Summer Forum 2026 Inspires Leaders and Educators

AARC Summer Forum 2026, held July 13-15 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, brought together more than 600 leaders and educators from around the globe for three amazing days of learning, networking, and fun. Thank you to all our attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors for an outstanding and inspiring event. We’d also like to express our gratitude to all the individuals who donated to the ARCF and the Disaster Relief Fund throughout the event, especially past AARC President Karen Schell, DHSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT, RRT-SDS, and member Carolyn Williams, RRT, FAARC, for dressing up in duck outfits to encourage attendees to Duck, Duck, Donate!

Here’s a brief recap:

Sunday, July 12, Master Class: The Blueprint for Clinical Readiness: Aligning Respiratory Care Simulation with Best Practice Standards
This comprehensive course showcased the full lifecycle of high-quality simulation for attendees, from design and debriefing to evaluation and virtual reality integration. The workshop further guided educators through practical strategies to build clinical readiness and close learning gaps. Speakers included: Samantha Davis, DMSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, CHSE-A, FAARC, Jasmine Brown, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, CHSE-A, Stephanie Holst, MS, RRT, Theresa Meinen, MS, RRT, CHSE, and James Keith, MHs-Ed, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, CHSE.

Monday, July 13: Building Evidence and Foundation
The meeting officially kicked off with a welcome address by AARC President Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP, who highlighted recent AARC accomplishments and what’s in store for the meeting.  The Keynote Lecture: The S.P. “Sam” Giordano, MBA, RRT, FAARC, Leadership Lecture Series followed and featured Brady Scott, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC, discussing “It’s a ‘We’ Problem, Not a ‘They’ Problem: Building the Evidence.” Other sessions on Day 1 focused on best practices in mentorship, transitioning students from classroom to clinical practice, supporting student mental health, and exam review techniques such as the “3-Pen Method.”

The evening Expo Meet and Greet connected attendees directly with leading industry representatives and exhibitors, who enjoyed beverages and snacks. AARC thanks OneVisionRC for their support of the event.

The final activity for Day 1 was the annual Welcome Party, which this time was located poolside on a beautiful but slightly steamy evening! Attendees enjoyed drinks, amazing food, dancing, and awesome prizes and games to cap off the night.

Tuesday, July 14: Navigating the Future of Practice and Education

Day two opened with the Jimmy A. Young Memorial Lecture, “From Vision to Vital Role: The APRT Journey,” led by Robert Shaw, PhD, RRT, FAARC, Sarah Varekojis, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, FNAP, David Vines, PhD, RRT, FAARC, and Mindy Conklin, RRT, RRT-ACCS, who highlighted progress, accreditation standards, and licensure efforts surrounding the Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist role. Morning sessions tackled key industry updates and hot topics, including the 2026 CoARC Entry into Practice Standards and the contrast between workplace burnout and professional resilience.

During the midday break, attendees connected with industry partners in the Expo Hall again before diving into afternoon tracks focused on leadership decision-making and the CoARC Symposium, which explored critical strategies for building and sustaining the respiratory care faculty pipeline.

Wednesday, July 15: Competency, Simulation and Interactive Leadership

Day three opened with Agency Updates delivered by Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP, AARC President; Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT–NPS, RRT–ACCS, FAARC, ARCF Chair; Joyce Baker, MPH, MBA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC, NBRC President; and Pat Munzer, DHSc, RRT, FAARC, CoARC President. These updates offered critical insights into the state of the profession, research, credentialing, and accreditation. Morning education and leadership tracks featured the Dr. Helmholz Education Lecture on using simulation to enhance clinical readiness, along with sessions on upcoming changes to NBRC credential maintenance, active-shooter emergency preparedness, team accountability, and adaptive situational leadership. The conference wrapped up with an inspiring Closing Ceremony keynote, “Leading with YES, AND…,” where Mike Eppehimer equipped attendees with improv-inspired tools to adapt in real time and foster strong, positive organizational cultures.

AARC would like to thank all of our Summer Forum sponsors: Draeger, Inc., Linde Gas & Equipment, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Sunset Healthcare, OneVisionRC, Kettering National Seminars, MGC Diagnostics, Airgas Therapeutics, Platinum Educational Group, Medtronic.

For additional pictures and highlights, visit our social media pages and check out the Summer Forum online community in AARConnect.

Mark your calendar for July 14–16, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, Cedar Creek, Texas (Near Austin) for the next Summer Forum.