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KidneyBee Summit 2026
Overview and Target Audience
The KidneyBee Summit is a dynamic, interdisciplinary conference dedicated to advancing the science and practice of pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Designed for nurses, advanced practice providers, and physicians, the program blends practical application, emerging therapies, and collaborative strategy to improve outcomes for critically ill children. Attendees will engage in case-based discussion and expert-led sessions that strengthen clinical decision-making, technical proficiency, and team-based care.
Learner Outcomes
After participating in this two-day conference, learners will demonstrate increased knowledge and clinical reasoning related to pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), as evidenced by self-reported ability to apply evidence-based practices, troubleshoot therapy challenges, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Objectives
- Evaluate and apply key principles of pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI), including pathophysiology, risk factors, high-risk populations, and emerging therapies to inform CRRT-related clinical decision-making.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for CRRT delivery, including technology selection, vascular access, anticoagulation, individualized prescription, integration with adjunct therapies, and bedside management to optimize patient outcomes.
- Analyze and implement best practices in multidisciplinary CRRT care, including team-based decision-making, program development, education, and quality improvement to advance pediatric CRRT delivery.
Abstract Submission
We invite healthcare professionals, researchers, and students to submit abstracts for podium presentations at the KidneyBee Summit 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase innovative research, quality improvement initiatives, and best practices in pediatric CRRT. Accepted abstracts will present a 5-minute podium presentation.
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstracts should focus on topics related to the practice of pediatric CRRT, including but not limited to clinical practice, research, case studies, quality improvement, and education.
- Submissions must include a title, abstract (250 words max), and author information.
Submission Deadline: End-of-business on April 27, 2026.
Notifications: Will be sent out on May 18, 2026.
Click here to submit your abstract and complete disclosures
For questions, contact [email protected]. We look forward to your contributions in the practice of pediatric CRRT!
Summit Simulation Day - 7/16/2028
Learners will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on high-fidelity simulation sessions designed to reflect real-world CRRT practice across care environments. Each simulation block is 3.5 hours in length and begins with a 30-minute hosted light breakfast or light lunch, followed by two immersive 90-minute patient simulations.
Each session will include both an Operating Room (OR) scenario and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) scenario, each structured with a prebrief, high-fidelity simulation, and facilitated debrief to promote deliberate practice, critical thinking, and team-based learning.
Separate registration is required for simulation sessions and must be completed in addition to the KidneyBee Summit registration. Space is limited, and participants may register for one simulation session.
7:30 – 11:00 a.m. - Session 1 - Click here to register
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Session 2 - Click here to register
1:30 – 5:00 p.m. - Session 3 - Click here to register
Additional Information
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Brochure | 327.01 KB |
Agenda
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Base Camp - Pre-Conference
Spend the morning building a practical foundation in pediatric CRRT, including machine fundamentals, alarm troubleshooting, prescription design, and integration with ECMO and other extracorporeal therapies. In the afternoon, apply those concepts during an interactive, team-based case study workshop spanning initiation through liberation. Designed for both newer and experienced clinicians, this pre-conference emphasizes hands-on learning, clinical reasoning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
7:00 a.m.
