The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) enters 2026 with its most ambitious calendar to date; a dynamic year of learning, collaboration, and engagement designed to elevate excellence across the perioperative profession.
With a revitalised programme of flagship events, specialist Symposiums, Regional Conferences, and an expanding webinar series – each offering valuable CPD hours, AfPP continues to champion safer surgery by creating opportunities for practitioners to connect, learn, and lead positive change.
“From large-scale national gatherings to focused specialist events, AfPP’s 2026 programme offers multiple touchpoints to connect, learn, and influence best practice in hospital theatres across the UK,” said Alex Duke, AfPP’s Chief Executive Officer.
The 2026 Annual National Conference: Celebrating ‘The Power of You’
At the heart of this year’s programme is AfPP’s flagship learning and networking opportunity, the Annual National Conference, taking place on 7-8 August at Wyboston Lakes Resort. In line with AfPP’s commitment to supporting perioperative professionals at every stage of their career, 2026’s conference theme is: ‘The Power of You: Putting Practitioners at the Heart of Safer Surgery’.
This year’s theme celebrates the expertise, resilience, and influence of perioperative practitioners and reinforces the essential role each individual plays in improving patient outcomes.
AfPP Events Lead Vicky Wong explains: “The Power of You is about recognising the vital impact every practitioner has, whether on the frontline, in leadership, or in education. This year’s programme is designed to honour that contribution, elevate confidence, and give delegates the tools and inspiration they need to drive safer surgery forward.”
Five learning streams supporting growth and wellbeing
Reflecting this theme, the conference introduces five refreshed learning streams, developed to support professional growth and wellbeing in equal measure:
- Driving Change – Emerging technologies, innovation, and professional development.
- Wellbeing Studio – Mental health, resilience, and self-care sessions.
- Clinical Education – Best practice, safety updates, and evidence-based learning.
- Culture & Workforce Workshops – Leadership, communication, and organisational culture.
- Skills Lab – Hands-on practical sessions to strengthen perioperative competencies.
Delegates can further look forward to keynote speakers, practical workshops, live demonstrations, a vibrant exhibition, and valuable networking opportunities, alongside flexible payment plans to make attendance more accessible, and 13 CPD hours.
Regional Conferences bringing learning closer to practice
While the Annual National Conference forms the anchor of AfPP’s educational programme, the organisation’s commitment to year-round learning is equally reflected in its six Regional Conferences, taking place across Birmingham, Cambridge, Manchester, Bristol, London, and Edinburgh. These events bring high-quality, accessible education directly to perioperative teams, offering evidence-based sessions aligned with national standards, specialist exhibitors, and opportunities to share experiences with peers. Delegates can earn 5 CPD hours at each Regional Conference.
Specialist Symposiums for deep-dive learning
AfPP also continues its deep-dive Symposium Series, designed to target specific areas of clinical interest with expert speakers and focused industry involvement. The 2026/27 Symposium topics include Emergencies & Trauma, Human Factors, and a Leadership Symposium exploring further specialist themes. Delegates can earn 5 CPD hours at each Symposium.
A comprehensive webinar programme for flexible learning
Complementing the in-person programme, AfPP’s extensive webinar series remains a vital resource, providing more than 24 live sessions each year, supported by a growing on-demand library accessed over 1,000 times annually. Topics range from infection prevention and sustainability to orthopaedic trauma, sharp safety, and emerging themes such as AI in healthcare and perioperative hypothermia, and each webinar offers CPD hours.
Strengthening the perioperative community
Together, these events form a cohesive and purposeful programme, designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and nurture the professional community that underpins safer patient care.
Join us for 2026
With 1,800+ delegates and 94 exhibitors attending AfPP events in 2025 alone, the growing demand for high-quality perioperative education is clear. AfPP’s 2026 programme builds on this momentum, offering even more opportunities for practitioners and industry partners to engage, grow, and collaborate, while gaining valuable CPD hours.
AfPP invites perioperative professionals, organisations, and partners to join the 2026 events programme and play an active role in shaping the future of surgical excellence.
Find out more and explore all upcoming events:
https://www.afpp.org.uk/events/