Top Nursing CEU Conferences and Seminars to Attend in 2027
For nurses, continuing education is about more than checking a box for license renewal. The right nursing conference can help you strengthen clinical skills, learn about changing standards of care, explore new specialties, and build relationships with professionals who understand the challenges of your work.
The 2027 nursing conference calendar is already beginning to take shape. Major organizations representing critical care, oncology, emergency nursing, ambulatory care, perioperative nursing, psychiatric nursing, nurse anesthesia, advanced practice, and nursing education have announced dates for national events. Other highly anticipated conferences have not yet published their complete 2027 plans, making this a resource worth revisiting as the year approaches.
This guide highlights the nursing CEU conferences and seminars already confirmed for 2027, along with events nurses should keep on their radar. We will update this article throughout the year as organizations announce registration details, continuing education opportunities, speakers, agendas, and virtual attendance options.
Conference information was last reviewed on July 31, 2026. Dates, locations, contact hours, registration availability, and program details may change. Confirm all information with the hosting organization before making travel arrangements.
Jump to a Section
- Why Attend a Nursing Conference in 2027?
- Confirmed Nursing Conferences in 2027
- Conferences to Keep on Your Radar
- How to Choose the Right Nursing Conference
- How to Make the Most of Your Conference
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Attend a Nursing Conference in 2027?
Nursing conferences provide concentrated opportunities to learn from clinicians, educators, researchers, and healthcare leaders. Rather than completing isolated continuing education courses, attendees can compare approaches, ask questions, participate in hands-on learning, and hear how other healthcare organizations are responding to changing clinical and workforce demands.
Depending on the event, nurses may be able to earn continuing nursing education contact hours while learning about evidence-based practice, patient safety, leadership, technology, professional ethics, specialty care, and regulatory changes. Conferences can also be valuable for nurses considering certification, graduate education, a leadership position, or a move into a different specialty.
Additional benefits may include:
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Many state boards of nursing require continuing education as part of license renewal. National and specialty conferences often make it possible to earn multiple contact hours over several days, although nurses should confirm that the education is accepted by their state board before registering.
Specialty Knowledge
A specialty conference can provide more focused education than a general nursing event. Critical care nurses, oncology nurses, emergency nurses, psychiatric nurses, perioperative nurses, and advanced practice providers can choose sessions that closely reflect the patients and risks they encounter in practice.
Career Development
Conferences can introduce nurses to certification programs, advanced degree options, research opportunities, new clinical roles, and employers. Leadership and educator conferences are especially useful for nurses preparing to move into management, academic, preceptor, or professional development positions.
Professional Connections
National events bring together nurses from different regions, specialties, and stages of their careers. A conversation during a workshop or networking event can lead to mentorship, collaboration, career opportunities, or a better understanding of how another organization approaches a shared challenge.
Confirmed Nursing Conferences in 2027
The following conferences have announced 2027 dates through their official organizations. Some have not yet released full agendas or final continuing education details, so nurses should review each event page as registration approaches.
2027 AANP Health Policy Conference
Dates: February 7–9, 2027
Location: Washington, D.C.
Best for: Nurse practitioners interested in health policy, advocacy, scope of practice, and professional leadership
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners Health Policy Conference is designed for NPs who want to better understand the policy decisions shaping advanced practice. The event brings together experienced advocates and nurse practitioners who are relatively new to legislative and regulatory issues.
Unlike a primarily clinical conference, this event focuses on the relationship between public policy and nurse practitioner practice. It may be especially valuable for NPs interested in scope-of-practice reform, patient access, reimbursement, professional advocacy, and the state and federal decisions affecting advanced nursing care.
Link to Event: 2027 AANP Health Policy Conference
AANA EDGE 2027
Dates: February 25–28, 2027
Location: Dallas, Texas
Venue: Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Best for: Nurse anesthesia faculty, program directors, administrators, and clinical educators
EDGE is the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology’s educator-focused event. It is intended for faculty members, program directors, administrators, and other professionals responsible for preparing the next generation of CRNAs.
