Top Nursing Conferences in 2021 You Won’t Want to Miss

If you’re committed to growing and evolving your nursing practice, you should consider the value of attending a nursing conference in 2021. Not only is attending one a refreshing change of pace from your normal work schedule, you’ll also walk away with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.  

Why Attend a Nursing Conference? 

Registered nurse conferences bring together the nursing world’s chief thought leaders to present new evidence-based research, strategies, technology, nursing practices and developments.   

Nursing conferences also provide the opportunity for nurses to network with others who share their passion for nursing, as well as the chance to meet up and discuss ideas with world-renowned authors or presenters.  

Nurses can participate in the dialogue and findings from their pick of a wide variety of national nursing conferences, specialty nursing conferences and local nursing conferences. There is a nursing conference to suit everyone’s interests and career stage in 2021: from the NSNA Convention for nursing students, right through to the Magnet Conference for nurse educators. 

The topic areas highlighted at these events can help save lives – and you’ll leave inspired by the critical thinking, visionary potential and passionate professionals who are on the cutting edge of new and valuable medical information. And don’t forget - nursing conferences often allow you to earn continuing education hours, which are required by almost every state board of nursing in order to apply for a renewed license.   

National Nursing Conferences to Attend in 2021 

Nursing conferences in 2021 are sure to look a little different than they have in years past due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be any less thought provoking or informative.   

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) 69th Annual Convention   

Date: April 5-10, 2021  

Location: Virtual  

Price: $125 for members, $165 for non-members 

The NSNA Convention 2021 explores specialty nursing areas and offers a variety of education workshops for nursing students. This year’s convention is jam-packed with events, including a live NCLEX-RN® review, opportunities to network with NSNA leaders and students from across the U.S., chances to master test-taking skills while learning clinical judgment and much more. NSNA Convention attendees will also be able to receive expert advice for career development, such as interviewing tips, resume-building guidance and information about future educational opportunities.  

32nd International Nursing Research Congress, Sigma 

Date: July 21-23, 2021  

Location: Virtual  

Price: $450 for nursing professionals, $350 for nursing students, $300 for retired nurses 

Connect and collaborate with over 600 nurse researchers, students, clinicians and leaders who have a passion for evidence-based research at Sigma’s 2021 nursing conference. The theme for this year’s Congress is “Transforming Global Nursing Research and Scholarship Through Co-Creation, Awareness, Balance and Purpose.” This conference also features an award ceremony for nurse researchers and scholars whose research or work has influenced or impacted the nursing profession and the individuals it serves. Due to the pandemic, Sigma is hosting this conference as a fully virtual event.  

National Black Nurses Association, Inc. 49th Annual Institute and Conference 

Date: August 3-8, 2021 

Location: In-person in Dallas, TX 

Price: Varies based on membership and professional status  

This year’s NBNA conference will feature conversations about new models of care that can reduce healthcare inequities and improve the health outcomes of minorities, as well as underserved communities. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a special emphasis on selfcare and resiliency for nurses, as well as information on the newest innovations in patient care and the latest treatment and management of COVID-19 patients. The NBNA conference also provides the opportunity to identify a mentor that will help provide guidance as you take steps forward in your career, and allows you to earn up to 35 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits.  

ANCC National Magnet Conference 2021 & Pathway to Excellence Conference 2021 

Date: November 11-13, 2021 (Preconference events will begin November 9) 

Location: In-person in Atlanta, GA 

Price: Registration rates have yet to be released 

The ANCC Magnet Conference 2021 and Pathway Conference 2021 is a huge gathering of thousands of talented nurses, nursing executives and researchers from around the world. This co-located conference showcases the best nursing practices for the Magnet and Pathway communities and celebrates the accomplishment of these newly designated organizations. The Magnet Conference draws exhibitors from around the world who champion the professional and educational spheres of nursing provide products and solutions that will impact the future nursing industry, so there will be no shortage of fascinating products and ideas to learn about. 

