AANA Annual Congress Recap (From an SRNA Who Has Attended 3 Year Straight)
Ashley, SRNA
SRNA
In This Article (6 sections)
- 1. How Can You Plan Early and Save for the AANA Congress?
- 2. Can the AANA Congress Double as a Mini-Vacation?
- 3. How Do You Network Like a Pro at the AANA Congress?
- 4. Why Is the Exhibit Hall a Must-Visit at the AANA Congress?
- 5. How Do You Choose Lectures That Spark Joy?
- What Is the Final Rule for Enjoying the AANA Congress?
Ever wanted to be in a room surrounded by more CRNAs and SRNAs than you can count? Annual Congress is for you! Get ready for a week full of lectures, networking, and more lanyards than you ever thought possible. After attending the AANA Annual Congress three years in a row, I’ve learned a few things.
Quick Answer
Attending the AANA Annual Congress offers invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the latest in anesthesia practice. The CRNA Club highlights that registration costs have increased from $280 in 2023 to $295 in 2024, making early planning essential.
1. How Can You Plan Early and Save for the AANA Congress?
Start saving early because between flights, hotels, tickets, and the occasional overpriced latte, it adds up fast. Pro tip:
Book early for cheaper tickets and accommodations
o Conference Registration: ~$400–$600 for SRNAs (CRNAs pay more, sorry friends).
- Registration increases every year as the number of attendees goes up!
- 2023: $280, 2024: $295, 2025: $398
- This will depend on how many days you attend and will also increase if you decided to attend any additional registration workshops (more on this later)
Hunt down those hotel discounts
o Hotel: ~$200–$300 per night if you’re in the official block (4–5 nights adds up quick).
You can choose to stay at the partner hotel of the event, AANA usually has a discount code
o Stay with friends to split this
Don’t forget flight and/or gas costs!
2. Can the AANA Congress Double as a Mini-Vacation?
If you can swing it, let the conference double as a mini-vacation. Yes, there are lectures and labs, but there’s also a little breathing room to recharge. Think of it as “self-care with CE credits.” At this most recent Congress, they even allotted a location for a Resident Study Hall from 8am to 6pm where anyone could pop in to get some assignments done. As someone who attended her first Congress during the thick of didactic, this is an amazing addition to the program. It’s all about balance!
Not sure where you stand as a CRNA applicant?
Find out exactly what gaps to focus on to strengthen your application.
3. How Do You Network Like a Pro at the AANA Congress?
The real secret sauce of the AANA conference? Networking.
Many sessions are tailored to residents, so you’ll meet tons of people at the same stage
o Don’t miss out on the resident luncheon!
- Instagram and social media are your best friends, Happy Hours and mixers pop up all over
o Many major anesthesia groups and locums companies throw these events, free drinks anyone??
My personal fav? The Nurse Anesthesiology Pride Foundation (NAPF) mixers. 10/10, would attend again.
4. Why Is the Exhibit Hall a Must-Visit at the AANA Congress?
Do not skip the exhibit hall. Trust me. It’s basically trick-or-treating for grown-ups.
Freebies galore
Raffles for the bold and lucky
Booths range from anesthesia groups recruiting, to cutting-edge tech demos, to health and wellness stations (Yes, free massages and even puppy cuddles!)
5. How Do You Choose Lectures That Spark Joy?
Pro tip: Go to the lectures that excite you. A few gems:
The advanced airway simulation from Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia
o An additional $25 registration but totally worth it!
Whatever else speaks to your inner anesthesia nerd
o Here is a list of lectures from this year to give you an idea of the wide range of topics
- Video Laryngoscopy in Modern Anesthesia Practice: Is There a Clear and Safe Advantage?
- Pediatric Pearls for the Occasional Pediatric Anesthetist
- The Collective Lie in Ketamine Therapy: Facts vs Faith
- Understanding Cultural Differences in Pain Presentation to Enhance Nurse Anesthesia Care
- Resident Session: Demystifying the Transition from RRNA to CRNA: A Panel Discussion
- Black Maternal Crisis and Racial Disparities in Labor Pain Management, The Role of CRNA in Equitable Anesthesia Care
- Perioperative Management of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists: An Update
- Opioid Free Anesthesia in Orthopedic Trauma: When Regional Anesthesia Is Not an Option
- Push It! But Which Vasopressor?
- Dexmedetomidine for the Parturient: A Survey for Pioneering Safe and Effective Labor Exposure
- Medical Malpractice, Mock Deposition
Sometimes there are multiple presentations going on simultaneously. It’s okay to go to different lectures than your friends!
And don’t forget, once you’re registered, download the conference app. It’ll save your life when you’re trying to figure out which ballroom you’re supposed to be in. (And you can download the PowerPoints directly from the app, take notes, etc!)
What Is the Final Rule for Enjoying the AANA Congress?
At the end of the day, the AANA Annual Congress is what you make of it. Whether you’re there for the knowledge, the networking, the free swag, or the puppy snuggles (no judgment), dive in and enjoy.
Resources like The CRNA Club can help you bridge the gap between ICU knowledge and OR readiness.
Want to know more about attending AANA meetings and how to network? Plus meet up with other applicants at events so you don’t have to go alone? We’ve got resources and networking opportunities for you inside our CRNA Club Membership!
Check out our 2024 AANA Congress guide for more details on what to expect next year. For those considering CRNA programs, our school comparison tool is invaluable. And don't miss our application planning timeline to keep you on track.
For more information on CRNA certification, visit the NBCRNA website. To understand the role of CRNAs in healthcare, check out the AANA site.
