Welcome | AARC Congress 2026

Join us for AARC Congress 2026

Welcome to Congress 2026! Join us Nov. 14–17 in New Orleans, Louisiana, for our annual Congress event, bringing respiratory therapists from around the globe together for learning, connecting, and getting a glimpse of the latest industry trends.

Designed for respiratory therapists of all levels and specialties, Congress will focus on the topics, tools, and skills to enhance your career.

Spread across four days, Congress includes 140+ sessions filled with specially designed lectures, symposiums, networking events, research presentations, and exhibit hall browsing.

See you soon!

Congress begins in:

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Meet Your 2026 Plenary Speakers

Keynote Presenter

Dr. Rana Awdish
MD

Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Henry Ford Hospital

Plenary Presenters

Tiina Andersen
PhD, RPT

Professor
Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway

Lorenzo Berra
MD

Anesthesiologist, Critical Care Physician, and Medical Director of Respiratory Care
Massachusetts General Hospital

Andrew Miller
MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC

Associate Director of Respiratory Care Research
Duke University Medical Center

Schedule Highlights

Day 1 — Saturday, Nov. 14

Welcome Address and Opening Keynote

Expo Hall Grand Opening

Session Topics: General Topics, New Findings, Leadership and Management, Adult Acute Care, Education, Neonatal/Pediatrics, and Pulmonary Function

AARC Annual Awards Ceremony

Welcome Party

4.0+ CRCE Available

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Day 2 — Sunday, Nov. 15

Plenary: 14th Thomas L. Petty Memorial Lecture

Session Topics: Education, Neonatal/Pediatrics, Leadership and Management, Adult Acute Care, and Transport

Open Forum

5.0+ CRCE Available

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Day 3 — Monday, Nov. 16

Flag Folding Ceremony

Plenary: 6th Robert M. Kacmarek Scientific Memorial Lecture

Session Topics: Sleep, Adult Acute Care, Patient Safety, Ambulatory and Post Acute Care, Neonatal/Pediatrics, Leadership and Management, and Ethics

Open Forum

Sputum Bowl Finals

6.0+ CRCE Available

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Day 4 — Tuesday, Nov. 17

Agency Update

Closing Ceremony

Plenary: 42nd Phil Kittredge Memorial Lecture

Session Topics: Education, Adult Acute Care, Neonatal/Pediatrics, and Clinical Practice

Symposiums: Journal Symposium

3.0+ CRCE Available

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Location

AARC Congress 2026 will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, just a quick ride from the New Orleans International Airport. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ vibrant Warehouse and Arts District, the Convention Center and our headquarters hotel put you just steps away from the magic of this unique city, including the French Quarter, Mississippi Riverfront, and world-renowned music, culture, and culinary delights. Your time outside of AARC Congress sessions promises to be just as inspiring as the program inside.