The conference is particularly relevant to nurses working in nurse anesthesia education rather than CRNAs seeking a broad clinical conference. Its focus on education and professional development makes it a specialized option for those involved in preparing nurse anesthesiology professionals.
Link to Event: AANA EDGE 2027
NACNS 2027 Annual Conference
Dates: March 1–4, 2027
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Venue: Loews Kansas City Hotel
Best for: Clinical nurse specialists, APRNs, nurse educators, researchers, students, and nursing leaders
The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Annual Conference brings together CNS professionals for education focused on advanced nursing practice, research, evidence-based care, leadership, and professional development. The conference is especially relevant for clinical nurse specialists who want to strengthen their expertise while connecting with others working across different specialties and healthcare environments.
NACNS has identified clinical and non-clinical subjects of interest that include pharmacology, documentation, ethics, electronic health records, patient safety, healthy work environments, CNS outcomes, and a variety of patient populations and physiological systems.
Link to Event: NACNS 2027 Annual Conference
2027 ANIA Annual Conference
Dates: March 11–13, 2027
Location: San Francisco, California
Venue: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero
Best for: Informatics nurses, nurse informaticists, clinical technology leaders, educators, analysts, and nurses interested in healthcare technology
The American Nursing Informatics Association Annual Conference focuses on the intersection of nursing, healthcare data, and technology. It is particularly relevant for nurses involved in electronic health records, clinical informatics, workflow improvement, data management, digital transformation, and the implementation of new healthcare technologies.
The 2027 theme is “Informatics Frontiers: Navigating the Next Era of Nursing Innovation.” The conference provides a timely opportunity for nurses to learn more about current informatics trends and the growing role of data and technology throughout healthcare.
Link to Event: ANIA Events
NAPNAP 48th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care
Dates: March 21–24, 2027
Preconference Day: March 20, 2027
Location: Sacramento, California
Venue: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Best for: Pediatric nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, pediatric nurses, educators, researchers, and students
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners’ annual conference is one of the leading educational events for advanced practice nurses who care for children and adolescents. Its audience includes pediatric-focused APRNs as well as other clinicians, educators, researchers, and students involved in pediatric healthcare.
The conference gives pediatric nursing professionals an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge while connecting with peers from around the country. A separate preconference day also provides additional opportunities for focused professional development.
Link to Event: NAPNAP National Conference
2027 ANPD Aspire Convention
Dates: April 4–8, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: Nursing professional development specialists, nurse educators, preceptors, clinical educators, and nurses involved in onboarding and competency development
The Association for Nursing Professional Development Aspire Convention is designed for nurses responsible for helping other healthcare professionals learn, grow, and maintain clinical competency. This makes the event especially relevant to nursing professional development practitioners, educators, preceptors, and leaders involved in orientation, continuing education, workforce development, and staff support.
Aspire provides an opportunity for professionals working in nursing education and development to exchange ideas and strengthen the programs that support nurses throughout their careers. Additional details about the 2027 agenda, sessions, and continuing education opportunities will become available as the conference approaches.
Link to Event: ANPD Aspire Convention
AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo
Dates: April 10–13, 2027
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best for: Perioperative nurses, operating room nurses, surgical leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals involved in procedural care
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses’ annual conference is a major event for nurses who work before, during, and after surgical procedures. It combines education, research, professional networking, and an exposition focused on the technology and products used in surgical care.
For perioperative nurses, the conference provides an opportunity to stay current with changes affecting patient safety, surgical practice, technology, and the operating room environment while connecting with professionals from across the specialty.
Link to Event: AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo
AONL 2027 Inspiring Leaders Conference
Dates: April 12–15, 2027
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Best for: Nurse executives, directors, managers, clinical leaders, APRNs, educators, researchers, and emerging nursing leaders
The American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Inspiring Leaders Conference is designed for nurses responsible for leading teams, improving care delivery, and navigating the operational challenges facing healthcare organizations. Its audience ranges from emerging clinical leaders and nurse managers to directors, executives, educators, researchers, and other professionals involved in nursing leadership.
