Congress attendees enjoy many events in Chicago, including those in celebration of the 50th annual Congress; Sunday, March 23, to Thursday, March 27, 2003 - Congress Highlights - Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

AORN Journal,  June, 2003  by Nikki Parker

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The 50th annual Congress, a milestone in AORN's history, was celebrated throughout Congress week. On Sunday, March 23, 2003, four nurses who have been AORN members for the past 50 years led the processional into Opening Session, including Caquese Chaffin, RN; Maureen Pearson, RN; Sophie Sackett, RN; and Betty Thomas, RN, BS, MnSC, CNAA. Also recognized during Opening Session were the 14 AORN chapters that have been in existence for the past 50 years and the six companies that have exhibited at Congress for the past 50 years.

On Monday, March 24, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the past 50 Congresses in an education session titled "A Look at 50 Congresses: Energy, Education, Entertainment." Attendees learned that Dallas and Anaheim, Calif, have hosted Congress most often, at eight times each; Edythe Alexander, author of Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery, presented at Congress in 1955; and the first exhibitors' party was a chuck wagon dinner.

Chicago-style pizza, music from the past 50 years, and entertaining impersonators drew large numbers of attendees and exhibitors to Chicago's Navy Pier on Tuesday evening, March 25. The culmination of AORN's celebration of its 50th annual Congress, "Dance Through the Decades," showcased Aretha Franklin, the Blues Brothers, Ray Charles, and Elvis impersonators. Those in attendance danced the night away, enjoying an evening of fun.

Photographs from these and other Congress events can be found on the next several pages. Mark your calendars for the 51st annual Congress, which will be held in San Diego, March 21 to 25, 2004.

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