Best Nursing Conferences to Attend in 2025: Global, CE, and Leadership Opportunities

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, staying ahead means embracing continuous education and global collaboration. For nurses and nurse practitioners, conferences remain one of the most effective ways to sharpen skills, earn CE credits, expand professional networks, and explore the latest innovations in care delivery.

This presents a curated list of top nursing conferences to attend in 2025, with a spotlight on three exceptional events hosted by PubScholars Group . From clinical excellence to leadership development and international collaboration, these events are designed to empower the modern nursing professional.

What Makes Nursing Conferences in 2025 Special?

Nursing conferences in 2025 stand out for their unique blend of innovation, accessibility, and relevance. With advancements in healthcare technology, growing emphasis on leadership, and expanding opportunities for continuing education (CE), these events offer nurses and nurse practitioners critical tools to enhance their practice. The hybrid formats—offering both in-person and virtual attendance—make it easier than ever to connect globally, exchange knowledge, and stay updated on the latest in patient care.

Moreover, many conferences now focus on fostering research presentations, leadership development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, helping attendees grow professionally while addressing real-world healthcare challenges.

Nursing Conferences to Watch in 2025

Among the many nursing conferences scheduled for 2025, top upcoming events are especially noteworthy for their quality content and professional value:

1. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Conference 

This event is tailored for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) who are committed to advancing clinical skills and critical decision-making. The conference will cover topics like trauma management, emergency procedures, and evidence-based acute care practices.

Key Highlights:

1. Accredited CE sessions designed specifically for ACNP roles.
2. Hands-on case-based workshops
3. Real-time clinical simulations and expert Q&A sessions
4. Research poster presentations and publication opportunities

This is the ideal event for those working in high-stakes environments who want to deliver exceptional patient outcomes with confidence.

2. PubScholars Global Nursing Conference

Designed for a wide spectrum of nursing professionals—from bedside clinicians to educators and researchers—this global conference encourages collaboration across borders. Sessions cover public health, innovation in nursing education, digital healthcare trends, and interdisciplinary care.

Key Highlights:

1. Global panel discussions and round tables.
2. Opportunities to present research and publish abstracts
3. Virtual networking lounges and breakout sessions
4. CE-certified workshops with international experts

This conference is an excellent platform for nurses looking to expand their global perspective and professional visibility.

3. Nursing Leadership Conference

This hybrid event is built for nurse leaders, managers, and policymakers focused on driving innovation and system-level change. From leadership development to healthcare policy, the conference explores the critical role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare systems.

Key Highlights:

1. Executive-level leadership and strategy sessions
2. Case studies on nurse-led innovation
3. Global awards for excellence in nursing leadership
4. Interactive policy workshops and networking events

Nurses ready to take on transformational roles in healthcare will find this event highly rewarding.

4. AANP National Conference

One of the largest gatherings of nurse practitioners in the U.S., this event offers over 300 sessions covering clinical practice, pharmacology, patient communication, and more. Attendees can earn up to 34 CE contact hours.

5. NLN Education Summit

This summit brings together nurse educators and academic leaders to discuss teaching innovation, curriculum design, simulation labs, and faculty development. It’s ideal for those in academia or transitioning into teaching roles.

6. ANCC Magnet & Pathway to Excellence Conference

A must-attend for hospital administrators and clinical teams striving for excellence in practice. It covers leadership development, workplace culture, and strategies for achieving Magnet or Pathway designation.

7. AAACN Annual Conference

This event is perfect for nurses working in ambulatory care settings. Topics include care coordination, patient safety, telehealth, and performance improvement initiatives relevant to outpatient environments.

8. APNA Annual Conference

Focused on psychiatric-mental health nursing, this conference provides over 100 CE sessions centered on behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and mental wellness strategies across populations.

How to Maximize Value at Nursing Conferences

To get the most out of these professional events, consider the following strategies:

1. Earn CE Credits: Choose sessions that align with your licensure requirements or specialty interests.
2. Submit Your Work: Present a poster, paper, or research abstract to gain recognition and feedback.
3. Network Intentionally: Attend both formal and informal events to build lasting professional connections.
4. Join Discussion Forums: Many conferences feature breakout groups, roundtables, or Q&A panels—great for exchanging ideas and building collaborations.
5. Hybrid Options: Opt for hybrid access to balance in-person networking with flexible online learning.
6. Follow Up Afterward: Connect with new contacts on professional platforms and share your takeaways with your team or institution.

Final Thoughts

The year 2025 offers a powerful lineup of nursing conferences that promise more than just education—they offer inspiration, leadership development, and global perspective. Whether you’re looking to renew your license, step into a leadership role, or explore international best practices, these events provide opportunities that can transform your career.

Start planning now by choosing events that align with your goals and prepare to engage, grow, and lead with confidence.

Your next big step in nursing starts with a single registration.