Author: Debra Johnson, RN, BSN, CIC
Infection preventionist with Stanford Healthcare and 2016 APIC Annual Conference Committee chair

Thirty years ago I headed off to Las Vegas to attend my first APIC Annual Conference; it was amazing and I’ve been hooked ever since! This year is no different; I’ve got my online program planner open and am ready to get started!

Every year, more than 2,500 clinical professionals from around the world gather for three days to learn about evidence-based advances in infection prevention and to advance their network. With more than 60 educational sessions across six topic tracks, two pre-conferences and attendance in the thousands, APIC 2016 will provide the tools and strategies to improve the practice of infection prevention.

As chair of the 43rd Annual APIC Conference being held June 11-13, I am excited at the robust variety of sessions that are available. Check out the program and find those sessions that spark your interest. Definitely plan on attending the opening ceremony on Saturday, June 11 to hear nationally recognized author and journalist Stephen Dubner as he applies Freakonomics to infection prevention. Our second day plenary is APIC favorite Bill Rutala discussing the latest on sterilization and disinfection. And make sure to catch the late-breaker session on Elizabethkingia where the Wisconsin Division of Public Health describes how they worked with the CDC to conduct epidemiologic, laboratory, and environmental investigations to determine the source of these infections.

APIC Annual Conference also provides incomparable networking opportunities, as well as the time to celebrate the work that our colleagues have done. Take time to view the posters and oral abstracts where you’ll see and hear about how others have used new and innovative ways to improve care. I have always found these sessions to be a great way to connect with others and have lively discussions. In addition, APIC 2016 stages the largest exhibit hall in the world dedicated to infection prevention, showcasing innovative products and services from more than 250 companies.

We invite you to join us. Help create a safer world through the prevention of infection by convening with your colleagues at APIC’s 43rd Annual Conference. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #APIC2016.