Programming addresses issues such as workforce challenges, care delivery, organizational culture, community health, nursing leadership, and improving clinical outcomes. Contact hours will be available, making the conference useful for nurses seeking both leadership development and continuing education.
Link to Event: AONL Inspiring Leaders Conference
2027 NONPF 53rd Annual Conference
Dates: April 14–18, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Best for: Nurse practitioner faculty, academic leaders, program directors, preceptors, and advanced practice educators
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Annual Conference is designed around the education and preparation of nurse practitioners. It is particularly relevant to faculty members, program leaders, preceptors, and advanced practice nurses who participate in academic or clinical education.
For NPs involved in preparing future practitioners, the conference provides a more specialized educational experience than a general clinical event. Additional agenda, registration, and continuing education information will be available as the conference approaches.
Link to Event: NONPF 2027 Annual Conference
ONS Congress 2027
Dates: April 14–18, 2027
Location: Washington, D.C.
Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Best for: Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse navigators, educators, researchers, and professionals involved in cancer care
ONS Congress is the Oncology Nursing Society’s signature educational event. It brings oncology nurses together to discuss advancements in symptom management, cancer care delivery, research, professional development, access, quality, and value across the cancer-care continuum.
For nurses working directly with people affected by cancer, ONS Congress provides a concentrated opportunity to stay current with a rapidly changing area of healthcare while learning from and networking with other oncology professionals.
Link to Event: ONS Congress 2027
AANA Mid-Year Assembly 2027
Dates: April 16–21, 2027
Location: Washington, D.C.
Best for: CRNAs, nurse anesthesia residents, professional advocates, and nurse anesthesiology leaders
The AANA Mid-Year Assembly focuses heavily on advocacy and the legislative and regulatory issues affecting nurse anesthesiology. It gives CRNAs and nurse anesthesia residents an opportunity to build policy knowledge and participate in the profession’s advocacy efforts in the nation’s capital.
Nurses seeking primarily clinical anesthesia education may find the AANA Annual Congress more closely aligned with their goals. The Mid-Year Assembly is a stronger fit for those interested in healthcare policy, advocacy, scope of practice, and the future of nurse anesthesiology.
Link to Event: AANA Mid-Year Assembly 2027
AAACN 52nd Annual Conference
Dates: April 27–30, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: New Orleans Marriott
Best for: Ambulatory care nurses, telehealth nurses, care coordinators, outpatient leaders, and transition-management professionals
The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing Annual Conference focuses on care delivered outside traditional inpatient settings. It is relevant to nurses working in clinics, physician practices, community programs, telehealth, care coordination, transition management, and other outpatient environments.
Planned areas of education include care coordination, telehealth innovation, patient engagement, evidence-based practice, and ambulatory care certification preparation. That makes this an especially relevant event as more nursing care moves beyond the traditional hospital environment.
Link to Event: AAACN 52nd Annual Conference
ASPAN 46th Annual National Conference
Dates: April 30–May 3, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: Perianesthesia nurses, PACU nurses, preoperative nurses, ambulatory surgery nurses, educators, and nurses involved in pain management
The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses National Conference brings together nurses working throughout the perianesthesia continuum. It is particularly relevant to professionals involved in preanesthesia care, post-anesthesia recovery, ambulatory surgery, pain management, and other settings where patients require specialized monitoring before and after anesthesia.
The organization is developing its 2027 educational program, with areas of interest including perianesthesia practice, research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and related clinical topics. Additional program and continuing education information will be released closer to the conference.
Link to Event: ASPAN 2027 National Conference
NTI 2027: National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition
Preconferences: May 2, 2027
Main Conference: May 3–5, 2027
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Venue: Indiana Convention Center
Best for: Acute care, progressive care, critical care, transport, and emergency nurses, as well as NPs, clinical nurse specialists, managers, and educators
Hosted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, NTI is one of the largest national conferences for nurses caring for acutely and critically ill patients. It combines clinical education, professional-development programming, peer networking, and a large exposition featuring healthcare technology and clinical resources.
