By Serena Agusto-Cox | News & Views

The 41st AACVPR Annual Meeting (Sept. 30–Oct. 2) in San Antonio, Texas, represents a bold step forward for the association. With an innovative format, new energy, and expanded engagement opportunities, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation (CR/PR) professionals will get even more from their experience than ever before. AACVPR has renewed its focus on connection, innovation, and engagement; and this year’s meeting brings that vision into focus.

To learn more about what attendees can expect, News & Views spoke with Annual Meeting Program Committee Chair Karen A. Edwards, MS, RCEP, RRT, FAACVPR, regional manager for PSR Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Pulse Heart Institute, MultiCare Health System, and Vice Chair Sherrie Khadanga, MD, FAACVPR, associate professor of medicine at the University of Vermont (UVM) Larner College of Medicine.

“AACVPR’s refreshed brand comes to life through a more intentional and engaging meeting design — moving beyond traditional lecture formats to a dynamic, experience-driven event,” says Edwards. “This year’s Annual Meeting introduces redesigned schedules, interactive session formats, and innovative elements like a game show to energize attendees and foster connection.”

Redesigned Schedule and Educational Opportunities

A key enhancement this year is an innovative schedule that delivers more programming and continuing education (CE) credit opportunities for attendees. To achieve greater connection and provide attendees with more fun in their education, attendees can start their journey earlier on Wednesday morning (Sept. 30).

In-person attendees can earn 6.25 additional CE credits compared to last year, an intentional shift that will maximize time and investment. With in-person registration, meeting-goers can receive up to 18.5 CE credits, and when coupled with on-demand learning, they can earn up to 50 CE credits. For on-demand learning only, registrants can obtain up to 44 CE credits.

“Attendees will also notice the shift from a traditional, lecture-based meeting to a more dynamic and engaging experience,” says Edwards. “These changes make the meeting feel more modern, intentional, and engaging from the start.” These changes demonstrate AACVPR’s commitment to accessible, flexible, and comprehensive professional development.

Additional enhancements include increased session offerings, expanded poster sessions, and new formats to encourage small-group discussions. “The poster sessions are also a great way to connect, learn from peers, and share real-world experiences,” Edwards says.

Active and Shared Learning Through Dialogue

Moving away from lecture-based sessions, attendees will take an active role in their learning, with opportunities to share what they’ve learned in practice with their peers. “One of the best aspects of the meeting is the opportunity to learn from one another, sharing our own experience and troubleshooting expertise,” says Khadanga. “All attendees come with the goal of doing better for our patients, so we worked to create sessions that enhance participant dialogue.”

From “Ask the Experts” sessions to an expansion of the Journal Club led by Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention editors, these interactive experiences create space for deeper discussion and lead to real-world applications. The Journal Club will be one of the morning opportunities on October 1 and 2, concurrent with wellness activities, providing space to explore how evidence is developed and informs cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

“The new session formats are designed to move learning from a passive experience to a more interactive one,” says Edwards. “Attendees aren’t just listening, they’re actively engaging with the material and each other, which makes learning more relevant and memorable.”

A Game-Changing Experience

Among the most anticipated features this year is an interactive game show event. “The Best Little Game Show in Texas: AACVPR Trivia Night,” on Thursday evening (Oct. 1) is expected to be a lively, trivia-style experience designed to blend education with fun. “The game show is about creating an energizing, audience-driven experience that brings people together,” says Edwards. “It’s designed to be inclusive, with opportunities to form teams on the spot and participate in friendly competition.”

Hosted by Katherine Menson, DO, and Ash Walker, DHSc, ACSM-CEP, FAACVPR, FCEPA, the game show will challenge attendees to put their cardiopulmonary rehabilitation knowledge to the test in a fun, fast-paced format. Participants will form teams and compete by answering questions across a variety of cardiopulmonary topics, reinforcing key concepts while engaging in real-time learning.

“We wanted to deliver education based on the new AACVPR guidelines in a fun way,” says Khadanga. “Trivia emerged as a way to bring people together and learn. We know many of our chapters are competitive, so this will also spark a sense of community and program pride.”

Attendees are encouraged to assemble teams in advance or join one onsite, making it easy for everyone to participate.

High Energy and Big Impact

When asked what they’re personally looking forward to, both leaders emphasized the energy and sense of discovery the meeting will bring. “Poster sessions are always exciting — you see new research and learn from other programs’ experiences,” says Khadanga. “And we’re especially excited for trivia night as a fun way to bring everything together.”

Edwards also says she’s excited for the pulmonary rehab and leadership sessions because they highlight the diversity and innovation happening across programs. They both recommend attendees lean in to make the most of their experience. “Use your voice! We want to hear your questions and your experiences — that’s what makes the meeting stronger,” Khadanga says.

With expanded CE opportunities, innovative session formats, and new interactive elements, the 41st AACVPR Annual Meeting promises a fresh, engaging, and community-centered experience for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation professionals.

Register today for the 41st AACVPR Annual Meeting (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) and fuel your progress with passion and leverage your energy for greater impact.