Meeting/Event Information

50th Annual Conference

 

September 25, 2025 8:00 AM -
September 26, 2025 12:00 PM
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Embassy Suites - Tampa Westshore
555 North Westshore Blvd.
Tampa , FL 33609
Directions

FPIC is pleased to announce that our 50th Annual Meeting will be held September 25 & 26, 2025 in Tampa. FL at the Embassy Suites - Tampa Westshore.   We will also offer online access to members that are unable join us onsite. 

Click here to download our FPIC 2025 Conference Attendee Prospectus.

Thursday September 25, 2025

 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM      Coffee with Sponsors

Kickstart FPIC 2025 with great coffee, fresh connections, and early access to the innovation driving infection prevention forward. Mingle with industry-leading sponsors, explore cutting-edge tools and technologies, and energize your morning with conversations that could spark your next big idea.

 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM       Opening Keynote: 

Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Identifying Health Care Associated Infections

Explore the cutting-edge integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the identification and surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Dr. Carrico will share findings from her recent proof-of-concept study and discuss the challenges, triumphs, and practical implications of AI for infection preventionists. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of infection surveillance and how AI is already transforming clinical practice.

Presented by:

Ruth Carrico PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP- C, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN

Dr. Carrico is a Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner, gratis faculty, with the University of Louisville School Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Carrico has received training specific for healthcare epidemiology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in conjunction with the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). Dr. Carrico served as editor for the APIC Text of Infection Control and Epidemiology from 2005-2012. In 2008, Dr. Carrico was appointed to the National Bio surveillance Subcommittee (NBS) Advisory Committee to the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in 2010 became a SHEA Fellow. In 2020 was recognized as a Distinguished Fellow in the National Academies of Practice and in October 2021, Dr. Carrico was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, the highest honor in the nursing profession. 

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM       Refreshment Break with Sponsors

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM     Stakeholder Panel & Town Hall Discussion

Engage with a diverse panel of infection prevention stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, regulatory experts, and policy influencers. This interactive session invites attendees to pose questions, raise concerns, and collaboratively explore key issues facing the field of infection prevention and control today.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM   Legislative & Regulatory Update

Stay informed with the latest federal and state legislative developments affecting infection prevention practices in Florida. Experts will provide updates on state and federal regulations, as well as upcoming policy changes and their anticipated impact on healthcare settings.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM    Lunch with Sponsors

 1:30 PM -2:30 PM       Break Out Sessions:

Option A: Mastering Modern Sterile Techniques - A Deep Dive into the New AORN Guidelines for Infection Preventionists

Stay ahead of the curve with a comprehensive review of the latest AORN Guidelines for Sterile Technique. This session is tailored for infection preventionists seeking to ensure best practices in surgical settings. Participants will explore updates in air quality management, hands-on implementation strategies, and case-based learning for real-world application.

Option B: Water Management During Emergency Situations - Establishing a Plan Before Disaster Strikes

Disruptions in water supply can compromise patient safety. This session emphasizes the importance of pre-established emergency water management plans aligned with ANSI/ASHRAE 188 standards. Learn how to develop and implement a robust water safety strategy, interpret guidance from CMS and CDC, and maintain resilience during unexpected water emergencies.

 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM     Break Out Sessions:

Option A: Current Topics and Updates on Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance and Response 

This session offers a timely update on mosquito-borne diseases in Florida, including dengue and emerging threats like Oropouche virus. Public health experts will share surveillance strategies, response protocols, and inter-agency coordination efforts that have proven effective in mitigating risk.

Option B: Infection Control - A Clinical Approach to Sharps Injury Prevention 

Discover national trends and strategies for reducing sharps injuries in clinical settings. Using EPINet data, this session provides a data-driven approach to identifying root causes and implementing training programs that lower injury rates and enhance occupational safety.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM       Break Out Sessions:

Option A: RMW & Special Pathogen Waste Management 

Dive into the regulatory, compliance, and operational considerations of managing regulated medical waste (RMW), Category A pathogens, and other hazardous materials. This session guides infection preventionists through developing effective waste handling policies and emergency waste response protocols.

