Top 10 Nursing Education Conferences to Attend in 2026

The way nurses are educated is changing fast. AI-powered simulation tools, competency-based curricula, virtual clinical environments, and evidence-based teaching frameworks are all reshaping what happens in nursing schools and training programmes. Nurse educators need to keep pace. 

This guide covers the top 10 nursing education conferences in 2026 for nurse faculty, academic leaders, clinical educators, and curriculum developers. For each event we have confirmed the date, location, who should attend, and what CEUs or credits are available. 

Two events specifically for nurse educators in the USA stand out this year — including the  Nursing Education Conference 2026 in San Diego (Oct 17–18), which combines ANCC-eligible CEUs, abstract submission, and international nursing education content in a hybrid format.

Why attend a nursing education conference in 2026? 

Nurse educators face a unique challenge: they need to stay current in clinical practice AND in pedagogy. Conferences designed for nurse educators address both — giving you tools to teach better, lead stronger, and develop curricula that produce competent, job-ready graduates. 

Here is what you gain by attending: 

• CEUs and NCPD (Nursing Continuing Professional Development) credits for CNE certification renewal. 
• Practical teaching strategies you can apply in your classroom or simulation lab immediately. 
• Exposure to AI tools, simulation technologies, and digital platforms reshaping nursing education. 
• Networking with nurse faculty, deans, and clinical educators from institutions worldwide. 
• Abstract presentation opportunities to share your curriculum research and educational innovations. 
• Insight into accreditation updates, NCLEX preparation strategies, and workforce pipeline challenges — the issues every nurse educator faces. Read our guide on how to write a conference abstract before you submit. 

Top 10 nurse educator conferences in 2026 

1. ★ Nursing Education Conference 2026 — PubScholars (San Diego, USA) 

Date: October 17–18, 2026 

Location: The Sofia Hotel, 150 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

Theme: “Global Nursing Horizons: Empowering Education Through AI & Innovation” 

 The PubScholars Nursing Education Conference 2026 is specifically designed for nurses and nurse educators who want to share research, learn from international peers, and explore how AI and technology are transforming nursing education. The conference covers curriculum development and innovation, technology-enhanced learning and simulation, evidence-based educational practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing a future-ready nursing workforce. 

Both in-person and virtual attendance are fully supported. Abstract submissions are reviewed by an international scientific committee and accepted papers are published in official conference proceedings. Up to 20 CEU credits are available for attendees.

Who should attend: Nurse educators, nursing faculty, deans and academic leaders, clinical trainers, curriculum developers, simulation specialists, nursing researchers, and postgraduate nursing students presenting original research in nursing education 

CEUs / Credits: Up to 20 ANCC-eligible CEU credits available for in-person and virtual attendees 

Abstract submission: https://nursingeducationconference.pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/

Registration:  https://nursingeducationconference.pubscholars.org/conference-registration/

Website: https://nursingeducationconference.pubscholars.org/

Early bird registration closes May 30, 2026. First round of abstract submissions closes May 15, 2026. 

2. NLN Education Summit 2026 — National League for Nursing 

Date: September 23–25, 2026 

Location: Washington Hilton, Washington, DC, USA 

Theme: “Beyond the Storm: Reshaping Resilience and Recovery” 

 The NLN Education Summit 2026 is the flagship annual event for nurse educators in the United States. It brings together educators and leaders from around the country for three days of bold ideas, practical teaching strategies, and meaningful professional connection. 

The 2026 theme focuses on resilience and recovery in nursing education — addressing burnout among faculty, workforce pipeline pressures, and how nursing schools can rebuild after years of disruption. It is the most focused nurse educator conference in the USA for practical, immediately applicable teaching tools. 

Who should attend: Nurse educators, nursing faculty at all levels, curriculum designers, programme directors, and academic nursing leaders seeking practical strategies for today’s classroom and simulation lab 

CEUs / Credits: CNE and NCPD continuing education credits available — verify on nln.org 

Website: https://summit.nln.org/ 

3. AACN Transform 2026 — American Association of Colleges of Nursing 

Date: October 24–25 (pre-conference) | October 25–27, 2026 (full conference) 

Location: Washington, DC, USA 

Theme: “Charting Our True North: Navigating the Future of Nursing Education” 

 AACN Transform 2026 is AACN’s premier annual conference for nurse faculty and academic nursing leaders. The AACN Transform conference theme speaks directly to the need for clarity and direction as nursing education adapts to rapid change — embracing AI, simulation, competency-based models, and new accreditation frameworks. 

