Region 1 PreConference Update

Save the date for ASPAN's 44th National Conference

April 27-May 1st, 2025, in Dallas, TX

By Ronda Dyer, MSN, BSPA, RN, CPAN, CAPA, ASPAN Region 1 Director

I find myself filled with anticipation as ASPAN’s 44th National Conference in Dallas, TX nears. My first was in Las Vegas in 2014. I returned home with so much new knowledge and enthusiasm that I have attended every one since. I attended national conferences while working in critical care and in home care and hospice, but ASPAN is different. The very first thing I realized was different was that our leaders in perianesthesia nursing are perianesthesia nurses. The people standing on stage in suits sharing their vision are returning home to don their scrubs and work in the units as staff nurses, educators and perianesthesia leaders.

I hope I see many of you in Dallas this year. Region 1 will be having a meet-and-greet on Monday evening. Please watch the conference newsletter, The Particulars, the Whoova app and your emails for details. This will be a fun time to hang out, enjoy some appetizers, network and relax.

If it is your first time, be sure to attend a First Timer Orientation session on Sunday evening or Monday morning. The five Regional Directors will answer all your questions about what to expect for the week and a bit of an overview about ASPAN. It is a great opportunity to connect and be welcomed.

Words of wisdom- bring layers. Conference rooms have reliably unpredictable temps, so be ready and bring a sweater. Wear comfortable shoes- I still have unrealistic expectations of footwear and end up with sore feet because I want to wear my cute heels. Leave room in your luggage. You are bound to want to take things home from the ASPAN Shoppe and from our venders in the expo hall. I always look forward to updating my perianesthesia library. Most important, wear your smile. Say, “Hi” and make new friends. I see some of my best friends once a year- we catch up, hug and enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee. It all starts with greeting the person sitting next to you in the session.

See y’all in Dallas!