AANA Edge 2026 is around the corner! And we’ll be there!
EDGE: Educate, Develop, Grow, Engage 2026 is hosted by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and will be held Wednesday, February 4, through Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Attended by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and educators nationwide, this in-person event fosters connection, innovation, and professional development.
What is AANA EDGE 2026?
AANA EDGE 2026 is a CRNA conference for educators, clinicians, leaders, and industry partners. Across all four event days, 62 EDGE speakers will host panels, workshops, and sessions to share insights, advancements, and best practices shaping the future of nurse anesthesia education.
Key Themes to Expect at AANA EDGE 2026
Speakers at AANA EDGE will explore innovation and technology in anesthesia education, including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and gamification. Additional themes include wellness for faculty and learners, strategies for thriving as an educator, and research and writing in nurse anesthesia education.
Sessions and Experiences to Prioritize
Attendees can participate in workshops, panels, and interactive sessions, with exhibits available throughout the event. While we’ve highlighted a few standout sessions, we recommend reviewing the
2026 AANA EDGE schedule to plan your time.
Practicing CRNAs may benefit from attending Closing the Empathy Gap™, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Brown, who will discuss his doctoral research and explore topics such as implicit bias, confirmation bias, and contact theory.
Peer Round Table sessions also offer valuable opportunities for collaboration and networking, with structured discussions on mentorship, wellness culture, and challenges faced by CRNAs.
Early educators may prioritize sessions like Early Educator: Learning to Survive and Thrive or From Induction to Instruction: Teaching, Testing, and Thriving in Nurse Anesthesia Education. Seasoned educators may enjoy Cultivating Educator Excellence: A Shared Responsibility to Mentorship and Development of Nurse Anesthesia Educators.
Faculty and administrators should consider attending the Faculty Forum to explore issues impacting their programs, or Let the Games Begin: Admissions Interviews Reimagined for a fresh perspective on multiple mini interviews.
For additional networking or a moment to recharge, attendees can take advantage of scheduled networking events or visit the Mindfulness Room.
Continuing Education Opportunities at EDGE
CRNA conferences like EDGE help nurse anesthetists stay current on emerging developments and technological advances in anesthesia while supporting ongoing professional development.
EDGE focuses on topics relevant to nurse anesthesia education, allowing educators to earn MAC Ed CE credits through small-group sessions led by forward-thinking professionals. During the event, CRNAs may earn up to 18.5 MAC Ed CE credits.
Why AANA EDGE Matters for the Future of Nurse Anesthesia
EDGE supports innovation, leadership development, and educational excellence. Beyond earning CE credits, attendees can build meaningful professional connections and engage in conversations that shape the future of nurse anesthesia education and practice.
APEX Anesthesia at AANA EDGE 2026
APEX Anesthesia is committed to supporting CRNAs and educators. Made by CRNAs for CRNAs, we help busy professionals stay certified and access the tools they need in one place.
If you’re attending EDGE, stop by Booth #19 to say hello. We’d love to connect, hear your story, and share how APEX supports CRNAs and educators at every stage. See you there!
Interested in joining the Faculty Happy Hour hosted by APEX? Ask for details at the booth.
Let’s work together to support the next generation of CRNAs. APEX’s student products, including
Boards Bootcamp and our Student Review Course, help learners build confidence from the classroom to boards.
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