Dear ACORN Colleague

Less than 6 months remain until we meet for our National Conference in the beautiful city of Perth and excitement is growing as more than 150 "expressions of interest" have been received from all over the country and internationally.

In addition, a wonderful program is ensured with more than 70 abstracts being submitted covering a wide range of issues of vital importance to Perioperative nurses. Outstanding keynote speakers will provide a strong program framework including controversial Charlie Teo who, despite a very busy schedule, has agreed to present.

We plan to make the program more interactive with panel discussions on topical subjects such as International Humanitarian Aid and Surgical Checklist - who is responsible? There will also be various workshops being hosted by our Medical Industry colleagues, as well as a session on Organ Donation. A professional facilitator will lead the discussions and it will give us the opportunity of bringing in industry experts on these issues.

Adding to our excitement has been the excellent response by our exhibitors in that more than 100 (target 120) exhibition booths have been confirmed already. Sponsorship too has been encouraging and although our target has not yet been reached, progress is good and we expect good things in the New Year.

It only remains for you, our delegates, to make the commitment to "Build a Strong Future" for our profession and prepare for your registration by taking advantage of cheap airfares currently available.

The detailed conference program will be prepared over the next few weeks and registration details will be confirmed by February. To make it more attractive for you, we are considering retaining the same registration fees as for the 2008 conference and with reasonable accommodation costs in Perth, you cannot afford to miss this great event.

As financial and business confidence gets better every month, "get with the rest" as they say and plan for the 14th National ACORN Conference to be your main goal for 2010.

I look forward to seeing you in Perth in May 2010.

Kind regards

Frances O'Brien
Conference Convenor