AANA Annual Congress 2026: A Guide for RN’s and APRN’s

Annual Congress is more than a professional conference. For RNs and APRNs, it is an opportunity to learn more about the profession, connect with CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, and discover what your future in nurse anesthesiology could look like. 

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

First, identify your Congress goals

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

With multiple education sessions, networking opportunities, and events happening throughout the week, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. You do not need to attend everything. Instead, choose experiences that align with your interests and where you are in your journey. 

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: RN Edition webinar on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. CT or listen to the recent Grade 1 View episode, Opportunities for Future CRNAS at Annual Congress. 

Still not sure where to start? Check out the RN-APRN attendee schedule for ideas. 

If your goal is to explore the CRNA profession

Annual Congress gives you the opportunity to experience nurse anesthesiology firsthand and learn from the professionals shaping the field. 

Choose sessions that help you understand the role of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, current practice environments, and the future of anesthesia care. 

Session examples include: 

• From Bedside to Boarded: Your Nurse Anesthesiology Roadmap  
• Your Professional Powerhouse: AANA’s Role in Your Present and Future  
• Your CRNA Career: Insights From Every Stage  
• Anesthesia 2030: Business Models, Workforce Shifts, and the Future of Practice  
• The State of the Science Oral Poster Sessions 

The Exhibit Hall is another opportunity to explore the profession. Connect with organizations, learn about resources, and ask questions about what supports CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists throughout their careers. 

As you attend sessions, consider: 

• What aspects of nurse anesthesiology interest me most?
• What skills and experiences do CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists use every day?
• What questions do I still have about the profession?

If your goal is to prepare for CRNA school

Congress can help you better understand the journey from RN to CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist and identify steps you can take now to become a stronger candidate. 

From Bedside to Boarded: Your Nurse Anesthesiology Roadmap provides tactical insights on optimizing your clinical experience, preparing for interviews, and creating a competitive application. 

Looking for a broader view of the CRNA journey? Your CRNA Career: Insights From Every Stage brings together perspectives from RNs, RRNAs, and CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists on what to expect from each stage of the path. 

You can also learn from current residents, faculty, and practicing CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists by attending sessions and networking events throughout Congress. Use the Networking at AANA Events Guide for tips on approaching conversations with curiosity, professionalism, and respect for others’ time.

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

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

Your first connection can start at the First-Timer Event on Friday, Aug. 21, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Westin Boston Seaport District. This event provides a relaxed setting to meet other first-time attendees and begin building your AANA community. 

Other opportunities to connect include: 

• The Exhibit Hall
• Educational sessions
• Wellness Networking Event
• Party With a Purpose at Fenway Park

You do not need to meet everyone. Set a manageable goal, such as connecting with one CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, one resident, or one attendee who shares your interests. 

Not sure how to start a conversation? Use the Networking at AANA Events Guide for tips on approaching conversations with curiosity, professionalism, and respect for others’ time.

If your goal is to grow professionally

Annual Congress is also an opportunity to explore leadership, innovation, advocacy, and the future of healthcare. 

Consider attending sessions such as: 

• Keynote Address: Survival Starts the Story. Resilience Builds the Rest
• Goldie D. Brangman Lecture: What the Chart Doesn’t Say: Social Determinants in the Anesthesia Plan  
• John Garde Memorial Lecture: Guardians of the Profession: Leadership, Courage, and Timing in Nurse Anesthesiology
• Walk this Way: Following Pain Pathways to Better Outcomes
• State of the Science Oral Poster Sessions
• Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition

These experiences can help you understand how CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists contribute to patient care, innovation, leadership, and the future of the profession. 

Final considerations

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. 

Attendees will pass through metal detectors each day, so allow extra time for security screening. Bring comfortable shoes, a phone charger, a water bottle, and a light layer for meeting rooms. 

A successful Congress experience is not measured by how many sessions you attend, but by what you take away: a clearer understanding of nurse anesthesiology, meaningful professional connections, and confidence in your next step. Come with a plan, stay curious, and make the experience your own. 

We’ll see you in Boston.