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2026 Texas Nurses Association Annual Conference
 
 

Registration is now open for our 2026 Annual Conference!

Strength in Unity, Excellence in Action is a dynamic event designed to inspire, connect, and empower the profession. This gathering brings together clinicians, educators, leaders, and students to share knowledge, strengthen professional relationships, and explore innovative solutions that advance nursing practice, education, leadership, and workforce well-being.

Whether you’re beginning your career or leading at the boardroom level, this event offers the opportunity to grow, connect, and shape the future of nursing together!

Download the flyer here to share with your network!


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Strength in Unity, Excellence in Action will bring nurses together from across the state with exciting sessions crafted to highlight cutting-edge topics such as AI and telehealth integration, simulation-based learning, ethical practice, leadership pathways, and sustainable workforce strategies. Attendees will also engage in dialogue on interprofessional collaboration, mentoring, advocacy, and nurse-led initiatives that transform patient care and health systems. Whether you’re beginning your career or leading at the boardroom level, this event offers the opportunity to grow, connect, and shape the future of nursing together.

Register now to make the most of the Early Bird discount price!

REGISTER NOW

Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 28, 2026. For large group registration, contact us at 512.452.0645 to learn more.

 


Agenda

June 11, 2026 - Day 1

06:30 AM | Sponsor/Exhibitor Check in
06:30 AM | Poster Check in
07:00 AM | Check in
07:00 AM - 04:15 PM | Exhibits Open
07:00 AM - 09:00 AM | Exhibits & Posters
09:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Opening Announcements & Keynote Kickoff
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Concurrent Sessions
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Exhibits & Posters (manned)
12:15 PM - 02:15 PM | Lunch (12:15) | TNA Annual Meeting (12:30)
02:15 PM - 03:00 PM | Exhibits & Posters (manned)
03:15 PM - 04:15 PM | Concurrent Sessions
04:30 PM - 05:30 PM | Concurrent Sessions
05:30 PM - 05:45 PM | Conference Closes


June 12, 2026 - Day 2

07:00 AM | Check in
07:00 AM - 01:00 PM | Exhibits Open
07:00 AM - 09:00 AM | Exhibits & Posters
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Concurrent Sessions
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Concurrent Sessions
11:15 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch | Exhibits & Posters (manned)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Concurrent Sessions
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM | Keynote Closer
03:15 PM - 03:30 PM | Conference Announcements/Closes

Abstract submissions are now closed.

2026 TNA Annual Preconference

Jumpstart your conference experience and earn 4.0 CE by joining us for our preconference, Nurses in Action: Making the Invisible Visible in Media.

Despite being the most trusted profession, nurses are significantly underrepresented in the media, appearing in only a fraction of health news stories. This hands-on pre-conference session is designed to equip nurses with the skills and confidence to become visible, credible voices in health journalism and public discourse. Participants will engage in interactive media training learning labs, including interview practice, message development, and social media strategies. Learn how to share your expertise effectively, shape public narratives, and become a go-to source for accurate, front-line health perspectives.

This event has limited seating, so early registration is encouraged. Join us from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 10 at the Gaylord Texas Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX!

Click here to learn more and register.

2026 Texas Nurses Foundation Gala

Texas Nurses Foundation is excited to announce that our annual Gala will be held the evening of Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Gaylord Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX benefitting the Texas Nurses Foundation 501(c)3 charitable foundation.

Join us on this special evening as we celebrate recipients of the TNF Leaders & Legends Awards, a ceremonious tribute to honor the exceptional contributions of remarkable members within the Texas Nurses Association, and TNA’s Outstanding 25 Texas Nurses, recognizing the contributions of 25 Texas registered nurses who have made a difference in the lives of others. See this year's Leaders & Legends honorees here!

You won't want to miss this! Register here.

Also, serve as a Gala sponsor and show your support for Texas nurses! Reception, program and table sponsor packages available. Download the prospectus.

Meet the Speakers

 

Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN, CSP

HealthyWorkforce Institute 

As an international speaker and consultant, Dr. Renee Thompson tackles the professional challenges facing healthcare leaders today. With 30 years as a clinical nurse, nurse educator, and nurse executive, Dr. Thompson is an internationally recognized expert on creating a healthy workforce by eradicating workplace bullying & incivility. As the CEO & Founder of the HealthyWorkforce Institute, she works with healthcare organizations to cultivate a professional workforce by addressing bullying, and incivility. Renee has authored several books including, “Do No Harm” Applies to Nurses Too! and Enough! Eradicate Bullying & Incivility in Healthcare: Strategies for Front Line Leaders.

Dr. Thompson's keynote is titled, "Breaking the Cyle: Empowering Nurses to Address Bullying and Incivility." In this relevant and timely keynote presentation, nurses will walk away with evidence-based, practical strategies to finally break the cycle of workplace bullying and incivility.

 

 


 

Bob Dent, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ACC, FACHE, FAAN, FAONL

Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies

Dr. Bob Dent is a nurse, executive, coach, and speaker with more than 35 years of experience helping leaders and organizations transform.

From the bedside in rural hospitals to the C-suite of large academic health systems, he has seen the weight leaders carry: the pressure to perform, the burden of perfectionism, and the silent struggles that often go unseen.

In a raw, hopeful keynote that challenges the myth of invincibility in leadership, Dr. Bob will share his personal journey through depression and recovery, helping leaders confront hidden struggles and build workplaces that protect both performance and mental well-being.

 


Hotel

Get ready for an unforgettable event at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, located at 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine, TX!

Attendees can reserve their stay at a special conference price, through this link. Available while rooms last!

 


Sponsors/Exhibitors

The Texas Nurses Association is a professional membership organization of 16,000 nurses dedicated to advancing the profession and advocating for the 100,000 nurses across Texas.

Each year, nurses, educators, leaders, and students of all specialties unite to inspire, connect, and empower the profession. Being an exhibitor or sponsor at TNA's annual conference positions your company as a valued partner in advancing nursing practice, education, leadership, and workforce well-being.

It’s a big opportunity to put your brand in front of a targeted audience and provides you with direct access to leaders in the healthcare community. Work with us to:

  • Showcase your brand, product and services
  • Interact with nurses from different specialties
  • Connect with your existing customers
  • Generate valuable sales leads
  • Network with nurse decision-makers

Hundreds of nurses will gather next summer in Grapevine, Texas, and our exhibitor and sponsor opportunities ensure that you can network face-to-face with nurses and industry professionals, and get your message in front of nurses from all across the state! Bookmark this page to be the first to know when our 2026 prospectus is released. We hope to see you next June!

Click here to download the prospectus


Conference Justification Letter

Attending a professional conference is one of the most valuable ways nurses can strengthen their practice, stay current with evidence-based trends, and bring meaningful innovation back to their organizations. Yet, securing employer support, particularly financial assistance, often requires a clear and well-organized justification. The TNA Annual Conference Justification Worksheet is designed to help attendees articulate the return on investment in a way that aligns their professional goals with organizational priorities. While no tool can guarantee approval, using this worksheet strategically can significantly strengthen your request.

Click here to download the form!

 

Texas Nurses Association

Texas Affiliate of ANA | 4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg 3, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759

800.862.2022 | 512.452.0645 | tna@texasnurses.org