ANSA 2026 Annual Convention
Why Convention 2026 Is Different
The 2026 ANSA Annual Convention represents a significant expansion of what a nursing student convention can be. With a larger venue, expanded educational programming, dedicated career development opportunities, an enhanced exhibit hall experience, and the largest anticipated attendance in ANSA history, this year's convention has been intentionally designed to connect students with the knowledge, resources, opportunities, and professional network needed to succeed in today's healthcare environment.
What to Expect at Convention
Opening Keynote Featuring RaDonda Vaught
Expanded Educational Programming
Recruiter Networking Lounge
Professional Headshots
Few stories have shaped conversations about patient safety, accountability, and healthcare systems as profoundly as that of patient safety advocate RaDonda Vaught. Through a candid discussion of a tragic sentinel event and the lessons that followed, attendees will explore the importance of continuous learning, professional accountability, system awareness, and a culture of safety. This session will encourage future nurses to think critically about their role in protecting patients and advancing excellence in healthcare.
Choose from a variety of educational sessions designed to strengthen clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional development. Planned offerings include NCLEX review sessions, specialty nursing career panels, certification and skills-based training opportunities, leadership and advocacy workshops, and notably:
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Faculty sessions during each breakout block offering CE credits
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And interactive sessions such as: Student Leadership Forums, Faculty-Student Facilitated Discussion Panels, and Student Voice Round-tables.
New for 2026, the Recruiter Networking Lounge will provide attendees with dedicated opportunities to connect directly with ANSA's premier sponsors and healthcare partners. Students can engage in meaningful conversations about career opportunities, residency programs, professional development, and future employment pathways.
* See our featured Sponsorship Packages for involvement as a Recruiter, only open to Gold and above Sponsors.
Take advantage of complimentary professional headshots to enhance your LinkedIn profile, resume, and professional portfolio. Whether you're preparing for clinicals, internships, or graduation, a polished headshot can help you stand out.
House of Delegates
Represent your school and help shape the future of ANSA through participation in the House of Delegates.
To help delegates feel prepared and confident, ANSA will also offer delegate training resources and a mock House of Delegates session prior to the HOD Opening.
Leadership Development
Develop the skills needed to become an effective leader within nursing and beyond. Through educational sessions, mentorship opportunities, and engagement with student leaders from across the state, attendees will gain tools to lead with confidence and make an impact within their schools and communities.
Statewide Networking and Community
Meet nursing and pre-nursing students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and organizational leaders from across Arkansas.
This year, Convention 2026 is open to pre-nursing students aged 18 and older, creating even more opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and become part of a statewide nursing community.
Awards & Recognition
Join us as we celebrate the achievements of nursing students, faculty, chapters, and healthcare leaders who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, advocacy, and professional development. Schools, chapters, and individuals will have opportunities to apply for awards that will be presented during the convention's closing ceremonies.
*2026 Award Application and Details Coming Soon
Grand Exhibit Hall
Explore one of the largest exhibit halls in ANSA history, featuring healthcare organizations, hospitals, graduate programs, nursing partners, and industry leaders. Dedicated exhibit hours ensure meaningful opportunities to engage with exhibitors, discover resources, and explore future career pathways.
Opening Keynote: RaDonda Vaught
The 2026 ANSA Convention is honored to welcome RaDonda Vaught as our Opening Keynote speaker.
Few stories have influenced conversations surrounding patient safety, professional accountability, healthcare systems, and nursing practice as profoundly as hers. Following a tragic sentinel event that sparked discussion throughout healthcare, Vaught has become a prominent advocate for patient safety, transparency, continuous learning, and systems improvement.
Her story is not one of perfection- it is one of humanity, responsibility, resilience, and the lessons that emerge when healthcare professionals confront the realities of modern healthcare. Through her experiences, attendees will be challenged to think critically about patient safety, professional growth, and the role nurses play in creating safer outcomes for those entrusted to our care.
Why This Conversation Matters
The nurses entering the profession today will help shape the future of healthcare tomorrow. As healthcare systems become increasingly complex, patient safety, accountability, teamwork, and lifelong learning have never been more important. By engaging with difficult conversations and learning from the experiences of others, we strengthen our ability to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care for every patient.
The future of nursing will not be defined by those who simply inherit the profession, but by those willing to improve it. Through curiosity, courage, accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning, the next generation of nurses has the opportunity to influence the systems, cultures, and standards that guide patient care.
Power in Purpose: The Future of Nursing Starts Here.
