ANPD’s 2023 Aspire Convention is rapidly approaching. Those who are planning on attending can expect the opportunity to learn about hot topics, must-haves, best practices, and set a course for your own professional planning and development.

I attended the ANPD Annual Aspire Convention in San Antonio, Texas in March of 2022. It was the first convention I attended in person since the pandemic, and I was excited to join my tribe of nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners. The vibe at the registration table immediately had me pumped! While I had become accustomed to online conferences, I felt magic in this live and in-person convention delivery, reigniting my passion for nursing professional development.

I was captivated by the energy of the speakers and participants. I watched thoughtfully while making connections with colleagues. I not only saw their faces and presentations but also observed body language, friendly and personal interactions, comradery, and respectful exchanges from professional to professional. I interacted not only during learning sessions, but also in sunrise yoga and sponsored breakfast seminars. I joked with newly introduced peers over coffee breaks, engaged with vendors, and tested out programs at the Partner Pavilion. I left my mark on the color mural and had my newly purchased the Nursing Professional Development: Scope and Standards of Practice, 4^th Ed signed by the editors and workgroup leaders.

I also learned! Convention offerings included recent developments in technology and education, integration of evidence-based practice into clinical and NPD practice, mentorship and career development, demonstration of return on investment of educational initiatives, and so many posters with an array of flavor to fill my toolbox with new ideas. But, what made this event more meaningful for me was to be present with so many NPD practitioners that I may otherwise never meet who also were experiencing the joy and challenges that I experienced in my role. Coming together to share the good, the tough, and to absorb this event’s resulting professional growth and learning opportunities was an amazing experience for me.

If you are asking yourself, “Why should I consider attending the in-person 2023 ANPD Aspire Convention?”, make your second question, “Why not?”

The 2023 Aspire Convention Content Planning Committee has been working hard to bring you the best convention yet! I am especially excited, as this will be my first Aspire Convention as part of the ANPD team. I am committed to making this experience a valuable and meaningful one for you. We kickoff pre-conference with a two-day certification preparation course, the Leadership Academy, and five learning labs with topics ranging from using the scope and standards to guide your practice to advanced certification portfolio preparation. Our pathway sessions also have something for everyone ranging from “I’m a New Educator, Now What?” to “The NPD Superpower”. The Game Changer Sessions will not disappoint and something new – a Hackathon! Do you want to be an NPD Hacktitioner?

Whether you are new to NPD or are an expert NPD specialist, join me at the 2023 Aspire Convention to immerse yourself with peers from across the country and around the world. This experience will advance your professional development and support you in improving the practice of the healthcare personnel you impact. I hope to see and meet you in Atlanta, Georgia.