American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC Magnet & Pathway Conference 2026
Event Date
October 29–31, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ANCC Magnet & Pathway Conference®, hosted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), is billed as one of the largest gatherings for professional nursing. The 2026 Magnet & Pathway Conference will bring together nursing leaders from around the world to celebrate, connect, and inspire change across the profession. The 2026 edition takes place in Chicago, Illinois, October 29–31, at McCormick Place.
The conference is designed for nurses and nurse leaders across every care setting. Attendees include nurses across all healthcare settings such as acute, pre-/post-acute, and long-term care; nurses from ambulatory and independent outpatient services; healthcare executives, hospital administrators, chief nursing officers, and nursing directors; nursing leaders from directors to front-line managers; clinical and school nurses; and advanced practice providers.
Attendees come to advance organizational excellence and earn continuing education. The program offers a recognition roadmap for achieving ANCC recognition, alignment with ANCC best-practice standards, innovations and research from global nursing experts, up to 50 ANCC Contact Hours, and networking with nursing leaders and peers.
Show Highlights
- The Power of Nurses®: A celebration of nursing excellence, with Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® designation celebrations and awards.
- Extensive education: Attendees can choose from 148 concurrent sessions and earn up to 50 ANCC Contact Hours.
- General sessions and keynotes streamed live during the main conference.
- Research Symposium: The American Nurses Enterprise Research Workshops take place prior to the Conference on Tuesday, October 27, followed by the Research Symposium on October 28 in Chicago, with separate registration fees.
- Preconference program guidance for Magnet and Pathway journeys, plus certification review and nurse manager workshops.
- Special events including the Welcome Party, International Forums, Program Director meetings, and The Power of Nurses™ Celebration Dinner.
- Exhibit Hall: Exhibits are open October 29–30 in Chicago.
Registration
Registration is completed online, with distinct pathways for ANA members, individuals, groups of five or more, retirees/students, VA/military, and research symposium-only registrants. ANA members receive discounts on individual registration fees (this does not apply to group or other discounts).
Main conference rates by tier:
- ANA Member—Individual: $920 (Early Bird, May 1–June 30), $1,027 (Advance, July 1–Aug 31), $1,273 (Regular, Sept 1–Onsite)
- Individual: $1,027 / $1,134 / $1,381
- Group (5 or more): $1,016 / $1,038 / $1,273
- Full-time Retiree or Full-time Undergrad: $802 / $834 / $995
- VA/Military: $1,016
- One Day – Thursday: $770; One Day – Friday: $716
Key deadlines and policies:
- September 15, 2026 is the last day to request a full conference cancellation and receive a refund less the administrative fee ($200).
- All full conference and preconference cancellations are subject to a $200 administrative fee per registrant.
- On October 26, 2026, QR codes used to check in at registration are emailed to all paid registrants, and onsite registration check-in opens October 27–31, 2026.
- Registration support: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CDT, phone 1.972.349.7664, email ancc@jade.mcievents.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 ANCC Magnet & Pathway Conference?
The 2026 Magnet & Pathway Conference is held in person in Chicago, Illinois, October 29–31, 2026, at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Exhibits are open October 29–30.
Who should attend the conference?
The conference is designed for nurses across all healthcare settings, including acute, pre-/post-acute, long-term, ambulatory, and outpatient care. It also serves healthcare executives, hospital administrators, chief nursing officers, nursing directors, front-line managers, clinical and school nurses, and advanced practice providers.
How do I register and what does it cost?
All registrations are completed online, with separate options for ANA members, individuals, groups of five or more, retirees/students, and VA/military. Main conference rates range from about $802 to $1,381 depending on registration type and timing, and ANA members receive a discount on individual fees.
How many continuing education credits can I earn?
Attendees can choose from 148 concurrent sessions and earn up to 50 ANCC Contact Hours. Note that no CNE credits are available for the live-streamed general sessions.
How do I book a hotel and get to the venue?
Connections Housing is the only official housing provider, offering more than 50 Chicago hotels and rates that cannot be booked directly with the hotels. Attendees who book within the conference hotel block receive complimentary shuttle service to McCormick Place, which is reachable from O'Hare and Midway airports via CTA trains, rideshare, and taxi.
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