The official NTI information currently indicates that the 2027 experience will provide access to more than 37.75 continuing education contact hours. This makes it one of the more substantial CE opportunities on the 2027 conference calendar for nurses working with high-acuity patients.
Link to Event: AACN Future NTI Events
APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute
Dates: June 10–13, 2027
Location: Reston, Virginia, or online
Best for: Psychiatric-mental health nurses, PMHNPs, prescribers, educators, and students
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute is a nurse-focused conference centered on psychiatric medication and behavioral health treatment. It is especially relevant to psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners and other nurses who need current psychopharmacology education.
The hybrid format also makes this one of the more flexible options on the 2027 calendar for nurses unable to travel. More detailed program and contact-hour information will be available as the event approaches.
Link to Event: APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute
2027 AANP National Conference
Dates: June 15–19, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: Nurse practitioners of all specialties, NP students, educators, researchers, and advanced practice leaders
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference is one of the largest national gatherings created specifically for NPs. It typically offers education across numerous clinical specialties and professional topics, making it useful to both experienced practitioners and students preparing to enter practice.
The size and breadth of the conference make it particularly useful for NPs seeking a combination of clinical education, professional development, networking, and exposure to issues affecting advanced practice.
Link to Event: 2027 AANP National Conference
NASN 59th Annual Conference
Dates: June 25–28, 2027
Preconference Day: June 24, 2027
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Venue: JW Marriott
Best for: School nurses, school health leaders, nurse educators, and healthcare professionals supporting student health
The National Association of School Nurses Annual Conference is dedicated to the unique clinical, public health, educational, and professional responsibilities of school nurses. It provides an opportunity for nurses working in schools to connect with peers while continuing their education around the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
NASN is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Specific 2027 learning outcomes and additional conference details will become available closer to the event.
Link to Event: NASN Annual Conference
NAHN 52nd Annual Conference
Dates: June 29–July 1, 2027
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Venue: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
Best for: Nurses, nursing students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and nurses interested in Hispanic health and health equity
The National Association of Hispanic Nurses Annual Conference brings together nurses, students, researchers, and other healthcare professionals for education, networking, and professional development. The event also provides an important forum for issues affecting Hispanic nurses and the health of Latino communities across the United States.
The conference is expected to bring together hundreds of nurses, students, researchers, and healthcare experts. Additional programming and registration details will be released as the event approaches.
Link to Event: NAHN 2027 Annual Conference
ICN Congress 2027
Dates: July 8–11, 2027
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Best for: Nurses interested in global health, research, policy, leadership, education, workforce issues, and international collaboration
The International Council of Nurses Congress brings together nurses, leaders, researchers, policymakers, educators, and healthcare organizations from around the world. It offers a broader international perspective than most U.S.-based conferences and can be valuable to nurses interested in global workforce trends and health policy.
The 31st ICN Congress will be hosted by the Taiwan Nurses Association. For nurses interested in international collaboration and how nursing challenges and solutions differ across healthcare systems, this is one of the most globally focused events on the calendar.
Link to Event: ICN Congress 2027
Sigma 38th International Nursing Research Congress
Dates: July 16–18, 2027
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Best for: Nurse researchers, clinical nurses, educators, nursing students, healthcare leaders, and nurses interested in evidence-based practice
Sigma Nursing’s International Nursing Research Congress brings together nurse researchers, clinicians, students, educators, and healthcare leaders from around the world to share new research and examine how evidence can improve nursing practice and patient outcomes. The conference is particularly relevant for nurses involved in research, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, academic nursing, and the translation of research into clinical care.
The 2027 theme is “Evidence That Connects: Advancing Nursing Research for a Changing World,” with areas of focus ranging from AI and digital health to emerging models of care, resilience, well-being, policy, and patient outcomes.