Registration and Check-in
8:00 – 8:50
Basecamp Equipment Check: CRRT Machine Fundamentals
Amanda Snyder MSN, APRN-CNP, CNL | David Zolezzi, MSPAS, PA-C
9:00 – 9:50
Trail Hazards: Navigating Alarms and Troubleshooting
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN | Katie Plomaritas, BSN, RN
10:00 – 10:50
Designing the Trail Map: Crafting CRRT Prescriptions
Theresa Mottes, APRN-NP, CPNP-AC, CDN | Brynna Van Wyk, ARNP, MSN
11:00 – 11:50
Crossing terrain Types: Integrating Tandem Therapies
Jolyn Morgan, DNP, APRN-CNP, CDN | Kara Short, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC | Sara Sullivan
11:50 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch – provided
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Breakout Sessions – Choose one to attend - optional
1:00 – 3:30
Breakout 1
Advanced CRRT Procedures | Prime Lab
Katherine Lewandowski, MSN, CCRN | Calette Thomas, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN
Breakout 2
(This session does not include CME or NCPD credit)
CRRT Track and Field
KidneyBee Founders
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3:30 – 4:15
Workshop: Interactive CRRT Case Studies
Jolyn Morgan, DNP, APRN-CNP, CDN | Kara Short, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC | Amanda Snyder MSN, APRN-CNP, CNL | Brynna Van Wyk, ARNP, MSN | David Zolezzi, MSPAS, PA-C
4:15
Adjourn Base Camp Pre-Conference
KidneyBee Summit 2026 Opening Ceremony
4:30 – 4:40
Opening remarks: Welcome to the Summit
Michele Pietras MS, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
4:40 – 4:55
"The Flight of the KidneyBee"
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
4:55 – 5:10
Building the Hive: Nursing-Provider Partnerships in CRRT Programs
Stuart Goldstein, MD, FAAP, FNKF
5:10 – 6:00
Keynote
Theresa Mottes, MSN, APRN, CDN
6:00
Welcome Reception and Exhibitions
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
7:00 a.m.
Registration, Check-in, and Breakfast
Main Plenary 1 Sessions
8:00 – 10:10
The Expedition Team: Care Models, Communication, and Collaboration
Amanda Snyder, MSN, APRN-CNP, CNL
Building the Basecamp: Program Infrastructure and the CRRT Clinician Journey
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
AKI Fundamentals: Understanding the Landscape
Weiwen Vivian Shih, MD
The Altitude Guide: Physiology and Modalities in CRRT
Amanda Snyder, MSN, APRN-CNP, CNL
Gear Check: Devices, Filters, and What’s in the Pack
Kara Short, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC
Setting Your Anchor: Mastering Vascular Access
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
Safe Launch from Basecamp: Best Practices for Initiating CRRT
Katie Plomaritas, BSN, RN
10:00 – 10:10
Main Plenary 1 Questions and Answers
10:10 – 10:25
Coffee Break
Main Plenary 2 Sessions
10:25 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Smallest Climbers: Neonatal AKI and Outcomes
Cara Slagle, MD, MS
Climbing with Caution: CRRT in the Cardiac Patient
Katja (Kat) Gist, DO, MSc, FAHA
Amelia Wirth, RN
Storms on the Ridge: Understanding Sepsis-Related AKI
Aadil Kakajiwala, MD, MSCI
Finding Your Footing: Biomarkers and Fluid Balance on Unstable Ground
Kyle Merrill, MD, MS
When the pack gets too heavy: Understanding Fluid Overload
Stuart Goldstein, MD, FAAP, FNKF
Customizing the Route: Personalized CRRT Prescription Strategies
Brynna Van Wyk, ARNP, MSN
12:00 – 12:10
Main Plenary 2 Questions and Answers
12:10 – 1:00
Lunch – provided
From Trail Guide to Expedition Leader: Nursing Pathways in CRRT
KidneyBee Founders
Main Plenary 3 Sessions
1:00 – 2:55
Abstract Presentations
Tracing the Old Trail: The Evolution of Pediatric CRRT
Brynna Van Wyk, ARNP, MSN
Smoother Trails Ahead: Anticoagulation Principles in CRRT
Jolyn Morgan DNP, APRN-CNP, CDN
Fueling the Climb: Nutrition Strategies During CRRT
Kara Short, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC
Beyond the Bedside: Intraoperative CRRT in Pediatric Care
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
David Zolezzi, MSPAS, PA-C,
The Family Expedition: A Journey of Resilience
2:55 – 3:05
Main Plenary 3 Questions and Answers
3:05 – 3:20
Break
Main Plenary 4 Session
3:20 – 3:55
Climbing Higher: Continuous Quality Improvement in Pediatric CRRT
Theresa Mottes, MSN, APRN, CDN
Building New Trails: Research & Collaborative Pathways to Better Outcomes
Katja (Kat) Gist, DO, MSc, FAHA
3:55 – 4:05
Main Plenary 4 Questions and Answers
4:05 - 4:20
Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
Kara Short, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Simulation Day
Calette Thomas BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN
Katherine Lewandowski, MSN, CCRN
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
7:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Session 1
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Session 2
1:30 – 5:00
Session 3
5:00
Adjourn
The Summit will take place at Children's Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus in the Medical Conference and Education Center on the 2nd Floor.