Key Themes
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Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
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Professional Accountability
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Lifelong Learning
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Healthcare Systems & Culture
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Leadership in Nursing
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Advocacy for Safer Care
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The Future of the Profession
Register NOW
To take advantage of Early Bird Pricing!
*Contact president@arknursingstudents.org directly for a
large-group registration form.
Hotel Accommodations
ANSA is pleased to offer a discounted room block at the Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville, located just minutes from the University of Arkansas campus and Convention 2026 activities.
Official Convention Hotel
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Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville
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Convention Rate: $195 per night
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Room Type: Two Queen Beds
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Availability: Limited rooms available through the ANSA room block. Must book before September 21st.
The Graduate offers attendees a convenient location near the convention venue, local restaurants, entertainment, and many of Fayetteville's most popular attractions.
Reserve your room early. October is one of the busiest months in Northwest Arkansas due to fall tourism, University of Arkansas events, and local festivals. Once the room block is filled, attendees will need to secure lodging at standard hotel rates.
ANSA is offering special rates at the Graduate Hotel for the evening of Wednesday September 21st, and Thursday September 22nd.
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Traveling as a School or Chapter
Sharing hotel rooms is one of the easiest ways to reduce convention costs.
For example:
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4 students sharing one room = approximately $49 per student per night before taxes and fees
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2 students sharing one room = approximately $98 per student per night before taxes and fees
Why Stay at the Convention Hotel?
Staying within the official room block allows attendees to:
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Connect with students from across Arkansas
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Participate in informal networking opportunities
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Stay close to convention activities
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Coordinate easily with chapter members and faculty advisors
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Maximize the convention experience
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The Graduate is conveniently located within walking distance of the venue, restaurants, coffee shops, and more.
Let's Get You To Convention!
Planning Your Convention Budget
ANSA recognizes that attending convention is a significant investment for students, schools, and faculty. As we planned Convention 2026, we were intentional about balancing affordability with value- carefully considering how every dollar could be used to create the most meaningful experience possible for attendees. Through thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship of resources, we have worked to reduce registration costs while expanding opportunities for education, professional development, networking, and leadership growth.
To further support attendance, ANSA's Fundraising Committee is in the processes of developing many fundraising initiatives and will be releasing a comprehensive Convention Fundraising Toolkit featuring specific convention fundraising resources, planning guides, sponsorship request templates, donation letter examples, and creative fundraising ideas that chapters can implement throughout the year.
Our goal is to help ensure that every interested student has the opportunity to participate in Convention 2026, regardless of financial barriers.
Fundraising Toolkit release coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pre-Nursing Students (18 or older)
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Nursing Students
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Student Leaders
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Faculty
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Healthcare Partners
ANSA membership is encouraged but not required.
Who can attend Convention 2026?
What Does My Registration Include?
Registration includes access to convention programming, keynote presentations, educational sessions, career networking opportunties, headshot & resume building, and convention activities.
What Does My Registration Include?
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We plan to offer faculty and healthcare partner sessions during each breakout session block, with opportunities for CE credit throughout the day.
Will CE credit be available?
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Venue: 435 N. Garland Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701 (The Arkansas Union)
Parking Information: Coming soon
Campus Map: Coming soon
The walk from The Graduate to our Convention Venue is about 20 minutes through the beautiful campus.
Getting to Convention.
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We have our tentative schedule posted, however as we acquire speakers and opportunities, we will arrange our schedule to ensure the best fit.
Both days, we plan to offer NCLEX prep, a faculty session, and two other specialty sessions during each breakout block.
When Will The Full Schedule Be Released?
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Convention is often most impactful when experienced alongside classmates and faculty mentors. Schools are encouraged to attend as a group, participate in leadership development opportunities, network with peers across Arkansas, and strengthen engagement within their local chapter.
Why Attend With Your School?
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Parking is available, but very limited directly next to the venue. Public parking garages located off Dickson St. and the Fayetteville Square are about $1 per hour, with a 15 minute walk to our venue.
Accessibility, shuttle, and further parking information will be released soon.
Is Parking Available?
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Convention Day One is business casual, while Convention Day Two is scrub day!
Our venue and hotel are conveniently located at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, campus, surrounded by downtown Fayetteville and Dickson Street. Restaurants, stores, and all places to see are within waking distance- but bring your walking shoes!
What Should I Wear?
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Students, chapters, faculty members, and nursing leaders will have the opportunity to apply for recognition and awards presented during Convention 2026.
Applications and criteria will be released soon.
Who can apply for awards?
Recieve All of the Convention Updates
It's best to use a personal email to ensure we reach your inbox.
We send out our monthly newsletter, convention updates, and other announcements!