Link to Event: Sigma International Nursing Research Congress
AANA Annual Congress 2027
Dates: August 8–12, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Best for: CRNAs, nurse anesthesia residents, educators, researchers, RNs, and APRNs
The AANA Annual Congress is the association’s largest educational event for the nurse anesthesiology profession. It brings together practicing CRNAs, residents, educators, researchers, and other advanced practice professionals for clinical education and professional networking.
Compared with AANA’s policy-oriented Mid-Year Assembly and educator-focused EDGE conference, Annual Congress offers a broader experience for the nurse anesthesiology community and is one of the specialty’s major annual professional events.
Link to Event: AANA Annual Congress 2027
Emergency Nursing 2027
Dates: September 15–18, 2027
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Venue: Kansas City Convention Center
Best for: Emergency nurses, trauma nurses, nurse educators, managers, students, and emergency-care leaders
Emergency Nursing is the Emergency Nurses Association’s national conference. It is created for nurses working in emergency departments and other fast-paced settings where rapid assessment, triage, trauma care, communication, and patient safety are central responsibilities.
For nurses working in emergency medicine, the conference provides a concentrated environment for specialty education and networking with professionals who understand the unique demands of emergency nursing.
Link to Event: Emergency Nursing 2027
NLN Education Summit 2027
Dates: September 16–18, 2027
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Best for: Nurse educators, nursing faculty, academic leaders, simulation professionals, preceptors, and staff-development nurses
The National League for Nursing Education Summit brings together nurse educators to discuss emerging issues and practical challenges in nursing education. It may appeal to academic faculty as well as clinical nurses responsible for precepting, onboarding, simulation, or staff education.
The summit is particularly useful for nurses whose responsibilities extend beyond direct patient care into developing other nurses. Additional information about the agenda, venue, registration, and contact hours will be released as the event approaches.
Link to Event: NLN Education Summit 2027
NANN Annual Conference 2027
Dates: October 6–8, 2027
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Best for: Neonatal nurses, NICU nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners, clinical educators, researchers, nursing leaders, and other professionals involved in neonatal care
The National Association of Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference is a specialty nursing event dedicated to professionals caring for newborns and their families. It brings together neonatal nurses, advanced practice providers, educators, researchers, and leaders to learn about advancements in neonatal care while connecting with professionals facing similar clinical challenges.
NANN describes its annual conference as an opportunity for neonatal nurses to learn about advancements and best practices in NICU nursing, connect with experts and peers, and earn continuing education credits. More specific details about the 2027 program will be released as the event approaches.
Link to Event: NANN Conferences
Global Emergency Nursing Conference 2027
Dates: October 21–23, 2027
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Best for: Emergency nurses interested in international practice, shared emergency-care challenges, and global collaboration
The Emergency Nurses Association has announced its first Global Emergency Nursing Conference, creating an international counterpart to its U.S. Emergency Nursing conference. The organization says the event will bring together emergency nurses to discuss common challenges and compare practices and solutions used in different healthcare systems.
Because this is a newly announced conference, nurses interested in attending should watch for additional information about registration, educational programming, continuing education, and travel as ENA releases more details.
Link to Event: ENA Global Emergency Nursing Conference Announcement
APNA Annual Conference 2027
Dates: October 27–30, 2027
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Best for: Psychiatric-mental health nurses, PMHNPs, behavioral health leaders, educators, researchers, and students
The APNA Annual Conference is the association’s broad national event for psychiatric-mental health nursing. Unlike the more concentrated Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute, this conference generally spans clinical practice, research, leadership, education, policy, workforce issues, and professional development.
The broader scope makes it useful for psychiatric nurses across different roles and care settings, including advanced practice, clinical care, education, research, and behavioral health leadership.
Link to Event: APNA Annual Conference
Sigma 49th Biennial Convention
Dates: October 29–November 1, 2027
Location: Denver, Colorado
Best for: Nurses, nursing leaders, educators, researchers, students, and Sigma members interested in professional development and global nursing
Sigma Nursing’s Biennial Convention is a large international gathering that brings together members and nursing leaders for professional development, education, networking, and collaboration. While Sigma’s July Research Congress has a particularly strong research focus, the Biennial Convention serves a broader audience across nursing leadership, education, scholarship, clinical practice, and professional development.