Parking
CHCO team members are required use assigned parking locations. Guests may park in the Lot 10 located to the east of the hospital on Victor Street.
Health Screening
Health screenings are required for guests coming into the hospital. Please plan extra time for this process. If you are having flu or COVID symptoms, please stay home and reach out to us.
Travel Directions
By Car / Rideshare (Recommended)
- Distance: ~17–20 miles
- Travel Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes (depending on traffic)
Directions:
- Exit Denver International Airport and follow signs for Pena Blvd toward Denver.
- Continue on Pena Blvd for about 10 miles.
- Take the exit for I-225 South (toward Aurora).
- Continue on I-225 South for ~5 miles.
- Take exit 10 for 17th Place/Colfax Ave (US-40).
- Turn right (east) onto Colfax Ave.
- Turn right onto Victor Street.
- Follow signs to Children’s Hospital Colorado Lot 10 parking area.
Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are readily available at the airport.
By Light Rail (Public Transportation)
- Travel Time: Approximately 60–75 minutes
Directions:
- From the airport, board the RTD A Line toward Union Station.
- Transfer at Peoria Station to the RTD R Line (toward Florida Station).
- Exit at Fitzsimons / Anschutz Medical Campus Station.
- Walk approximately 10–15 minutes to Children’s Hospital Colorado
Hotels
Preferred Hotel
The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club
13025 East Montview Blvd, Aurora, Colorado 80045
720-627-5958
https://thebensonhotel.com/
Other Hotels
Within walking distance to Children’s Hospital Colorado.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus
13400 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80011
720-859-1100
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/denaf-springhill-suites-denver-at-anschutz-medical-campus/overview/
Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
13200 East 14th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80011
303-365-1234
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/denhy-hyatt-regency-aurora-denver-conference-center
Faculty
Sarah Franz, BSN, RN
Clinical Program Manager
CRRT Program
Children's Hospital Colorado
Katja Gist, DO, MSc
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics-Pediatric Hospital Medicine
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Pediatric Intensivist
Children's Hospital Colorado
Stuart Goldstein, MD, FAAP, FNKF
Professor, Department of Pediatrics
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Director, Center for Acute Care Nephrology
Medical Director, Pheresis Service
Co-Director, Heart Institute Research Core
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Aadil Kakajiwala, MD, MSCI
Director, Pediatric Acute Kidney Support Therapies
Nephrologist
Critical Care Specialist
Children’s National Hospital
Katherine Lewandowski, MSN, CCRN
Clinical Education Specialist
CRRT Program
Children's Hospital Colorado
Kyle Merrill, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
University of Iowa, College of Medicine
Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
Nephrologist
Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Jolyn Morgan, DNP, APRN-CNP, CDN
Clinical Manager, The Heart Institute and the Center for Acute Care Nephrology
Certified Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Theresa Mottes, MSN, APRN, CDN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Operations Director of Acute Dialysis & Pheresis
Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital
Michele Pietras, MS, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Director, Patient Care Services, North Metro Region, Network of Care
North Campus | Uptown | Wheat Ridge
Children’s Hospital Colorado North Campus
Katie Plomaritas, BSN, RN
Pediatric CRRT and TPE Clinical Care Coordinator
Mott Children’s Hospital, Michigan Medicine
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
Calette Thomas, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN
Clinical Practice Specialist
CRRT Program
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Weiwen Vivian Shih, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatric-Nephrology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Clinical Medical Director
Attending Physician, Pediatric Nephrology
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Kara Short, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC
Co-Director, NICKS
Clinical Practice Coordinator, PICAN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Dialysis and Pheresis Team (ADAPT)
Children’s of Alabama
Cara Slagle, MD
Neonatologist
Riley Children’s Health
Indiana University Health
Sara Sullivan
ECMO VAD Supervisor
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Amanda Snyder, MSN, APRN-CNP, CNL
Nurse Practitioner, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Brynna Van Wyk, ARNP, MSN
Nurse Practitioner
Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Amelia Wirth, RN
Clinical Practice Specialist
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Children’s Hospital Colorado
David Zolezzi, MSPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Department of Pediatric Nephology
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Disclosures
Planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Continuing Education Credit
Registration, attendance, and submission of the evaluation, including a written response to questions related to any change in practice that you may make as a result of learning that took place at this activity, are required for successful completion and receipt of the certificate of attendance. Claim only those hours you attend.