Option B: Panel Presentation - New Research & Innovations in Breaking the Chain of Infection

Join a dynamic panel of frontline professionals as they present innovative studies and emerging practices that disrupt transmission pathways in healthcare settings. Learn how new tools, technologies, and methodologies are reshaping infection prevention strategies.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM        Evening Reception with Sponsors

Wrap up the day with an informal networking opportunity. Connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying refreshments in a relaxed setting.

Friday September 26, 2025

 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM       Coffee & Poster Session Review, Foyer

Start the day with coffee and explore innovative research presented in the poster session.

 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM       Break Out Sessions:

Option A: Innovation & Collaboration in Molecular Diagnostics

In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, Candida auris has emerged as a formidable challenge—and an opportunity to innovate and rethink how we detect and contain emerging pathogens. This session will spotlight the unique survival mechanisms of C. auris, offering fresh insights into its environmental persistence and patient colonization. Participants will also gain a clearer understanding of the various laboratory methods used to detect C. auris, with a candid look at the challenges and advantages each approach presents. Expect a dynamic discussion aimed at improving detection and containment strategies in clinical environments.

Option B: Illuminating C. difficile Spores to Elevate Healthcare Surface Surveillance Using Microbiological Visualization

Learn about new microbiological techniques that make Clostridioides difficile spores visible on surfaces, enabling faster, more effective cleaning and reducing the risk of transmission.

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM    Break Out Sessions:

Option A: Evaluation in Infection Prevention - A Case Study Using Candida auris Active Surveillance Testing and Impact on Infection Prevention and Control Behaviors

Examine a case study using active surveillance testing for Candida auris to evaluate its impact on infection prevention behaviors, guided by updated CDC evaluation methods and behavioral frameworks.

Option B: Advancing Infection Control: Insights from the APIC Research Agenda

Discover how the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is shaping the future of infection prevention through a focused research agenda and strategic advisory efforts.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM   Refreshment Break with Poster Sessions 

Network with peers and engage with presenters during the final poster session and refreshment break.

 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM   Closing Keynote

Preparing for High-Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCIDs)

Recent outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (EID), including Ebola, Marburg, mpox, COVID-19, and avian influenza underscore the urgent need for healthcare facilities to be prepared to rapidly identify, isolate, and manage EID cases to prevent transmission and occupational exposures. This session outlines current biothreats and evidence-based practices for preparedness, including the Joint Commission’s 2024 new standards that address hospitals' readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). The session will also identify strategies for managing an influx of contagious patients and communicating with critical stakeholders. Resources and tools to empower your facility or community to address these complex threats will be shared.

Presented by:

Terri "T" Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Divisional Dean, School of Nursing

College of Public Health

George Mason University

Dr. Terri Rebmann is the Divisional Dean in the School of Nursing at George Mason University’s College of Public Health. She is a PhD Nurse researcher with an emphasis in infectious disease emergency preparedness. In addition, she has been board certified in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology for almost 30 years, and is an APIC Fellow. Her research areas of focus include healthcare and public health professional disaster preparedness, long-term use of respiratory protection, and addressing barriers to vaccine uptake. She publishes and lectures on bioterrorism, pandemic planning, emerging infectious diseases, and infection prevention practices on a national basis. Dr Rebmann has served in several leadership positions within APIC, including serving as a Chair and member of the APIC Bioterrorism Working Group, APIC Emergency Preparedness Committee, APIC Ebola Task Force, APIC COVID-19 Task Force, and APIC Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force. She has also served in leadership positions for the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), including as a Board member, and as a member of the CBIC Test Writing Committee and Job Task Analysis team.

This program has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing for two hours of Standard Precautions and up to twelve hours of General CE.

This program is designed to satisfy up to 14 hours of the re-certification requirements for the Certified Infection Control (CIC®) credential through guidance provided by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

We have negotiated a special discount rate of $159 per night for our members who will be staying at the Embassy Suites.  Please click here to make your reservation as there are a limited number of discounted rooms available.

Registration is now open, and we are offering our special "Early Bird" discounted rate. Click on the registration button below. 

Click here to download our FPIC 2025 Conference Prospectus.

Tickets

$350.00 Member Registration - Online Attendee

$400.00 Non Member Registration - Online Attendee (Includes 1 Year of Membership in FPIC)