The event is expected to bring together more than 2,000 Sigma members and global nursing leaders. Additional program and registration information will be released as the convention approaches.
Link to Event: Sigma Meetings & Events
OADN Convention 2027
Preconference: November 10, 2027
Main Convention: November 11–13, 2027
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Best for: Associate degree nursing faculty, nurse educators, academic administrators, nursing students, program directors, and nursing education leaders
The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Convention is designed for professionals involved in associate degree nursing education and the preparation of future registered nurses. It provides a national forum for faculty members, program administrators, nursing education leaders, and students to connect around teaching, clinical judgment, student success, workforce preparation, and the evolving needs of nursing education.
The full 2027 program, registration rates, and continuing education details have not yet been released. Nurses and educators interested in attending should continue checking the official convention page as additional information becomes available.
Link to Event: OADN Convention
More 2027 Nursing Conferences to Watch For
The 2027 nursing conference calendar will continue to grow as state associations, regional organizations, specialty groups, hospitals, and universities announce additional events. We will continue updating this guide as new nursing conferences, CEU seminars, virtual events, and continuing education opportunities are confirmed.
Nurses may also want to monitor their state nurses association, state nurse practitioner organization, regional specialty chapters, local hospital systems, and university continuing education programs. These smaller events can provide valuable CE opportunities while addressing state-specific issues such as scope of practice, licensing requirements, workforce changes, and healthcare legislation.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Conference
With multiple events competing for your time and professional development budget, the largest conference is not always the best choice. Start by identifying what you want to gain from attending and compare each program against that goal.
Confirm Continuing Education Accreditation
Do not assume that every session or conference automatically meets your state’s requirements. Review the accreditation statement, the type and number of contact hours available, attendance requirements, and any steps required to receive a certificate.
Nurse practitioners should also determine whether an event offers pharmacology hours or education required for certification and prescriptive authority. Requirements vary, so confirm acceptance with your state board, certifying organization, or employer.
Match the Agenda to Your Practice
Review session descriptions once the conference agenda becomes available. A large general nursing conference may offer broad variety, while a smaller specialty event may devote most of its programming to the clinical conditions, workflows, and patient risks you encounter regularly.
Consider whether the sessions will help you:
- Improve current clinical skills
- Prepare for certification
- Meet renewal requirements
- Move into another specialty
- Develop as a leader or educator
- Understand technology affecting your role
- Strengthen documentation or risk-management practices
- Evaluate graduate education or advanced practice
Compare In-Person, Hybrid, and Virtual Formats
In-person attendance can provide stronger networking, hands-on workshops, and access to exhibits. Virtual attendance may be more practical for nurses balancing shifts, family obligations, travel expenses, or limited professional development funding.
Some conferences also make recorded sessions available after the live event. This may increase the number of contact hours you can earn and reduce scheduling conflicts between sessions.
Calculate the Full Cost
Registration is only one part of the expense. Include transportation, lodging, meals, parking, local travel, time away from work, and any optional workshop fees when comparing events.
Check whether your employer offers tuition or professional development reimbursement. Conference organizers and nursing foundations may also provide early registration discounts, student rates, volunteer opportunities, group pricing, or scholarships.
Consider Your Career Direction
A bedside nurse preparing for specialty certification may benefit most from a clinically focused event. A nurse considering management may gain more from leadership and workforce programming, while someone exploring teaching may prefer an educator conference.
Choosing an event that aligns with your next professional step can make the experience more valuable than selecting a conference based only on location or available contact hours.
How to Make the Most of a Nursing Conference
A nursing conference can be a major investment of time and money, so planning should begin before you arrive. Review the agenda early and identify must-attend sessions, backup choices, workshops requiring separate registration, and any sessions that satisfy specific education requirements.
During the conference, keep track of attendance codes, evaluations, certificates, and supporting documentation. Saving these records in one location can make license renewal, certification maintenance, and employer reporting much easier.
