinical education, leadership development, and nurse anesthesia practice, and has been honored with numerous professional awards, including induction as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

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Tickets: $85 per person (tickets include 2 drink tickets to the Honors Reception)

The AANA Honors reception brings members together for a high-energy night packed with music, personal stories, and professional pride. The evening starts with a lively cocktail reception, continues with the presentation of AANA’s most prestigious awards, and rolls into an afterparty with drinks and appetizers. Mingle with nurse anesthesiology luminaries and be inspired in your own work by their career accomplishments.

Step into a high-stakes, immersive anesthesia escape room where every second matters. The Unstable Abdomen challenges CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and RRNAs to manage a rapidly deteriorating patient in shock requiring an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Participants must think critically, communicate effectively, and make life-saving decisions under intense pressure as monitor alarms sound, the surgeon demands action, and the patient continues to decline. Through a series of interactive puzzles, rapid-sequence induction challenges, airway management tasks, medication matching, and massive transfusion decision-making, learners apply real-world anesthesia knowledge in a fast-paced simulation environment.

To register, please reserve your time slot in advance using the links below.

CRNAs – Register here

RRNAs – Register here

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Program Objectives

• Describe the clinical consequences of unintended perioperative hypothermia and its relevance to patient safety and anesthesia-related outcomes.
• Summarize current evidence-based guidelines related to perioperative normothermia and anesthesia care.
• Discuss active warming and prewarming approaches, including considerations relevant to anesthesia workflows.
• Review real-world temperature-management experiences and outcomes shared by a CRNA peer, including the use of continuous, non-invasive core temperature monitoring with zero-heat-flux (ZHF) technology.

Register here

Speaker Bio

Dr. Regalado “Reggie” Valerio Jr., DNP, CRNA, CHSE

Dr. Regalado “Reggie” Valerio Jr. is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), CRNA Simulation Director, and Perioperative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Lead at Los Angeles General Medical Center (LAGMC). He also serves as the Simulation Director for the USC Program of Nurse Anesthesia, Keck School of Medicine, where he leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-fidelity simulation curricula for nurse anesthesia residents.

As the Perioperative ERAS Lead at LAGMC, Dr. Valerio champions evidence-based perioperative care pathways that improve patient outcomes, reduce surgical site infections, enhance recovery after surgery, and promote multidisciplinary collaboration across anesthesia, surgery, nursing, infection prevention, and hospital leadership. His quality improvement initiatives focus on standardizing best practices, strengthening patient safety, and advancing perioperative excellence throughout the organization.

In his simulation leadership roles, Dr. Valerio develops and facilitates immersive simulation experiences in anesthesia crisis management, clinical decision-making, patient safety, leadership, and interprofessional teamwork. He also directs multidisciplinary simulation programs for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals across multiple specialties, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, and Perioperative Services.

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Calling all residents! Join us for morning coffee and pastries hosted by the AANA Education Committee. Residents will have the opportunity to hear speeches and vote for the Education Committee Resident Representative and hear from members of the AANA and AANA Foundation executive teams. The Education Committee will also announce the winners of the Resident Writing Contest and Resident Excellence Award.

All residents will be required to have their attendee badge for entry to the session (no pre-registration required).

Cheer on nurse anesthesiology innovators as they pitch their unique ideas on our profession’s largest stage. The Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition gives CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, nurse anesthesia residents, RNs and APRNs a chance to build their business with Rm8, AANA’s innovation lab. Five entrepreneurs will go head-to-head for the $15,000 prize with original concepts that enhance patient safety, patient outcomes, or provider experience.

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Where Your Future in Nurse Anesthesia Takes Flight

Step into your next chapter with confidence at Career Launch Pad for RRNAs—a high‑impact, hands‑on professional development experience designed exclusively for Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Whether you’re approaching graduation, preparing for clinical transitions, or mapping out your long‑term career path, this session equips you with the tools, insights, and polish to stand out in a competitive and rapidly evolving field.

Who Should Attend?

RRNAs at any stage of training who want to:

• polish their professional presence
• strengthen interview performance
• elevate their CV
• gain clarity on the job search process
• connect with experts who hire CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists

Register here

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This symposium presentation provides a focused overview of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in contemporary anesthesia practice. It will review the current evidence supporting HFNO for preoxygenation, apneic oxygenation, and perioperative respiratory support, highlighting its physiological benefits and impact on patient safety. Practical applications across a range of clinical scenarios—such as difficult airway management, procedural sedation will be discussed. The session will include key clinical pearls, including patient selection, optimal device settings, troubleshooting, and integration into routine workflows to maximize efficacy and safety.

Register here

Speaker Bio

Amanda Virginia, DNP-A, CRNA

Amanda is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with over 12 years of experience specializing in cardiothoracic anesthesia. She began her nursing career at Parkland Hospital and went on to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University’s School of Nurse Anesthesia.
For the past decade, Amanda has practiced at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she previously served as a Clinical Education Coordinator for CRNAs and RRNAs. In addition to her clinical work, she is an Adjunct Faculty member at TCU’s School of Nurse Anesthesia, where she is dedicated to educating and mentoring the next generation of anesthesia providers.

