ENjoy Your Mile-High Conference Experience!

By Amy Boren — Colorado ENA State Council President  

On behalf of the Colorado ENA State Council, welcome to Emergency Nursing 2022!  

We’re thrilled to be hosting ENA’s annual education and networking conference, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 in the Colorado Convention Center — and all around the world for digital attendees.  

I hope you’re ready to reconnect and recharge. Under the friendly gaze of the 40-foot-tall Blue Bear statue, we’ll reunite with ENA friends we haven’t seen in years. The days will be packed with parties, Edutainment sessions and networking events. There are more than 100 engaging education sessions that will offer something for everyone. Twenty-six sessions will be streamed live for those participating online. 

The huge Experience Hall space, open Oct. 1-2, will feature 170 exhibitors. You’ll be able to try out some exciting hands-on exhibits in the Skills Around the World area. Be sure to cheer on the teams competing for the title in the annual SIM Wars competition. We also encourage you to take part in a special self-reflective DEI activity to learn more about identity and stereotypes. And if you are feeling chilly, Colorado ENA will be selling hoodies, beanies and more at booth 1054.  

Get ready to party Oct. 1 and get a taste of Rocky Mountain Adventures fun at the ENA Welcome Party. This is one of my favorite events every year. And, I can’t wait to see the ENA Board of Directors debut their TikTok video as they pay off their ENStrong Challenge bet with the ENA Foundation Board of Trustees.  

There is plenty to see in walkable downtown Denver — visitors love our restaurants, murals and street art. Be sure to check out the Healthcare Hero and Frontline Fighter murals created by Austin Zucchini-Fowler honoring our work throughout COVID-19. The Convention Center is close to many Victorian buildings, including the real home of Molly Brown. You can also shop in historic Larimer Square or along the 16th Street Mall.   

Consider a visit to our art museums, Denver Union Station, the Botanical Gardens, the Denver Mint, State Capital or the Denver Zoo. If you have time for a day trip, you can tour Garden of the Gods or drive to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs.  

You might be wondering about the weather when you are here. As a Colorado native, I can reliably tell you it will be somewhere between 30 and 90 degrees. Layers are crucial and anything above 50 is flip-flop weather. The other thing to keep in mind is that our city is one mile above sea level. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay hydrated. If you develop a headache, you probably need some mountain-fresh tap water.  

While we are on the topic of hydration, please keep in mind adult beverages will affect you more than they do at lower elevations. Please pace yourself and stay safe.   

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has changed dramatically, and we want to make sure your experience in Denver is a safe one. We’re continuing to monitor COVID-19-related developments, including local, state and federal safety guidelines. Let us know if we can explain the safety precautions we’re following during Emergency Nursing 2022.  

Welcome to Denver, have fun and make good choices!