You can also increase the long-term value of the event by:
- Preparing several questions related to challenges in your practice
- Introducing yourself to presenters and nurses in similar roles
- Attending specialty networking sessions
- Visiting poster presentations and research exhibits
- Taking notes on changes you want to implement
- Sharing useful findings with your team after returning
- Connecting with new contacts through a professional platform
- Reviewing and organizing your CE documentation immediately
The best conference experience does not end when the final session closes. Applying what you learned to patient care, documentation, communication, leadership, or team education turns attendance into meaningful professional development.
Career Growth Also Requires Career Protection
Attending nursing conferences in 2027 can help you sharpen your judgment, expand your clinical knowledge, earn required continuing education, and prepare for new professional opportunities. As your scope, responsibilities, and expertise grow, protecting the career you have built becomes just as important.
Even skilled and conscientious nurses may face patient complaints, licensing board matters, or allegations arising from medication administration, documentation, communication, delegation, telehealth, or other professional responsibilities. Employer-provided insurance may offer some protection, but it is generally designed to protect the organization and may not address every individual concern.
NOW Insurance offers affordable individual malpractice insurance designed for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Coverage can provide an added layer of protection for your career, finances, and professional reputation while you continue building your skills.
Most nurses can complete the online application and receive a quote in just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Conferences and CEUs in 2027
What are the best nursing conferences to attend in 2027?
The best conference depends on your role, specialty, education needs, and career goals. NTI is a strong choice for critical care nurses, ONS Congress serves oncology nurses, AORN focuses on perioperative care, Emergency Nursing 2027 is designed for emergency nurses, and APNA offers education for psychiatric-mental health professionals.
Which 2027 nursing conferences have already been confirmed?
Confirmed events include AORN Expo, ONS Congress, AAACN, NTI, the AANP National Conference, AANA Annual Congress, Emergency Nursing 2027, NLN Education Summit, APNA Annual Conference, NAPNAP’s National Conference, and several academic and advanced practice events. Additional conferences are expected to announce dates as 2026 progresses.
Do nursing conferences offer CEUs?
Many national, specialty, state, and regional nursing conferences offer continuing nursing education contact hours. The total varies by conference and session selection, so attendees should review the official accreditation information and verify that the hours meet their state or certification requirements.
Are CEUs and contact hours the same thing?
The terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they are not technically identical. Nursing organizations commonly award contact hours, while one traditional CEU represents ten contact hours. Review the exact terminology used by your licensing board and the conference provider.
Are virtual nursing conferences eligible for continuing education?
Virtual and hybrid nursing conferences may offer the same or similar continuing education opportunities as in-person events. Nurses must still satisfy participation, attendance, evaluation, and certificate requirements established by the provider.
How many contact hours can I earn at a nursing conference?
The number depends on the event, duration, sessions attended, and whether recorded education is available afterward. A multi-day conference may offer a substantial number of hours, but you should not assume every session qualifies or that all available hours can be earned simultaneously.
Can my employer pay for a nursing conference?
Many healthcare employers provide professional development funds, tuition assistance, paid education days, or reimbursement for approved conferences. Ask about eligibility, advance approval, required documentation, and whether reimbursement covers registration only or also includes travel and lodging.
Are nursing conferences worth the expense?
A well-chosen conference can provide value through continuing education, specialty knowledge, hands-on skills, networking, career opportunities, and exposure to new practices or technology. The benefit is usually greatest when the agenda closely aligns with your clinical responsibilities or future goals.
When should I register for a 2027 nursing conference?
Registering early may provide lower pricing and better access to conference hotels, workshops, and limited-capacity sessions. Before paying, review cancellation terms and confirm that dates, accreditation, and program content fit your needs.
Will more 2027 nursing conferences be announced?
Yes. As of August 18, 2026, many organizations have confirmed dates, while others have not yet released their complete 2027 plans. This guide will be updated as new conferences, agendas, registration information, and continuing education details become available.