35th Annual Course • Salt Lake City, UT • May 16-21, 2008

Attendees Experience Power of SGNA at 35th Annual Course

Nearly 2,500 gastroenterology and endoscopy professionals experienced the “Power to Make a Difference,” May 16-21, at SGNA's 35th Annual Course in Salt Lake City, Utah. The annual event offered six days of educational sessions and networking in an unforgettable city. Each opportunity allowed individuals to continue shaping the GI field, their patients and themselves.

One of SGNA's goals in 2008 is to expand the exchange of ideas among like-minded peers, and this year's Annual Course delivered. Attendees were able to earn up to 40 contact hours over six days of General, Optional and Concurrent Sessions. Networking was an event fixture, with attendees conversing in classrooms, the Exhibit Hall and throughout the Salt Palace Convention Center. The SGNA Annual Business Meeting and House of Delegates Meeting invited attendees to listen to SGNA's leadership debate and vote on resolutions for the Society's future.

The 35th Annual Course also featured an expansive exhibit hall, with more than 27,000 square feet of exhibit space and nearly 100 exhibiting companies. 10 of these companies were first-time exhibitors with SGNA. 19 exhibitors also introduced new products at their booths, which allowed attendees to browse and view demonstrations of the latest products hitting the GI market.

In a speech to Course attendees, 2007-08 SGNA President Sandra Cialfi, MBA BSN RN CGRN, outlined SGNA's successes during her presidential term, including:

• Building and further developing relationships with other organizations in the industry
• Participating in a joint industry venture, www.SedationFacts.org, to provide GI professionals with a comprehensive information resource on GI sedation
• Creating an "Experienced" track at the Annual Course to more fully serve the full range of GI nurses
• Developing new educational offerings, such as Learning Link, to maintain SGNA's reputation as the gold standard in GI nursing education and training

Cialfi turned her presidential reigns to successor, Lisa Heard, BSN RN CGRN, with the passing of the gavel on Tuesday, May 20.

In her inaugural remarks to attendees, Lisa Heard reminded attendees to save the date for the 36th Annual Course, May 15-20, in St. Louis, Missouri. The event promises to bring top-notch educational sessions, networking events and exhibits that SGNA members have come to expect.

SGNA Awards Outstanding GI and endoscopy nurses at 2008 Annual Course. Click here to read more.

Click here for exhibitor/vendor information.

Click here for sponsor information.

"While attending college in 1980, I joined the world of Endoscopy, I fell in love with my work and never looked back. I became a member of the SGNA family in 1985. Attending my 1st Annual Course that year in New York City. I have continued to attend them ever since (and yes you can easily compare them to to a family reunion with all the fun, but I always learn a bunch too). SGNA members and activities have been a giant blessing in my life. I have had the honor of working side by side with some incredible and energetic people dedicated to the mission of SGNA on the program committee, as well as many other committee's. I have traveled and taught across the globe, as we share one strong common bond...our passion for G.I. education. When certification was available to associates I was certified, I currently advocate for better ways to validate the knowledge and skills of our Associates. SGNA provides so much to each of it's members, including great opportunities for Associates."
-- Gail Greco-Bieri