54th AORN Congress events: Saturday, March 10, to Thursday, March 15, 2007

AORN Journal,  Jan, 2007  

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The AORN Congress is the premier perioperative program for anyone who wishes to excel as a perioperative RN. In addition to the many networking and educational opportunities available at Congress, you will be able to attend exciting events and visit sites that can be found only in and around Orlando, Fla.

EXHIBITS

This year, more than 600 companies will be exhibiting at Congress, making this the largest surgical trade show in the country. Exhibits allow you 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 traveling nurse companies that are recruiting personnel. Exhibit hours are

* Tuesday, March 13, 10 AM to 3 PM;

* Wednesday, March 14, 10 AM to 3 PM; and

* Thursday, March 15, 10 AM to 1 PM.

Exclusive managers' exhibit hours will be held from 8:30 to 10 AM on both Wednesday and Thursday.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Congress offers a variety of exciting events to help you connect with your peers in a relaxed and fun environment. Space is limited at special events, so registration is required. Following are descriptions of events you may want to attend.

AWARDS DINNER

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 6:30 TO 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.

REGISTRATION. To register for the event, check the "Awards Dinner" box on the optional events and sessions section of the registration form and remit the $50-per-person fee. Seating is limited, so register early.

FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 7 TO 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.

REGISTRATION, Check the "First-Time Attendee Breakfast" box on the optional events and sessions section of the registration form. You will receive a confirmation that includes room information. Seating is limited, so register by Feb 1, 2007. Please note: there will be no on-site registration for this event.

SPECIALTY ASSEMBLY RECEPTION

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 6:30 TO 8 PM

Join members of AORN's many specialty assemblies for a networking reception. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are a specialty assembly member or are interested in one of the specialty assemblies. The goals of the reception are to showcase each specialty assembly, celebrate the diverse specialties among AORN members, and promote networking with as many people as possible.

REGISTRATION, Check the "Specialty Assembly Reception" box on the optional events and sessions section of the registration form. Space is limited, so register early.

The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, site of the 2007 AORN Congress. (Photograph courtesy of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc)

NEXT GENERATION HAPPY HOUR

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 6:30 TO 8 PM

Leave your handouts and session notes behind, and hang out with the next generation of AORN. 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 at this networking and social event.

REGISTRATION. Gen X and Y nurses who plan to attend should check the "Next Generation Happy Hour" box on the optional events and sessions section of the registration form. Space is limited, so register early.

AORN NURSES/EXHIBITORS DAY

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

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 AM. Do not miss the Jerry G. Peers Lectureship, which will begin immediately after the close of exhibits at 3 PM. Scott Pelley, 60 Minutes correspondent, will speak.

Later, join fellow attendees at the Nurse/Exhibitor Party at Universal Studios. Whether you want to experience the thrill of the rides, catch a "Blues Brothers" show, have a caricature drawn, take your picture with animated characters and celebrity look-alikes, or dance to the DJ, the EAC has planned an evening full of fun and excitement for you, your friends, and your family members. AORN will have exclusive use of a portion of the park at Universal Studios. Universal Studios does enforce strict height restrictions on some rides. Please keep this in mind if you plan on purchasing tickets for young children. The Nurse/Exhibitor Party is made possible through a generous donation from the EAC, representing the Congress exhibitors.