Transform attracts nursing faculty members, deans, and programme directors from across the USA. It is particularly strong for leaders navigating curriculum reform, faculty shortages, and the shift toward competency-based education. Registration typically costs between $300 and $900. 

Who should attend: Nursing faculty, programme directors, deans, and academic nursing leaders focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and the future direction of nursing education 

CEUs / Credits: NCPD and continuing education credits available — verify on aacnnursing.org/transform 

4. GSNEP 2026 — 25th Global Summit on Nursing Education and Practice (Los Angeles, USA) 

Date: October 19–20, 2026 

Location: Los Angeles, USA (Hybrid — in-person and virtual worldwide) 

Theme: “Bridging Education and Practice: Advancing Excellence in Nursing” 

 The 25th Global Summit on Nursing Education and Practice (GSNEP 2026) is a major international event bringing together nursing professionals, educators, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders from around the globe. The theme directly addresses the gap between nursing education and clinical practice. 

Both in-person and virtual attendance are available. Abstract submission is open and accepted papers are presented and published. For nurse educators who want international research exposure without leaving the USA, GSNEP 2026 in Los Angeles is an excellent option. 

Who should attend: Nursing educators, clinical practitioners, nursing researchers, healthcare policymakers, and nursing leaders globally who want to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education 

CEUs / Credits: CE credits available — verify on nursingeducationmeetings.com 

Website: https://nursingeducationmeetings.com/ 

5. INACSL Annual Conference 2026 — International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning 

Date: 2026 — confirm current dates on inacsl.org 

Location: USA — confirm venue on inacsl.org 

 The INACSL Annual Conference is the premier event dedicated entirely to clinical simulation in nursing education. It gathers 600+ nurse educators, simulation specialists, and nursing professionals to share the latest innovations, research, and best practices in simulation-based learning. 

For any nurse educator running a simulation lab or integrating simulation into clinical curricula, INACSL is the most focused and practically useful event on this list. Sessions cover simulation design, debriefing techniques, technology integration, and simulation faculty development. 

Who should attend: Simulation educators, nursing faculty using simulation in clinical training, simulation lab coordinators, healthcare educators integrating virtual and standardised patient scenarios 

CEUs / Credits: CE and NCPD credits available — verify on inacsl.org 

Website: https://www.inacsl.org/

6. AACN Academic Nursing Leadership Conference (ANLC) 2026 

Date: October 25–27, 2026 

Location: Washington, DC, USA 

 The AACN ANLC 2026 is an exclusive conference for nursing deans and senior academic leaders. It is designed specifically to address the strategic, financial, and policy challenges facing academic nursing at the leadership level. Hundreds of nursing educators, deans, and programme directors attend each year to discuss critical issues in nursing education, research, and practice. 

If your role is at the dean or director level, ANLC is the most directly relevant event on this list. It covers faculty recruitment and retention, funding strategies, accreditation, partnership models, and the future of academic nursing. 

Who should attend: Nursing school deans, associate deans, programme directors, and senior academic nursing leaders responsible for institutional strategy and faculty development 

CEUs / Credits: NCPD credits available — verify on aacnnursing.org/anlc 

Website: https://www.aacnnursing.org/anlc

7. ANCC Professional Development Summit 2026 

Date: April 14–17, 2026 

Location: Orlando, Florida, USA 

 The ANCC Professional Development Summit is designed for anyone who facilitates the growth and development of nurses and interprofessional teams. It covers professional development, accreditation updates for NPD (Nursing Professional Development) practice, and strategies for building learning cultures within healthcare organisations. 

Up to 24 contact hours are available. Sessions focus on aligning nursing organisations with the ANCC’s Magnet Recognition and Pathway to Excellence programmes. It is the most important event for Nursing Professional Development practitioners and staff educators in the USA. 

