Hands-on Learning, Latest Tech, More at NTI 2026 Expo

WHAT: The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) hosts its National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI, #NTI2026) May 17-20 in San Diego. NTI – the world’s largest conference for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients – includes the Critical Care Exposition, the largest and most comprehensive trade show specifically for acute care, progressive care and critical care nurses. Hundreds of exhibits covering over 200,000 square feet will showcase cutting-edge healthcare equipment, the latest medical devices and supplies, and career opportunities. Participating California organizations include AseptiScope, BD, Ceribell, Kurin, Masimo, Nihon Kohden America and Pryer Products, as well as several health systems and nursing schools. Exhibiting companies range from startups to leading global corporations.

WHO: More than 6,000 nurses from ICU, cardiac care, telemetry, long-term acute care, patient transport, emergency and other progressive care and critical care areas

WHEN: 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 19
10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 20

WHERE: San Diego Convention Center (Halls A-B-C)

SELECTED EXHIBITS (Nearly 300 exhibiting companies and organizations)

Learning Centers

NTI continues to offer its popular ExpoEd program with eight Learning Centers offering in-booth educational sessions on specialized topics, such as sepsis, tele-critical care and long-term acute care hospitals. Rady Children’s Health is coordinating and presenting educational content for the Pediatric Nursing Learning Center.

Advanced Critical Care Skills Experience

This new addition to the Critical Care Expo offers interactive, hands-on skill stations where nurses can improve their critical care skills and techniques. More than 17 skill stations with expert trainers will demonstrate and teach a variety of skill training opportunities.

Other Hands-on Activities and Displays

The Critical Care Challenge is a clinical competition in which teams of nurses use their clinical knowledge and skills to provide care for a simulated patient. Attendees can wear virtual reality headsets in the Sepsis Showcase and experience highly interactive scenarios in a patient-room format. Experts from the American College of Surgeons will provide hands-on training related to the Stop the Bleed program. The Greater Los Angeles Service & Therapy Dog Training Program will present educational sessions on animal-assisted therapy, plus trainers and their therapy dogs will be on-hand to interact with nurses.

Transport Nursing

Sponsored by the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), the Transport Nursing Learning Center offers sessions and provides a look inside patient transport vehicles, including two ambulances from the 1950s and 1970s from Symbiosis and Care Ambulance.

Patient Care Innovations

Healthcare and medical device companies, including sector leaders and startups, offer interactive demonstrations of the newest equipment, devices, supplies and technology in the exhibit hall.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST MEDIA CREDENTIALS

Visit www.aacn.org/nti or www.aacn.org/pressreleases, or contact AACN Communications Representative Kristie Aylett, APR, kristie.aylett@aacn.org, 228-229-9472 (voice/text).