WSNA Union Leadership Conference

Sunday, April 26, 2026 to Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Wenatchee Convention Center
121 N Wenatchee Ave
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Table of contents

The deadline to register is Monday, April 13.

Level Up your skills, your knowledge, and your power at WSNA’s 2026 Union Leadership Conference April 26–28, 2026, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

Now more than ever, unions need strong leaders like you. At Leadership, you’ll learn and grow, with some costume-party fun thrown in. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues, deepen your leadership knowledge, and prepare for the challenges and victories ahead.

Table of contents

Agenda

Sunday

Time	Event
12:00–1:00 p.m.	Registration
1:00–3:30 p.m.	Local Unit Council meeting (open to all members) Welcome and introductions Officer installation Executive Director welcome Legislative recap Poster presentation and speed networking
3:30–3:45 p.m.	Break
3:45–5:00 p.m.	Discussion: Kyle Arnone, Director of AFT’s Research & Strategic Initiatives

Monday

Time	Event
7:30–8:30 a.m.	Breakfast
7:30–8:30 a.m.	Registration and check-in
8:30–9:00 a.m.	Welcome
9:00–10:00 a.m.	Randi Weingarten, AFT president
10:00–10:15 a.m.	Break
10:15–11:45 a.m.	Past, present, and future: WSNA history, state of the union, and what’s ahead
11:45–12:45 p.m.	Group photo and lunch
12:45–1:45 p.m.	Vital stats: Checking the pulse of your unit and keeping it in fighting shape between contracts
1:45–2:00 p.m.	Break
2:00–3:00 p.m.	How protecting bargaining unit work advances the future of nurses
3:00–3:15 p.m.	Break
3:15–4:30 p.m.	Track 1 – Steward training, part I: Building the foundation Every strong local begins with strong stewards (previously called unit reps or liaisons). This foundational workshop introduces new or aspiring stewards to the core responsibilities of the role, from representing coworkers with confidence to understanding contractual rights and investigatory protections. Participants will leave ready to advocate effectively and serve as the first line of defense in their workplace.
3:15–4:30 p.m.	Track 2 – Local unit officer level up, part I: Leading with clarity and purpose Union leadership thrives on teamwork and trust, not guesswork. Officer 101 demystifies the roles within local leadership, helping officers understand their unique strengths and responsibilities—from running effective local units and staffing meetings to representing their teams intentionally. This session empowers officers to lead strategically, delegate effectively, and build cohesive leadership teams that advance their units together.
4:30–6:00 p.m.	Break
6:00–7:00 p.m.	Reception with no-host bar
7:00–9:00 p.m.	Dinner and awards banquet

Tuesday

Time	Event
7:30–9:00 a.m.	Breakfast
9:00–10:15 a.m.	Track 1 – Steward training, part 2: Investigation meeting workshop: real-world readiness When management calls a meeting, preparation makes all the difference. This interactive workshop builds on the basics of steward training with live practice sessions, simulated meetings, and strategy discussions drawn from real WSNA experiences. Attendees will leave this workshop with the skills and confidence to represent themselves and their colleagues when meeting with management in high-stakes situations.
9:00–10:15 a.m.	Track 2 – Local unit officer level up, part 2: Leading with clarity and purpose (part deux) This course is designed to equip Local Unit Officers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively lead, represent, and strengthen their units. Participants will explore WSNA’s structure, use the WSNA website as a leadership tool, and review Local Unit Rules governance and VoiceTel in communication. Nurses will learn to build strong Executive Teams, manage Local Unit funds, and understand the broader role of the Washington State Labor Council. Through applied learning, participants will create an Officer Unit Plan, leaving with practical tools and a clear roadmap to guide their unit's goals
10:15–11:00 a.m.	Break
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.	Breakout session: Expanding the toolkit—power beyond the contract Holding management accountable can require looking beyond the four corners of the contract. This breakout session introduces practical ways to leverage state agencies, such as the Department of Health (DOH) and Labor & Industries (L&I), and the Certificate of Need Processes. Participants will explore how nurses can file complaints and leverage external oversight to achieve safer staffing and stronger enforcement.
	Breakout session: Building power in small units—winning with strategy, not size Smaller units can still make big waves. This session focuses on how leaders in smaller facilities—those with fewer than 100–150 nurses—can amplify their influence, grow membership, and keep their issues front and center. Through case studies and peer discussion, participants will discover that when connection and communication are strong, size becomes secondary to strategy.
	Breakout session: Vital stats—keeping your unit in fighting shape Healthy bargaining units don’t just emerge during negotiations—they’re cultivated year-round. In this session, leaders will evaluate their unit’s readiness through key indicators like meeting frequency, ADO activity, member engagement, and communication strength. Through active brainstorming and discussion, participants will create a personalized action plan that keeps their membership organized, informed, and ready for the next round of bargaining.
12:15 p.m.	Conference concludes; travel safely