The annual AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo is taking place in New Orleans, LA, April 11-14, 2026.

In preparation for the big event, HCB News spoke to Renae Battié, MN, RN, CNOR, FAAN. Vice President, Nursing at AORN, Dr. Lisa Spruce, DNP, RN, CNOR, CNS-CP, EBP-C, ACNP, FAAN. Senior Director of Evidence-Based Practice, and Dr. Colleen Becker. Senior Director of Perioperative Education. PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN

HCB News: What was the first Global Surgical Conference and Expo that you attended, and what sticks with you about that experience?
Colleen Becker: My first Expo was in the spring of 2007; what I remember is the professional energy, focus on the patient care, educational content offered, the ability to network with colleagues and connect around common issues as well as meet with our industry partners. The time offered the ability to reflect on our practice as well as how we could continue to strategically plan the services that we provided at my facility. I was also able to attend the first Leadership Summit and was impressed by the level of speakers that I believe continues.

HCB News: How has the conference evolved in recent years to reflect issues like workforce shortages, burnout, and staffing challenges?
Colleen Becker: We are fortunate each year that our attendees provide suggestions in their evaluation feedback that allows future Expo content to be shaped. Additionally, the speaker abstracts reflect what is occurring in our practice and if a learning gap is identified, we reach out to speakers to fill the gaps. Expo has demonstrated the flexibility and agility to change as patient care and the professional landscape has evolved; an example is how AORN shifted during COVID to provide Expo while meeting safety needs. At AORN, our commitment is to stay in touch with our colleagues and communities to meet the learning needs that are current and relevant. We will add sessions leading up to Expo to ensure that we meet current day learning needs.

HCB News: What strategic role does the Global Surgical Conference & Expo play in advancing AORN’s long-term mission around patient safety and perioperative excellence?
Renae Battié: It is the signature education event for more than 4,000 perioperative nurses to share best practices and research that advance excellence in surgical patient care. It brings in our industry partners to share new technology and solutions in perioperative care.

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