Nurse Practitioner Conferences in 2021

Nurse practitioner conferences are a unique opportunity for nurse practitioners (NPs) to enhance clinical knowledge, build professional networks and focus on career development. 

A nurse practitioner conference may last between two to five days, depending on the event. During these conferences, NPs have the opportunity to attend workshops, lectures and other educational activities. Many, or all, of these educational sessions can count towards continuing education credits. 

Aside from the educational components, nurse practitioner conferences are also designed to facilitate networking opportunities and expose NPs to other professionals in the field. NPs can learn from other professionals from a diversity of backgrounds and regions, who may serve different patient populations with different healthcare challenges. The opportunity to collaborate with new professional contacts can also help build relationships and lead to career opportunities in the future. 

5 NP Conferences to Attend This Year 

Any entity can host a nurse practitioner conference, making it important to ensure that the event is reputable. Look for conferences hosted by recognizable professional organizations, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 

Because of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nurse practitioner conferences in 2021 may be held remotely. The remote versus in-person considerations will vary based on the location of the conferences and the dates. 

1. 2021 National Nurse Practitioner Symposium 

Location: Keystone, Colorado 

Dates: July 8, 2021 - July 11, 2021 

Price: $275 - $715 (Pricing dependent on multiple factors) 

CE Credits: Over 40 hours offered 

The 2021 National Nurse Practitioner Symposium consists of approximately 100 sessions and workshops and is held at the Rocky Mountain Retreat in Colorado. This conference covers a wide range of topics over its four days, from self-care for the busy nurse practitioner, to barriers to care, to a variety of clinical topics. A keynote address by Susan B. Hassmiller, senior adviser for nursing at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will focus on how nurse practitioners can improve health equity, ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity for health.  

2. 2021 AANP National Conference 

Location: Online 

Dates: July 15, 2021 - August 31, 2021 

Price: $125 - $455 (Pricing based on AANP membership status and type) 

CE Credits: Up to 80 hours offered 

The AANP National Conference is one of the largest nurse practitioner  conferences in 2021 offered in the United States. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the conference to an online format stretching over several weeks, instead of the typical in-person format over a few days. Attendees will be able to select more than 80 on-demand CE sessions, attend live events and connect through an attendee forum. Among its objectives, the 2021 AANP National Conference aims to enhance cross-cultural intelligence, and provide a place for discussion of legislative and regulatory issues that may impact NP practice.  

3. 2021 AANP Fall Conference 

Location: Hollywood, Florida 

Dates: September 23, 2021 - September 26, 2021 

Price: Not yet released, but anticipated to be $495 - $645 (Pricing based on AANP membership status and type) 

CE Credits: Offered 

The 2021 AANP Fall Conference is slated to be one of the first in-person conferences offered by the AANP since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Held in Hollywood, Florida, this in-person event provides NPs with the ability to develop their careers while enjoying the sunshine. 

4. Skin, Bones, Hearts, & Private Parts CME Conferences 

Multiple Locations & Dates: 

• Destin, Florida June 8 -11, 2021 

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina July 26 - 29, 2021 

• Virginia Beach, Virginia Aug.10 - 13, 2021 

• Chicago, Illinois Aug. 31 – Sept. 3, 2021  

• Pensacola Beach, Florida Sept. 14 - 17, 2021 

• San Antonio, Texas Oct. 5 - 8, 2021 

• Orlando, Florida Oct. 25 - 28, 2021 

• Atlanta, Georgia Nov. 2 - 5, 2021 

• Las Vegas, Nevada Nov. 16 - 19, 2021 

Price: $477 - $977 (Pricing dependent on multiple factors) 

CME Credits: Offered, but varies based on conference 

Skin, Bones, Hearts, & Private Parts offers multiple nurse practitioner continuing education conferences each year across the country. These conferences include physicians and physician assistants in addition to nurse practitioners, expanding the scope of the colleagues NPs will get to meet.  

5. Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE) 

Location: To be determined 

Dates: To be determined 

The Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE) was founded by NPs and normally provides multiple NP conferences throughout the year. Because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as of April 2021, NPACE is currently evaluating events for 2021 and has not yet reached a final decision if conferences will be held. The most current information on NPACE conferences can be found on their website. 

Local and Specialty NP Conferences 

In addition to the national nurse practitioner conferences that occur across the country, many local conferences are hosted by regional associations or state-specific entities. These NP conferences can typically be found through state board of nursing websites or through the associations that host them. 

Nurse practitioner continuing education conferences may also be offered that are focused on specific specialties of practice. The AANP offers membership in several specialty practice groups, many of which have conferences, including family nurse practitioner conferences, which are more specifically focused on specific NP specialties. 

NPs will find that attending a nurse practitioner conference can enhance their clinical skills and knowledge, and allow them to learn more about the latest in evidence-based research or legislation and regulations that might impact their practice. Events also provide a great opportunity for career development and networking. We hope you’ll consider attending one this year!  

Related:  

4 Tips for Landing Your First Family Nurse Practitioner Job 

Learn about Chamberlain’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program 

By Chamberlain University