Thousands of emergency nurses turned the clock back to the 1970s during the Emergency
Nursing 2026 Welcome Reception, lighting up the dance floor in sequined outfits, boots and cowboy hats.
Among the attendees was Kristina Gamble, DNP, RN, CEN, a forensic nurse from New Jersey. Emergency Nursing 2026 was her fourth conference, and though Gamble said she’s more of an introvert, she makes an exception for the Welcome Reception because she knows she’ll see folks who can relate to her like few others can.
“Coming here, I get to see people from all over that I haven’t seen in a year and really reconnect with them,” she said. “That’s been wonderful, and that’s why I keep coming back.”
This year, Gamble said she’s been making a point to connect with other forensic nurses in attendance at Emergency Nursing. The Welcome Reception served as another place for her to strengthen those ties.
“I’ve connected with two forensic nurses from Florida who need some help with their program, and I was so happy that I could actually mentor them,” she said. “All of our programs are so different, but we could still really use the help from everybody else.”
The night kicked off with local DJs Musa Mind and DJ Yes Jess, who kept the Desert Disco vibes going all night long.
Beyond the dance floor, attendees had no shortage of offerings to enjoy. Nurses became live subjects for local neon caricaturist Brigham Kerr, whose booth was set up next to a giant two-player Pac-Man arcade game. On the opposite end of the venue, the Vogue light booth provided an opportunity for glamorous photo sessions. A massive light board gave attendees a place to leave personalized messages.
More than 100 people purchased a VIP Welcome Reception ticket, which granted them access
to an exclusive bar, hors d’oeuvres and extra seating areas as they enjoyed the festivities. Proceeds from the VIP tickets went toward the ENA Foundation, which has been running its 35 for 35 Anniversary campaign throughout Emergency Nursing 2026. By the end of the evening, the Foundation’s campaign had raised more than $17,200 toward its $35,000 goal. Former ENA Foundation Chair Amy Boren, MS, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, EMT-B, TCRN, said the night highlighted how supportive the ENA community is.
“Seeing our community show up for the Foundation and for each other is something I look forward to every year,” she said.