Specialty Nursing Conferences 

Depending on the area of nursing you’re studying or working in, you might be interested in attending a specialty nursing conference to gain more focused knowledge and expertise about your designated field of study. A lot of these conferences can be found through your specific specialty association, so start there if you’d prefer this type of gathering. Here are a few specialty nursing conferences for 2021 you might be interested in: 
 
2021 Virtual Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium 

Date: General Sessions – April 8-9, 2021 

Skill Building Workshop – May 6-7, 2021 

Location: Virtual  

Price: General Sessions - $99 for members, $129 for non-members 

Skill Building Workshop - $0 

Clinically relevant information presented by world-renowned and regional experts make this one of the key nursing conferences for cardiovascular health professionals to attend. Learn about the latest in cardiovascular nursing, including topics like telehealth, stroke prevention, risk reduction in racial and ethnic minorities, heart failure and more. 

Society of Pediatric Nurses 31st Annual Conference 

Date: April 14-17, 2021 

Location: Virtual 

Price: $300 for members, $400 for non-members, $150 for member students, $200 for non-member students  

At this nursing conference, you’ll virtually network with fellow pediatric nurses through the Society of Pediatric Nurses’ online community and visit virtual exhibitor booths. Keynote sessions will focus on the topics of eliminating bullying and incivility; raising awareness to identify victims of human trafficking in a clinical setting; and preventing workplace violence.  

16th Annual Clinical Nursing Research Conference, Cleveland Clinic 

Date: April 26-27, 2021 

Location: Virtual 

Price: $60 

Attendees of this nursing conference, sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic, will get to learn the latest nursing research findings, and participate in beginner and advanced research workshops to elevate their knowledge of research methods. The goal is to help clinical nurse researchers garner new nursing research questions, test new interventions and translate research findings into nursing interventions to improve patient outcomes.   

Local Nursing Conferences 

Local nursing conferences, run by the state or regional associations, can also be found, so be sure to check around and see what’s being held in your city this year. One of the biggest advantages to attending a local conference is that you’ll get to network with people who live near you geographically and may even work in the same location as you. Attending a local nursing conference in 2021 could be the key to making some pivotal connections with individuals who could influence the future of your career.  

FAQs 

Nurses are skilled and accomplished professionals, and their role on a health team is invaluable. Attending a registered nurse conference can open doors for your future and expose you to the ever-progressing future of nursing. Curious about being a conference attendee? We’ve put together a list of FAQs to take some of the guesswork out of the process. 

How can I prepare for a nursing conference?   

Consider the location of the conference when you’re choosing your lodging. A hotel directly across the street from the event will make it easy to run back and forth during breaks or if you forget something. You can also prepare for the conference by reading any materials provided, taking a look at each day’s schedule and reading through the events and breakout sessions offered.  

What should I bring with me?  

For every nursing conference, you’ll want to pack something to take notes with—whether that be your laptop or a regular notebook and pen. Since you’ll be networking with a wide array of other registered nurses, you’ll also want to have business cards with your current contact information handy.   

How do you choose the breakout session that’s right for you?  

Be on the lookout for breakout sessions that speak directly to your nursing specialty or to something you’re wanting to educate yourself on. Attending all the general and keynote sessions will definitely be beneficial, but if you’re looking to grow in a particular area, you’ll want to choose a breakout session that will help further that identified learning gap.  

How should someone dress at a nursing conference?  

Most conference websites or FAQ sections will identify if there are certain guidelines to how you should dress at the nursing conference. If there’s nothing specific listed, business casual is generally the standard expectation.   

What resources are available for those looking to attend nursing conferences in 2021?  

Check with any professional nursing associations or organizations that you’re a part of and see what’s coming up on their events calendars. Another option is to ask nurses you work with and see what nursing conferences they might be attending in 2021.  

Related: 

Nurse Practitioner Conferences in 2021 

Advance Your Nursing Education at Chamberlain 

By Lauren Elrick