Congress events

AORN Journal, Jan, 2006

Saturday, March 18, to Thursday, March 23, 2006

The AORN Congress is a must-attend education conference and trade show for anyone who wishes to excel as a perioperative RN. In addition to networking and educational opportunities, attendees will be able to attend exciting events and visit famous sites that can be found only in our nation's capital.

EXHIBITS

Join more than 575 companies at the largest surgical trade show in the country. Exhibits allow attendees to examine and evaluate the latest developments in perioperative equipment, supplies, and services. Be sure to visit the AORN career resource area, which is dedicated to career training and development companies, facilities, and travel nurse companies recruiting personnel. Exhibit hours are

* Tuesday, March 21, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (please note time change);

* Wednesday, March 22, 10 AM to 3 PM; and

* Thursday, March 23, 10 AM to 1 PM.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Congress offers a variety of exciting events to help you connect with your peers in a relaxed environment. Following are descriptions of events you can attend.

AWARDS DINNER SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 6:30-10 PM

The focus of this memorable evening is the outstanding achievement of AORN members who have contributed their personal and professional resources to the mission of AORN. National, chapter, and committee awards conferred on behalf of AORN will be presented. This black tie optional dinner is open to all Congress participants and their guests. Please indicate your intention to attend this event on your registration form and remit the appropriate fee.

FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE BREAKFAST SUNDAY, MARCH 1-9, 7-8 AM

Each year a number of attendees come to AORN's Congress for the first time. If you are a first-timer, a great event to attend is the First-Time Attendee Breakfast. You will be greeted by members of AORN's National Membership Committee and many volunteers who have "been there and done that." In addition to meeting other first-time attendees, you will hear insiders' secrets to help you get the most out of the conference. Immediately after breakfast, you will proceed to the Opening Session.

Check the "First-Time Attending Congress" box on the registration form, and indicate that you would like to attend the breakfast. You will receive a confirmation that includes room information. Seating is limited, so register by March 17, 2006.

SPECIALTY ASSEMBLY RECEPTION SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 6 PM

Congress attendees are invited to join members of AORN's specialty assemblies for a celebration. Everyone is welcome to attend whether they are a specialty assembly member, are interested in one of the specialty assemblies, or are interested in forming a new specialty assembly. The goals of the reception are to showcase each specialty assembly and celebrate the diverse specialties among AORN members.

NEXT GENERATION HAPPY HOUR SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 6-8 PM

Leave your handouts and session notes behind, and hang out with the next generation of AORN. If you are a member of generations X or Y, you will receive a ticket to this free event when you pick up your badge on site. Gen Xers and Gen Yers committed to advancing their careers and the perioperative nursing profession are the future of AORN. Cocktails and appetizers will be served in the Convention Center.

MANAGERS' NETWORKING RECEPTION TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 5:30-7 PM

Get together with colleagues who understand your challenges. This reception for management-level attendees and industry representatives provides an opportunity to meet, learn from, and develop key contacts from around the country, while giving managers additional one-on-one time with exhibiting companies' representatives to discuss products, contracts, and services.

LOBBY DAY TUESDAY, MARCH 21

Lobby Day is being held during Congress this year as the US Congress is brought to AORN Congress. Legislators will be invited to sit with their constituents and be part of two exciting general sessions. Then attendees can take the opportunity to guide their legislators through the exhibit floor to help them understand what a perioperative

nurse does and how perioperative nurses advocate for patients during the most vulnerable time of their lives.

AORN NURSES/EXHIBITORS DAY TUESDAY, MARCH 21

The AORN Board of Directors and the Exhibitors' Advisory Committee (EAC) have planned a fun-filled, educational day for all Congress attendees. The day will begin with the opening of exhibits at 10:30 AM. Immediately after the close of exhibits at 3:30 PM, do not miss the Jerry G. Peers Lectureship. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, has been invited to speak.

Later, treat yourself to a motivational, fun evening featuring The Capitol Steps, the only group in America that attempts to be funnier than Congress. The Capitol Steps is a troupe of current and former Congressional staffers who monitor events and personalities on Capitol Hill, in the Oval Office, and in other centers of power and prestige around the world and then take a humorous look at serious issues while providing a nationwide laugh for millions. Refreshments will be served after the performance.