Who should attend: NPD practitioners, staff development specialists, nurse educators in clinical settings, and healthcare administrators responsible for nursing professional development programmes 

CEUs / Credits: Up to 24 ANCC contact hours available 

Website: https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/accreditation/ancc-PDP-summit-2026/ 

8. 19th World Congress on Nursing Education & Healthcare 2026 

Date: 2026 — confirm current dates on worldnursingcongress.com 

Location: Singapore (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

 The 19th World Congress on Nursing Education & Healthcare is one of the most internationally attended nursing education events of 2026. The Singapore location makes it the top option for Asia-Pacific nurse educators seeking global exposure. In-person and virtual attendance are both available. 

The programme covers nursing education research, evidence-based teaching practices, global healthcare workforce challenges, and innovations in clinical training. Abstract submission is open for both oral and poster presentations. 

Who should attend: Nursing educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals from Asia-Pacific and internationally who want global nursing education research exposure and publication opportunities 

CEUs / Credits: CE credits available — verify on worldnursingcongress.com 

Website: https://nursingeducationmeetings.com/

9. AACN Doctoral Education Conference 2026 

Date: January 14–16, 2026 

Location: Bonita Springs, Florida, USA 

 The AACN Doctoral Education Conference is specifically designed for nursing faculty and programme leaders involved in doctoral-level nursing education — PhD, DNP, and post-doctoral programmes. Registration costs $350–$799 depending on AACN membership status. 

Sessions cover doctoral curriculum design, research mentoring, DNP-PhD programme differentiation, and the faculty pipeline at doctoral level. It is the most focused annual event for those shaping the future of nursing research and doctoral education in the USA. 

Who should attend: Doctoral nursing programme directors, PhD and DNP faculty, research mentors, and academic leaders involved in graduate-level nursing education 

CEUs / Credits: NCPD (Nursing Continuing Professional Development) credits available 

Website: https://www.aacnnursing.org/doctoral-conference

10. NSNA Annual Convention 2026 — National Student Nurses’ Association (74th Edition) 

Date: 2026 — confirm dates on nsna.org 

Location: USA — confirm venue on nsna.org 

 The 74th NSNA Annual Convention brings together 2,000+ nursing students and new graduates for three days of legislative education, career development, and professional networking. For nurse educators, it is a valuable event to attend alongside student delegations — both to understand the student perspective and to engage with the next generation of the nursing workforce. 

Sessions cover federal legislation affecting nursing, advocacy skills, NCLEX preparation, and professional development. Educators attending with student groups often find it one of the most energising events of the year. 

Who should attend: Nursing students, new graduates, faculty advisors accompanying student delegations, and nurse educators interested in student leadership development and advocacy 

CEUs / Credits: CE credits available — verify on nsna.org 

Website: https://www.nsna.org/ 

Quick comparison: 2026 nursing education conferences at a glance 

Use this table to match each conference to your role and goals before registering. 

Conference	Hybrid	Abstract	CEUs	AI Focus	USA
PubScholars Nursing Education 2026 ★	Hybrid	✓	✓	✓	✓
NLN Education Summit 2026	In-person	Limited	✓	✗	✓
AACN Transform 2026	In-person	Limited	✓	✗	✓
GSNEP 2026 (Los Angeles)	Hybrid	✓	Limited	✓	✓
INACSL Conference 2026	In-person	Limited	✓	✗	✓
AACN ANLC 2026	In-person	Limited	✓	✗	✓
19th World Congress Nursing Ed.	Hybrid	✓	Limited	✗	✗

 All dates verified as of May 2026. Confirm on official websites before registering. 

How to choose the right nursing education conference for you 

If you are a nursing faculty member or clinical educator 

The NLN Education Summit 2026 (Sep 23–25, Washington DC) is the most directly relevant event for frontline nurse educators. It delivers practical teaching strategies, curriculum tools, and the most current thinking on nursing education pedagogy. The International Nursing Education Conference 2026 (Oct 17–18, San Diego) is the best choice if you also want to present research and earn up to 20 CEUs in a hybrid format. 

