General Sessions & Livestream

Executive Welcome

2025 ANCC Magnet Prize® & ANCC Pathway Award® Reports, Sponsored by Press Ganey

Last year’s award recipients return to the stage to report on their journey since earning ANCC recognition. Discover how their initiatives have evolved, the impact they’ve achieved, and the practices that continue to drive excellence in nursing and patient care.

Margretta Madden Styles President’s Award

The Margretta Madden Styles President’s Award recognizes exceptional leaders who have partnered with the ANCC president to advance the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Pathway to Excellence® Designation Celebration

Matching shirts? Check. Pom‑poms? Check. Wacky costumes? Absolutely! Bring the spirit, the creativity, and the cheers as we celebrate organizations designated or redesignated as Pathway to Excellence® organizations. This joyful celebration is sure to inspire teams at every stage of the journey.

Keynote: Riaz Meghji

Bestselling author, human connection expert, and broadcaster. Author of Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships, Riaz has spent more than 17 years interviewing leaders, innovators, and changemakers across business, entertainment, sports, and culture. Through his work, Riaz explores what helps people build trust, strengthen relationships, and thrive together.

Human Connection & Leadership: Building Extraordinary Relationships in a Changed World
In a world shaped by rapid change, meaningful human connection has never been more important. Drawing on years of experience interviewing leaders across industries, Riaz Meghji shares practical strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating stronger relationships. Attendees will gain insights into authentic communication, inclusive leadership, and the power of connection to inspire teams and drive meaningful impact.

4:45 - 6:20 p.m.

2026 ANCC Magnet Prize® & ANCC Pathway to Excellence Award®

The 2026 ANCC Magnet Prize®, sponsored by Press Ganey®, is presented to a Magnet®‑designated organization whose nursing team leads transformative initiatives in healthcare delivery and research, resulting in exemplary innovation in patient care services. The 2026 ANCC Pathway Award®, also sponsored by Press Ganey®, supports Pathway to Excellence®‑designated organizations in advancing innovative programs that foster positive practice environments.

Magnet® Designation Celebration

Banners ready? Join us as we honor organizations newly designated or redesignated as Magnet® organizations. This high‑energy celebration recognizes excellence, teamwork, and the commitment to nursing leadership that defines the Magnet journey.

Princess Muna Al Hussein Award

The HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein Award honors individuals whose sustained contributions have advanced international health care and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the nursing profession. 

The Debbie Dawson Hatmaker Leadership Award™

The Debbie Dawson Hatmaker Leadership Award™ recognizes a nurse leader who exemplifies values‑based leadership through integrity, authenticity, and purpose.

2026 ANCC Magnet® Nurse of the Year & ANCC Pathway Nurse of the Year® Awards

The Magnet Nurse of the Year Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of clinical nurses in Magnet®‑designated organizations, celebrating excellence in leadership, innovation, and professional risk‑taking across the five Magnet® Model Components. The Pathway Nurse of the Year Award honors nurses and nurse partners from Pathway‑designated organizations worldwide for their exceptional contributions to creating and sustaining positive practice environments. 

Keynote Speaker

Closing Keynote Speaker: Jesse Israel

Jesse Israel is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Big Quiet, a global movement that helped bring mindfulness and meditation into mainstream culture. Drawing on his experience working with top CEOs, senior government advisors, and award-winning performers, Jesse helps leaders build resilience, cultivate clarity, and perform at their highest potential.

Unleashing True Potential
As the pace of change continues to accelerate, leaders face increasing pressure to stay focused, connected, and resilient. Drawing from his work with some of the world's top performers, Jesse Israel shares practical tools to help leaders quiet distractions, navigate uncertainty, unlock their potential, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.