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Howl at the Moon – 184 High St., Boston, MA
Tickets: CRNAs $250; RRNAs $125; RRNAs after 9 p.m. $25 (After 9 p.m. ticket does not include dinner or drinks; cash bar available)

Enjoy great food and drinks, dueling pianos, and interactive entertainment—including opportunities to sing along with the band—while celebrating 45 years of nurse anesthesiology research and education! Come for the music. Stay for the mission.

Add a ticket to this fundraising event for $250/CRNA; $125/RRNA; or $25/RRNA after 9 p.m. when you register to attend live in Boston.

Round 1 supported by Main Street Anesthesia
Round 2 supported by MedPro
Round 5 supported by U.S. Army

Join us for the 37th anniversary of the Anesthesia College Bowl, live at Annual Congress 2026. Six teams of residents play each other, answering questions about anesthesia that have been submitted by nurse anesthesia program directors. The winning resident team faces off against a team of six CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists to determine the ultimate winner of the College Bowl.

To help maintain a pleasant experience for all attendees, no noisemakers, balloons or confetti will be permitted at any Annual Congress event, as they result in additional venue cleanup fees. 

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Hosted by Envision Healthcare

Following the 37th Annual Anesthesia College Bowl, join our reception hosted by Envision Healthcare. Visit the Envision booth in the Exhibit Hall to receive an exclusive wristband for “no-wait” access to the reception. Space is limited.

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The 2026 AANA Business Meeting will be held as a hybrid event with both in-person and online participation. A quorum of 200 people representing 25 states is required to conduct the Business Meeting. The meeting will be livestreamed for residents and other non-voting members not in attendance. The link for viewing will be available on the day of the event. 

Further details about the August Business Meeting content and how to participate in the hybrid event will be available in early August.

Join Vertex’s expert-led discussion on a treatment for acute pain in adults. Explore the product’s clinical trial results and learn how to identify patients who may benefit from this treatment.

Speaker Bio

Neel D. Mehta, MD

is an academic anesthesiologist and pain management specialist in
New York City. He is the immediate past president of the Eastern Pain Association and secretary of the New York Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr Mehta completed his fellowship in interventional pain medicine in the Tri-Institutional Pain Medicine Fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

 

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110 seats available | Save your seat

Collaborate with nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, alongside former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and a team of expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors. This exclusive event brings participants together to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.

Ideal participants are passionate, solution-driven clinicians energized by innovation, collaboration, and fresh ideas. No technology or entrepreneurial experience is required — just curiosity and a creative mindset. This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend, but space is limited. Only 120 seats are available – complete this form to save your seat.

The Hackathon is open to all Congress registrants, including CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, nurse anesthesiology residents, and RN-APRNs. Teams will assemble and begin developing solutions at 1:30 p.m. (ET), with final pitches beginning around 3:30 p.m. (ET). Check your AANA Meetings mobile app notifications onsite for final start time.

During the Hackathon, teams will develop and pitch solutions to one of four challenges:

• How might CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists lead innovations that improve rural access to care and anesthesia delivery?  
• How might CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists lead innovations that support maternal care and safety, particularly among diverse populations?  
• How might CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists lead the implementation of novel solutions to environmental sustainability in clinical practice?  
• How can CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist educators engage with residents to introduce new learning technologies and innovations?

Just curious? Stop by at 3:30 p.m. ET and watch the innovation unfold. Seating will be available for attendees who want to observe team collaboration and pitch presentations, and vote for their favorite solution!

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Included in AANA registration or guest tickets required – Badge required for entry

Have a ball: Annual Congress attendees know that when AANA throws our Party With a Purpose, we knock it out of the park. But this year, we’re knocking PWAP into a park… specifically, Fenway Ball Park! Get special access to the historic home field of the Boston Red Sox as you enjoy amazing food, drinks, and music — and a few surprises that you won’t want to miss. 

Your Annual Congress attendee badge will be required for entry into the venues. You must purchase guest tickets during meeting registration or onsite at the Registration Desk prior to the event. Tickets will not be available for purchase at Fenway.

Our event will benefit Room to Grow. They provide parents and caregivers with essential baby and toddler items, strategies and support to promote their children’s development, and connections to community resources that can meaningfully expand their support network.

Bring one or more requested items from the list below to the Registration Desk (in the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center), and an AANA staff member will exchange them for up to two drink tickets to use at the reception. A QR code will be available onsite for those who choose to make a monetary donation instead.

Drink tickets will be available, and donations will be accepted at the Registration Desk until Monday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. (ET). Donations will not be accepted at Fenway due to security restrictions.

Donation items (baby and toddler items only)
Toys and Books (Newborn – Age 3) | Feeding Supplies- Bottles, Toddler cups/dishes | Baby wipes | Baby shampoo/conditioner | Diaper Cream | Baby lotion | Toddler toothbrushes/toothpaste| Teethers | New Stuffed Animals | Swaddles/blankets | Outlet Covers/door safety locks 

Shuttle service 

Shuttle buses will run on a rotating schedule from outside the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center to Fenway beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the last shuttle service leaving Fenway at 9 p.m.

Sammy’s on 3rd Level – Sponsored by US Anesthesia Partners 

Home Plate Deck – Sponsored by Essential Anesthesia Management

Collect stamps from participating exhibitors to complete your color-coded passport (found in your registration bag). Be the first to submit your completed passport of your assigned color at AANA Connect in the Exhibit Hall for a chance to win a prize! 

All Annual Congress attendees are welcome to participate.