The AfPP Annual National Conference 2026 will bring together perioperative professionals from across the UK for two days dedicated to education, professional development, shared learning and safer surgery.
Taking place on 7-8 August 2026 at Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire, this year’s conference is shaped around the theme “The Power of You: Putting Practitioners at the Heart of Safer Surgery.” It is a theme that reflects the vital role practitioners play every day in delivering safe, effective and compassionate care.
For those attending, the conference offers far more than a timetable of sessions. It is an opportunity to step away from the pressures of the clinical environment, focus on learning, hear from respected voices from across the perioperative environment and return to work with new ideas, fresh insight and renewed confidence.
As the UK’s leading membership organisation for perioperative practitioners, the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) works to improve patient care and outcomes by promoting high standards in surgical practice. The Annual National Conference is one of the organisation’s key opportunities to bring that purpose to life, creating a space where practitioners can learn, reflect, connect and contribute to the wider conversation around safer surgery.
Alex Duke, AfPP CEO, says the event reflects AfPP’s commitment to supporting practitioners at every stage of their career: “At AfPP, our mission is to support, educate and empower perioperative practitioners so they can deliver the highest standards of patient care. The Annual National Conference brings that mission to life. It creates a space for practitioners to learn from experts, share experiences with peers and return to their teams with renewed confidence, practical knowledge and fresh ideas. For anyone committed to safer surgery and stronger perioperative practice, it is a must-attend event.”
Education designed for real-world impact
Education sits at the heart of the AfPP Annual National Conference. Across the two days, delegates can gain up to 13.5 CPD hours through a programme designed to balance expert insight, practical learning and professional reflection.
Sessions are structured across five learning streams, allowing delegates to shape the agenda around their role, interests and development goals whilst keeping the overall focus firmly on safer, more confident practice.
Together, the streams give delegates a rounded view of perioperative practice, from clinical standards and innovation to wellbeing, leadership and hands-on skills.
The five streams are:
Driving Change - Explore new technologies, innovations, and policies, with sessions supporting both professional and personal development.
• Wellbeing Studio - Sessions to support mental health, resilience, and self-care.
• Clinical Education - Gain the latest insights on best practice, patient safety, and emerging research.
• Culture & Workforce Workshops - Build confidence in leadership, conflict management, communication, and organisational culture.
• Skills Lab - Practical workshops to refine essential perioperative techniques.
The AfPP Annual National Conference 2026 has been built around the people at the heart of perioperative practice. Its theme, programme and speaker lineup all reflect the importance of supporting practitioners to develop, lead, question, improve and advocate.
Across the two days, delegates will be able to explore new ideas, strengthen their skills and be part of a community focused on improving patient care. From the education streams and expert speakers to practical workshops, networking opportunities and AfPP Fest, the conference has been designed to offer a meaningful and energising delegate experience.
Above all, the AfPP Annual National Conference is a reminder that safer surgery is shaped by people: by the knowledge they build, the standards they uphold, the questions they ask and the care they provide every day.
To find out more about AfPP and how to become a member, visit www.afpp.org.uk