If you want to present research and get published 

The PubScholars Nursing Education Conference 2026 (Oct 17–18, San Diego) is the most accessible option for abstract submission, international peer review, and publication in conference proceedings. GSNEP 2026 (Oct 19–20, Los Angeles) also has open abstract submission with an international audience. Submit at nursingeducationconference.pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/. 

If you are a nursing school dean or programme director 

The AACN ANLC 2026 (Oct 25–27, Washington DC) is designed exclusively for senior academic nursing leaders. It is the most strategic event for deans managing faculty pipelines, accreditation, and institutional partnerships. 

If your focus is clinical simulation 

The INACSL Annual Conference is the definitive event for simulation educators. No other event on this list matches its depth of simulation-specific content. Visit inacsl.org to confirm the 2026 date and location. 

If you are a Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioner 

The ANCC Professional Development Summit (Apr 14–17, Orlando) is built specifically for NPD practitioners and staff educators. It offers up to 24 contact hours and directly addresses ANCC accreditation standards for professional development programmes. 

Useful guides before you attend or submit 

These PubScholars resources will help you prepare: 

•  How to write a conference abstract — structure, format, and a ready-to-use template for nursing education research 
• What is the purpose of a conference committee — understand how your abstract is reviewed before submitting 
• Nursing grants and scholarships 2026 — funding options to cover your conference registration and travel costs 
• Top nursing conferences 2026 — broader list covering clinical nursing, oncology, ICU, and specialty events 
• Guide to USA conference visa requirements — for international nurse educators travelling to San Diego, Washington DC, or Orlando 

Frequently asked questions — nursing education conferences 2026 

What is the best nursing education conference in 2026? 

The best nursing education conference depends on your role. For frontline nurse educators, the NLN Education Summit 2026 (Sep 23–25, Washington DC) is the most focused event for practical teaching strategies. For faculty who want to present research and earn CEUs internationally, the PubScholars Nursing Education Conference (Oct 17–18, San Diego) is the strongest option. 

Is there a nursing education conference in San Diego in 2026? 

Yes. The PubScholars Nursing Education Conference 2026 takes place October 17–18 at The Sofia Hotel, 150 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. The theme is ‘Global Nursing Horizons: Empowering Education Through AI & Innovation.’ It is a hybrid event with up to 20 CEU credits and abstract submission open at nursingeducationconference.pubscholars.org. 

Which nurse educator conference offers the most CEU credits in 2026? 

The ANCC Professional Development Summit (Apr 14–17, Orlando) offers up to 24 ANCC contact hours — the highest CEU concentration of any nursing education event on this list. The PubScholars Nursing Education Conference (Oct 17–18, San Diego) offers up to 20 CEU credits in a hybrid format. 

Are there nursing education conferences with abstract submission open in 2026? 

Yes. The PubScholars Nursing Education Conference (San Diego, Oct 17–18) has abstract submissions open at nursingeducationconference.pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/. GSNEP 2026 (Los Angeles, Oct 19–20) also accepts abstract submissions at nursingeducationmeetings.com. The 19th World Congress (Singapore) also has abstract submission — verify on worldnursingcongress.com. 

What is the difference between NLN Summit and AACN Transform? 

Both are leading nurse educator conferences in the USA. The NLN Education Summit is open to all nurse educators — faculty at all levels, clinical educators, and staff development specialists. AACN Transform is primarily for nursing faculty at baccalaureate and graduate programmes and their academic leaders. NLN has a stronger focus on practical pedagogy; AACN Transform leans toward academic leadership and curriculum reform. 

Do I need a visa to attend a nursing education conference in the USA in 2026? 

International nurse educators travelling to San Diego, Washington DC, or Orlando may need a B-1 visa. Your conference organisers can provide a formal invitation letter to support your application. Read our complete guide to USA conference visa requirements for the documents you need and how to apply. 

Register for the PubScholars Nursing Education Conference 2026 

The events on this list cover the full range of nurse educator needs in 2026 — from clinical simulation and doctoral education to faculty leadership and professional development. 

If you are a nurse educator ready to present your research internationally, earn up to 20 CEUs, and connect with nursing education professionals from around the world, the PubScholars Nursing Education Conference 2026 (October 17–18, The Sofia Hotel, San Diego, CA) has abstract submission and registration open now.