IFPN President's Message about the 2026 International Perioperative Nursing Congresses
IFPN President's Message about the 2026 International Perioperative Nursing Congresses
As President of the International Federation of Perioperative Nurses (IFPN), I am delighted to share the continued achievements, collaborations, and scientific activities taking place across our global perioperative nursing community throughout 2026.
This year has demonstrated once again the strength of international perioperative nursing leadership, professional solidarity, evidence-based practice, and commitment to patient safety through several outstanding congresses and scientific meetings worldwide.
The 20th Annual Congress of the Spanish Association of Surgical Nursing (AEEQ) was successfully held in San Sebastián from 22–24 April 2026 under the inspiring theme: “Surgical Nursing: Leading, Transforming, and Caring.”
I sincerely congratulate Presidenta Amparo Rubio San Pedro and the organizing committee for hosting a highly valuable scientific and professional event that contributed significantly to perioperative nursing knowledge and collaboration. AEEQ Congress 2026: https://20enfermeriaquirurgica.com/
Organized by Turkish Surgical and Operating Room Nurses Association as part of the 24th Turkish National Surgical Congress held on April 8–12, 2026, the 19th National Surgical Nursing Congress explored the theme “Journey to the Future of Surgery.” The Nursing Congress was successfully chaired by Filiz Öğce Aktaş. Congratulations on this valuable scientific contribution and organization. 24th Turkish National Surgical Congress: https://uck2026.org/
AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo 2026 was held in New Orleans from April 11–14, 2026, under the inspiring theme “Light the Way.” Led by Darlene Murdock, the conference brought together perioperative nurses, surgical leaders, educators, researchers, and healthcare industry professionals from across the globe to promote scientific exchange, innovation, leadership development, and the advancement of perioperative nursing practice. Organized by Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the congress served as one of the world’s largest and most influential international meetings in perioperative nursing and surgical care. The scientific and professional program addressed a wide range of contemporary topics, including patient safety, evidence-based perioperative practice, leadership, surgical technology, infection prevention, workforce wellbeing, education, and innovation in operating room care. AORN Global Surgical Conference: https://www.aorn.org/surgical-expo/conference
The Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN) hosted its 20th Biennial International Conference in Brisbane from 14–16 May 2026 under the theme:
“Building Bridges: Strengthening Collaborative Perioperative Care.”
I warmly congratulate Tracy Kerle and all colleagues involved in organizing this important international meeting dedicated to collaboration, education, and perioperative excellence. ACORN 2026 Conference: https://acorn.eventsair.com/acorn-2026
The 12th European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA) Congress was held in Dubrovnik from 14–16 May 2026 under the theme:
“The Synergy of Expertise and Knowledge.”
I extend my sincere congratulations to Jaana Perttunen and all colleagues who contributed to the success of this important European congress, which once again strengthened international professional cooperation and scientific sharing among perioperative nurses. EORNA 2026 Congress: https://www.eorna2026.eu
We also look forward with great anticipation to several important upcoming international perioperative nursing meetings and scientific events taking place throughout 2026.
The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) Annual National Conference, the organization’s flagship event, will take place on 7–8 August 2026 under the inspiring theme:
“The Power of You: Putting Practitioners at the Heart of Safer Surgery.”
This important conference continues to emphasize the critical role of perioperative practitioners in advancing patient safety, professional leadership, and quality surgical care.
Under the leadership of Oliver Tierney, the conference is expected to provide valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development. AfPP Annual National Conference 2026: https://conference.afpp.org.uk/
The Society of Perioperative Nurses (SPN) Annual Conference is tentatively planned for September 2026 and is expected to bring together perioperative nursing professionals from across India for scientific exchange and professional collaboration. The event will be held under the leadership of Asha P. Shetty.
The Greek Operating Room Nurses Association (GORNA) Panhellenic Conference will take place in Ioannina from 24–27 September 2026, continuing its valuable contribution to perioperative nursing education, leadership, and research within the region. The conference is organized under the leadership of Ioannis Koutelekos.
In the Netherlands, the LVO – OK Symposium titled: “Our Future Starts Now”
will be held on 25 September 2026, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and the future direction of operating room practice and perioperative care. The symposium is led by Nicole Dreessen. LVO-OK Symposium 2026: https://lvo.nl/actueel/evenementen/ok-symposium-our-future-now-0
The Korean Association of Operating Room Nurses (KAORN) will host its 37th Annual Conference and 12th Surgical Expo on 6–7 November 2026, providing another important international platform for professional development, research dissemination, and surgical nursing innovation.The conference will take place under the leadership of Mi Hyeong Kim. KAORN Annual Conference 2026: https://www.kaorn.or.kr/index.asp
In addition, the Israeli Perioperative Nurses Association (IPNA) Conference is planned for 19 November 2026 and will continue to support perioperative nursing excellence, scientific collaboration, and professional advancement.The association is led by Ina Shtarkman.
These international congresses and meetings reflect the ongoing commitment of perioperative nursing organizations worldwide to strengthening patient safety, clinical excellence, leadership, research, and global professional collaboration.
The themes selected for these international congresses strongly reflect the evolving priorities, responsibilities, and future vision of perioperative nursing worldwide.
Themes such as “The Power of You: Putting Practitioners at the Heart of Safer Surgery,” “Building Bridges: Strengthening Collaborative Perioperative Care,” “The Synergy of Expertise and Knowledge,” “Light the Pathway,” and “Our Future Starts Now” highlight the essential role of perioperative nurses as leaders, innovators, educators, patient advocates, and collaborative partners within surgical care.
Collectively, these themes emphasize several shared global priorities:
• strengthening patient safety and quality surgical care,
• supporting teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration,
• advancing professional leadership and evidence-based practice,
• promoting innovation and technological adaptation,
• investing in education, research, and lifelong learning, and
• empowering perioperative professionals to shape the future of healthcare.
The focus on leadership, collaboration, transformation, and safer surgery demonstrates how perioperative nursing continues to evolve beyond technical competence alone toward a broader vision that values human-centered care, resilience, communication, professional empowerment, and global partnership.
These congress themes also reflect the growing recognition that the future of safe surgical care depends not only on technology and systems, but also on the knowledge, expertise, wellbeing, and leadership of perioperative nurses worldwide.
I would like to sincerely thank all national associations, organizational leaders, scientific committees, speakers, and participants for their dedication and contributions to the global perioperative nursing community.
Together, we continue to build stronger bridges of knowledge, expertise, and professional solidarity across the world.
With warm regards,
Prof. Dr. Meryem Yavuz van Giersbergen
President
International Federation of Perioperative Nurses (IFPN)
2025–2027
Share this post: