A Resident’s Guide to Annual Congress 2026

Annual Congress is more than a professional conference. For nurse anesthesiology residents, or RRNAs, it is an opportunity to strengthen clinical knowledge, connect with the profession, and prepare for the transition from RRNA to CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist. 

This year’s event takes place Aug. 21–25 in Boston, the city where modern anesthesia was born. Whether this is your first Annual Congress or you are returning for another year, a little preparation can help you make the most of the education, networking, career development, and community waiting for you.

First, identify your Congress goals

Before diving into the full schedule, ask yourself: What would make this Congress experience valuable to me?  

Use the Annual Congress mobile app, available beginning Aug. 17, to organize your schedule and navigate the event. You can also attend the Know Before You Go: RRNA Edition webinar on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. CT for tips on making the most of your experience. You can also listen to the recent Grade 1 View episode, Opportunities for Future CRNAS at Annual Congress.  

Still not sure where to start? Check out the website for a sample resident attendee schedule.

If your goal is to strengthen your clinical knowledge

Congress education emphasizes clinical judgment, critical thinking, evidence integration, patient safety, and complex decision-making.

Choose sessions that reinforce a topic you are studying, address a challenge you have encountered in clinical practice, or introduce a specialty area you want to explore.

Session examples include:

• Beyond the Beep: Pulse Ox, Hidden Hypoxia, and Safety 
• When Seconds Count: Crisis Skills for Nurse Anesthesia Professionals 

The Escape Room: The Unstable Abdomen also gives residents an opportunity to apply airway management, medication knowledge, communication, and crisis decision-making in an immersive scenario. Advance registration is required.

After each priority session, record one takeaway you can apply, one concept you want to review, and one question you still have.

If your goal is to prepare for boards

Congress does not replace your formal study plan, but it can help you reinforce concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and practice applying information to complex clinical situations.

Consider sessions that reinforce high-priority concepts, including Beyond the Beep: Pulse Ox, Hidden Hypoxia, and Safety, When Seconds Count: Crisis Skills for Nurse Anesthesia Professionals, and Walk This Way: Following Pain Pathways to Better Outcomes.

You can also attend the Anesthesia College Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 23. Six resident teams will answer questions submitted by nurse anesthesia program directors before the winning team competes against practicing CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists.

Follow along and make notes to revisit when you return to your board-preparation plan.

If your goal is to prepare for your first CRNA position

Resident-focused career sessions can help you understand the transition from training to practice and make more informed decisions about your first position. 

Session examples include:  

• Demystifying the Transition from RRNA to CRNA: A Panel Discussion 
• Beyond the Paycheck: Wellness-Aligned Job Selection 
• Beyond the Bonus: Preparing New Graduate CRNAs for Long-Term Career Success 
• Your CRNA Career: Insights From Every Stage 
• Anesthesia 2030: Business Models, Workforce Shifts, and the Future of Practice 

These sessions can help you evaluate opportunities beyond salary, including practice environment, mentorship, workplace culture, and long-term career satisfaction. 

You can also attend the Resident Workshop on Friday, Aug. 21, Beyond the Books: Thriving in Training and Preparing for Practice to focus on your well-being, learn practical career skills, and connect with the wisdom of peers and mentors who are walking the same path. Add on to your registration for $25.  

Don’t forget to explore the Exhibit Hall to find career resources to support your transition into a practicing CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist.  

If your goal is to build your network or find a mentor

Congress brings together residents, educators, AANA leaders, and practicing CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists from across the country. 

First-time attendees can begin at the First-Timer Event on Friday, Aug. 21, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Westin Boston Seaport District. The event offers a relaxed setting to meet other newcomers. A registration badge is required. 

More opportunities to make connections include: 

• The Resident Breakfast
• The Wellness Networking Event
• The Exhibit Hall
• Party With a Purpose at Fenway Park
• Recharge Rooms for OB Practitioners, Pediatric Practitioners, and Rural Practitioners

You do not need to meet everyone. Set a manageable goal, such as connecting with one resident, one speaker, and one CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist whose career path interests you. 

If your goal is to explore leadership and professional involvement 

Congress can help you understand how CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists shape practice, policy, access to care, and the future of the profession. 

Consider attending: 

• Your Professional Powerhouse: AANA’s Role in Your Present and Future 
• Full Scope, Full Voice: The Power of CRNA Advocacy 
• Goldie D. Brangman Lecture: What the Chart Doesn’t Say: Social Determinants in the Anesthesia Plan 
• Called to Care: Educating CRNAs for the Anesthesia Deserts and Bridging Rural Gaps in Access to Care 
• The Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition 

These sessions reflect broader Congress themes including advocacy, leadership, innovation, health equity, social responsibility, and access to care.

Ask an AANA leader, volunteer, or engaged resident how they became involved and what first step they would recommend.

Final thoughts

Most education sessions will take place at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. Pick up your registration badge in the North Lobby on Level 1 before attending any sessions or events. A dedicated Resident Study Hall will be available Saturday through Monday from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET in Room 255. 

Attendees will pass through metal detectors each day, so allow extra time for security screening. Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes, a phone charger, a water bottle, and a light layer for meeting rooms. Leave time to explore, connect, complete coursework, and recharge. 

A successful Congress experience is not measured by how many sessions you attend, but by what you take away: new knowledge, meaningful connections, and greater confidence for your journey to becoming a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist. Come with a plan, stay open to new opportunities, and make the experience your own. 

We’ll see you in Boston.