In 1993 five Midwest SGNA (Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates) regional societies (Central Illinois, Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio) collaborated to offer an educational and networking opportunity in the form of a two day conference event in the fall of the year opposite the Annual Spring National SGNA Conference and Convention. This event developed as a result of wanting to help meet the continuing needs of those involved in the field of Gastroenterology who were seeking to enhance their profession and further their education. The goals of this conference event are:
- To offer a conference that is similar to SGNA for people to attend that is not cost prohibitive
- To offer a format for regional societies to come together and work together
- To network and share ideas with others involved in the field of gastroenterology medical care, education, and research.
The following year, Wisconsin SGNA joined the network of regional societies and in 1996 Central Kentucky SGNA joined. From 1999 through 2013, seven regional societies (Central Illinois, Chicago, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) made up the regional network. In 2015 five regions offered a conference with the sole purpose of providing current trends in the field of gastroenterology, enabling nurses and associates to understand the expanding role of health care professionals relative to education and technical skills required to maintain a high standard of practice. This year, 2016, four regions remain dedicated to networking and planning an exciting educational event you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar and plan now to attend!
| 1993 – Indiana | 1999 – Central Kentucky | 2005 – Indiana | 2011 – Wisconsin |
| 1994 – Chicago | 2000 – Central Illinois | 2006 – Central Kentucky | 2012 – Indiana |
| 1995 – Michigan | 2001 – Michigan | 2007 – Michigan | 2013 – Kentucky |
| 1996 – Ohio | 2002 – Ohio | 2008 – Central Illinois | 2014 – Michigan |
| 1997 – Chicago | 2003 – Chicago | 2009 – Ohio | 2015 – Central Illinois |
| 1998 – Indiana | 2004 – Wisconsin | 2010 – Chicago | 2016 – Wisconsin |
The conference is usually held in October; this year it is being held in Indianapolis, Indiana ~ October 20-22, 2017.
Besides bringing in national and local speakers for the conference event; a vendor exhibit is also held. It is open to conference attendees who wish to view and discuss the applications and technology of products and material relative to their practice, education, and research in the field of gastroenterology.
In 2003 a website, www.multiregionalsgna.net was designed and developed to further promote the conference event and establish an online presence. This year, it is celebrating its 14th anniversary! It is through the dedicated efforts and hard work of the planning committee members (representatives from each region) that this conference remains an exceptional education and networking event each year.