Medical: Children’s Hospital Colorado is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Children’s Hospital Colorado designates this live activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
- Base Camp – Pre-Conference, 7/14: 6.5 hours
- The Summit, 7/14-15: 8.5 hours
Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing: Children’s Hospital Colorado is approved with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This educational activity for a maximum of 18 nursing contact hour(s) is provided by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
- Base Camp – Pre-Conference, 7/14: 6.5 hours
- The Summit, 7/14-15: 8.5 hours
- The Simulation Day, 7/16: 3 hours
Others: Will receive a general certificate of attendance
Disclosures: Planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Available Credit
- 15.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 15.00 Attendance
- 15.00 Approved AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 15.00 NCPD
KidneyBee Summit 2026 Exhibitor Packages
Gold Sponsor – $15,000
- Company name included on marketing materials, including the event website (placement dependent on marketing deadlines)*
- Company name on signage in registration foyer and exhibit area for duration of the Summit*
- Recognition in the summit program*
- Two (2) exhibitor registrations with a double-table booth and priority placement in the conference center lobby
- Two (2) guest tickets to the Welcome Reception
- Two (2) guest tickets to the Faculty Dinner
- Opportunity to collect learner contact information at your table at the learner’s discretion
Silver Sponsor – $10,000
- Company name on signage in registration foyer and exhibit area for duration of the Summit*
- Recognition in the summit program*
- Two (2) exhibitor registrations with a single-table booth in the conference center lobby
- Two (2) guest tickets to the Welcome Reception
- Opportunity to collect learner contact information at your table at the learner’s discretion
Bronze Sponsor – $5,000
- Recognition in the summit program*
- Two (2) exhibitor registrations with a single-table booth in the registration foyer
- Opportunity to collect learner contact information at your table at the learner’s discretion
Exhibit Table Information
All exhibit spaces include:
- One (1) table measuring 5’ x 2’ with two chairs
- Tablecloths are not included. Tablecloth rentals are available for $22 per table
- Wireless internet access
*Marketing Material and Summit Program Recognition
Your organization will be acknowledged in the printed and/or digital summit program within the commercial supporters' cognition section. Recognition will include your organization’s name only (no logos) listed among commercial supporters at the applicable sponsorship level.
Special Sponsorship Opportunities
Hospitality Sponsor – $10,000
- Company name displayed on signage in the meal area for breakfast and lunch (one day of the summit)
- Company name displayed on signage in the break area (one day of the summit)
- Recognition in the summit program
Welcome Reception Sponsor – $7,500
- Company name displayed on signage at the Welcome Reception
- Verbal recognition during the Welcome Reception
- Recognition in the summit program
To secure your table at the Summit please complete the Exhibitor Reply Form below and submitting payment.
Price
Registration Fees
Learner Type | Registration Fees Per Person |
Physicians | $550 |
Nurses | Other Healthcare Professionals | $350 |
Children's Hospital Colorado Team Members | $175 |
If you wish to attend the Simulation Day of the Summit, you must register separately for the session you would like to attend.
Cancelation and Refund Policy
A registration refund, minus a $10.00 cancellation fee, will be issued if the cancellation request is received at least 14 calendar days prior to the activity date. No refunds will be granted after this deadline or for non-attendance. However, a substitute may attend in your place if you notify the conference coordinator at least three days before the activity.
Children’s Hospital Colorado reserves the right to modify the agenda or cancel the activity due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be issued to registered participants.