2026 TraumaCon shortlist: Five Sessions to Have on Your Radar
Heading to TraumaCon 2026 in Austin? We've gathered five conference sessions we're looking forward to, from performance improvement and registry-driven programs to AI, research, and leadership, plus where to find us on the floor and other info you don't want to miss.
TraumaCon Sessions We're Looking Forward To
1. Expert Secrets Revealed: Trauma Performance Improvement Tips to Transform Your Program
April 15, 12:30 pm - 5:45 pm - PI/PIPS
From their agenda:
This session aims to address the inquiries and demands from trauma program staff. Each session will adopt a case-based learning approach featuring realistic scenarios.
The session will incorporate the knowledge, hands-on experience, and insights from experts who have direct experience as surveyors and program leaders, along with practical advice for developing and maintaining a trauma PIPS program, which will be integrated throughout all components of this session.
Why this matters:
This session focuses on practical ways to strengthen trauma PI programs using case-based guidance from experienced program leaders and surveyors.
2. Impact of AI and Virtual Reality on the Future of Medical and Nursing Education
April, 16, 10:45 am-11:15 am - AI / data / education
From their agenda:
Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are reshaping how we train the next generation of healthcare providers. This session will immerse participants in the future of medical and nursing education by demonstrating how VR can bring basic rescue skills to life, empowering both professionals and communities to respond effectively in emergencies.
Attendees will discover how AI-driven adaptive learning personalizes training, accelerates competency, and bridges gaps between theory and practice. The session will also explore innovative pathways for integrating these technologies into curricula, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and ensuring equity in access across diverse settings. Whether you are an educator, clinician, or policymaker, this presentation offers practical insights and inspiration for harnessing cutting-edge tools to prepare a resilient healthcare workforce.
Why this matters:
This session looks at how AI and VR can be applied in practical ways to trauma and nursing education.
3. Break the Cycle: Using Trauma Registries to Drive Formation of Healthsystem Violence Intervention Program
April, 17 I 9:00 am - 10:00 am - trauma registry / program design /HVIPs
From their agenda:
Violence is a public health crisis, one that hospitals are uniquely positioned to interrupt. This session will explore how trauma registries can be leveraged to design, implement, and sustain Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs).
Presenters will walk through real-world examples of identifying patterns of intentional injury, engaging community partners, and building data-driven case management strategies. Participants will gain insight into how to use existing trauma data not just for reporting, but for driving proactive, equity-centered violence prevention initiatives. Whether you're just beginning or looking to expand an existing program, this session will provide practical tools to break the cycle of violence, starting from the hospital bed.
Why this matters:
This session shows how registry data can help support the design of violence intervention programs and guide prevention efforts.
4. Nurse Scientists in Action: Participant Recruitment Using the Trauma Registry for Collaborative Research Endeavors
April, 17 I 10:10 am-11:10 am - registry / research
From their agenda:
Engagement in research is a requirement of Level 1 trauma centers. Nurse scientists play a crucial role in coordinating patient-centered research endeavors and facilitating collaborations between trauma centers and academic teams.
Data from trauma registries can be used to identify trends in trauma events within communities to inform nursing interventions that address unique patient needs and to maximize health outcomes. Nurses can access this information, but they may face challenges in applying it to research that leads to improved practices.
This presentation focuses on the recruitment strategies employed by a multidisciplinary team from an R1 university and a Level 1 trauma center for an NIH-funded project aimed at reducing alcohol-related health disparities and treatment inequities, with an emphasis on the challenges and successes encountered. Also highlighted are the contributions of nurses from a trauma-prevention department and a nurse scientist to the application of trauma-informed care practices in implementing this project.
Why this matters:
This session highlights how trauma registry data can support research recruitment and collaboration in Level 1 trauma centers.
5. Leading With Kindness: The Power of Compassionate Leadership
April, 17 I 11:20 am-12:20 pm - Leadership
From their agenda:
This session explores how kindness and empathy can transform leadership and organizational culture. Participants will learn practical strategies for fostering trust, resilience, and collaboration through compassionate leadership.
We'll discuss the impact of kindness on team performance, employee well-being, and long-term success, and provide actionable tools to lead with authenticity and care in challenging times.
Why this matters:
This session focuses on leadership habits that can improve trust, collaboration, and culture across trauma teams.
Bonus Session: Care of the Burned Patient in a Level IV Trauma Center: Lessons Learned
April, 17 I 11:20 am-12:20 pm - burn systems
From their agenda:
The care and management of burn patients remain a significant challenge in community emergency departments. Unlike specialized burn centers, many emergency departments, including Level IV trauma centers, often lack immediate access to burn specialists, standardized treatment protocols, and ongoing educational resources.
These gaps can result in delayed interventions, prolonged transfers, and increased risk of complications for patients. This case study presentation examines adult and pediatric burn patients managed at a Level IV trauma center, highlighting clinical presentation, interventions, outcomes, and key lessons learned.
Why this matters:
This session looks at practical lessons for managing burn patients in settings without immediate access to specialized burn resources.
Visit NQS Booth + Trauma TEAMS Booths
If you're attending TraumaCon 2026, make sure to stop by our booths. NQS and Trauma TEAMS will be located right next to each other.
Come to NQS booth #117 to:
- Meet the NQS team
- Get a demo of the NQS trauma platform including our modern trauma registry & PI tools. See how our new burn registry brings detailed burn data, PI, and reporting into one system, all backed by dedicated support.
- Support a great cause, stop by the booth and see how NQS will donate to the Trauma Survivor's Network in your name.
Whether you're exploring new registry options or looking to improve PI workflows, we'd love to connect and show you what a modern trauma platform looks like.
And you can find the Trauma TEAMS booth #119 right next to the NQS booth:
- Learn more about the Trauma TEAMS trauma leadership scholarships for new and experienced trauma leaders. Enhance your professional development, expand your industry connections, and become a stronger leader.
- Get details on how to apply and be part of the 2026 Trauma TEAMS Scholarship cohort.
If you're focused on advancing your leadership skills or supporting someone on your team, this is a great opportunity to learn more.
Can't Make It to the Conference?
Not attending this year? No problem.
You can still:
- Connect with us anytime: reach out via email, chat (on any page here), or book a demo to try the trauma registry yourself.
- Plus, check out the Trauma TEAMS Scholarship. Learn more and apply or join the waitlist.
Advancing Trauma Program Leadership
Excellence in trauma care depends on leadership, data, and continuous improvement.
The sessions and conversations at TraumaCon 2026 bring trauma professionals together to share ideas, strengthen programs, and improve patient outcomes.
If you're attending, stop by the NQS and Trauma TEAMS booths to connect, explore new solutions, and be part of what's next in trauma care.