You Made History in Boston
Annual Congress 2026 by the numbers
The nurse anesthesia community made history in Boston.
A record-breaking 4,974 attendees came together for AANA Annual Congress, held Aug. 21–25, 2026. Over five days, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, nurse anesthesiology residents, RNs, APRNs, educators, exhibitors, speakers, and other members of the community filled Boston with opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and help revolutionize the profession’s future.
Here is Annual Congress 2026 by the numbers.
4,974 attendees
Annual Congress 2026 welcomed 4,974 attendees, making it the largest Annual Congress attendance in AANA history. Here’s the breakdown:
- 1,861 CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists
- 1,681 nurse anesthesiology residents
- 771 RNs
Together, they represented the growing strength and reach of the nurse anesthesiology community.
140 sessions
Attendees could choose from 140 sessions covering clinical practice, professional development, emerging technology, wellness, leadership, and other issues shaping the profession.
The educational program included:
- Up to 25.25 live Class A MAC credits, including 8.5 pharmacology credits and 4.25 pain management credits
- Up to 16 virtual Class A MAC credits, including 5.5. pharmacology credits and 1.5 pain management credits
- Four Class A MAC credits for the POCUS workshop
- Four Class A MAC credits for the processed EEG workshop
- Two Class A MAC credits for the Airway Academy
150 speakers and presenters
150 speakers and presenters shared their knowledge, experience, research, and perspectives throughout the event. Their contributions helped attendees strengthen their skills, explore new approaches, and consider new opportunities for the profession.
77 poster, clinical, and research presentations
Annual Congress provided a platform for 77 poster, clinical, and research presentations. These presentations showcased the work done across the community to advance education, clinical practice, research, and patient care.
View all presentations from Congress 2026.
243 exhibitors
The sold-out exhibit hall featured 243 exhibitors showcasing products, services, technology, and resources supporting anesthesia practice and profession.
2,668 Party with a Purpose attendees
Fenway Park provided an unforgettable setting for Party with a Purpose, where 2,668 attendees gathered for an evening of connection and community impact.
Together, attendees raised $17,675 in monetary donations for Room to Grow, an organization that supports families raising babies in low-income circumstances.
248 escape room participants
The first-ever Annual Congress escape room challenged 104 CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and 144 nurse anesthesiology residents to put their knowledge and teamwork to the test.
The fastest team completed the challenge in just 11 minutes and 41 seconds.
5 puppies adopted
The puppies who attended Annual Congress in the AANA Connect Booth this year all found forever homes, adding another meaningful number to a week filled with memorable moments.
229 AANA App downloads
AANA launched its new member app at Congress, giving attendees another way to connect with the association and access membership information, CE records, advocacy resources, Ask Aggie, and more. During Congress, the app received 229 downloads.
29 volunteers
Twenty-nine volunteers contributed their time and energy to help make Congress possible. Their support helped create a welcoming, engaging experience for thousands of attendees.
12 individual awards and 4 groups recognized
AANA celebrated the people whose service, leadership, and contributions continue to move nurse anesthesiology forward. Twelve individual awards were presented during the Honors Reception, along with recognition of four groups:
- 15 members of the 1983 Society
- 20 Gertrude Fife Society members
- 21 Friends for Life
- 41 Fellows of AANA
AANA also awarded 101 resident scholarships, supporting emerging professionals as they prepare to lead the next chapter of nurse anesthesiology.
One historic Congress
The numbers tell the story of an extraordinary five days, but they represent much more than attendance and activity. They reflect thousands of people learning from one another, building relationships, celebrating accomplishments, supporting their communities, and strengthening the profession.
Thank you to every attendee, presenter, exhibitor, volunteer, sponsor, and partner who helped make Annual Congress 2026 the largest in AANA history.
Boston made history once before by helping launch a new era of anesthesia. In 2026, the nurse anesthesia community made history there again.
Save the date for Annual Congress 2027 on Aug. 8–12, 2027 in New Orleans.
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