WSNA’s 2025 Convention and General Assembly, with the theme Forward Together, is now open for registration. The three-day event is taking place at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center from April 30-May 2 (Wednesday through Friday) and has a powerful lineup of speakers dealing with the major issues facing nursing today.

Find out more and register on our convention website.

Early bird registration of $300 is in effect until Jan. 15. After that, the rate is $350. Retirees can attend for $200. Single-day access is $150.

The convention will include keynotes and panels with top experts and government officials to address safe staffing, workplace violence, and health equity.

During the General Assembly, participants will have the opportunity to voice their opinion and vote on resolutions guiding nurses forward.

The convention will also include the opportunity to network and relax during the breaks, meals, and pre-gala mixer. And we’ll be recognizing outstanding nurses at our Gala and Awards Ceremony.

Here’s more information about some of the outstanding speakers we have booked:

Ali Tayyeb, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, PHN, FAAN

Dr. Ali R. Tayyeb is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman with the Naval Medical Center San Diego, 1st Marine Division, and 3rd Marine Division.

He is a Jonas Veterans Healthcare Scholar Alumnus and the CEO and founder of RN Mentor Consulting. Dr. Tayyeb is also the creator, producer, and host of the RN-Mentor Podcast and serves as chief research consultant for Los Angeles County Military and Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Tayyeb focuses his research on systemic issues in nursing and advancing discourse around the theory of social contracts. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and is ANCC board-certified in Nursing Professional Development. His advocacy work seeks to promote nursing issues and foster social networks to address challenges within the industry.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Dr. Jennifer S. Mensik Kennedy is the 38th president of the American Nurses Association (ANA), where she advocates for the nation’s 5.5 million RNs. In 2023, she was named one of Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.

A sought-after speaker and prolific author, Mensik Kennedy has written Lead, Drive, and Thrive in the System (2nd edition) and The Nurse Manager’s Guide to Innovative Staffing (3^rd edition), among other books.

Before becoming ANA president, she was an associate clinical professor at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing. She has held several leadership roles, including treasurer, second vice president, and director at large at ANA. Mensik Kennedy was president of the Arizona Nurses Association from 2007 to 2010 and governor of nursing practice for the Western Institute of Nursing from 2010-2014. She was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2014.

Mensik Kennedy will speak about federal-level progress on nursing issues.

Cynthia Clark, RN, PhD, ANEF, FAAN

Dr. Cynthia Clark is the founder of Civility Matters, professor emeritus at Boise State University, and an award-winning professor, scholar, and author. Specializing in adolescent and family mental health, substance abuse recovery, and suicide and violence prevention, she taught nursing for two decades as a tenured professor. Dr. Clark is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education, and she co-chaired ANA’s professional panel on Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence.

Dr. Clark is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in promoting civility and healthy work and learning environments. Her research has been translated into 16 languages and used by scholars in 32 countries across five continents. With numerous awards for teaching, service, and research, she is celebrated for her engaging presentations. A passionate advocate for kindness and respect, Dr. Clark continues to inspire positive change in nursing and healthcare globally.

Dr. Clark will speak about the incivility index.

Stephanie Staples, CSP

ReWired nurse and psychosocial wellness expert Stephanie Staples has dedicated her career to supporting healthcare professionals as they revitalize both their personal and professional lives. With a career that spans from the Mayo Clinic to the Middle East, Stephanie’s engaging, idea-packed keynotes are proven to elevate feelings of hope, happiness, and empowerment—while providing nurses with practical tools to make positive changes in their daily lives.

As a multi-titled author and speaker, Stephanie draws on her unique background in nursing, fitness, and communications to connect deeply with her audiences. She understands firsthand the challenges of the profession and offers real-world strategies that can be applied immediately to enhance well-being.

Whether you’re feeling the weight of compassion fatigue or just need a fresh perspective, Steph’s authentic approach will leave you feeling inspired and recharged.

Most importantly, Steph is a mom of three humanitarians, Lolli of three hellions, wife of one very patient person, and despite being a last-placed triathlete, she’s proud to cross the finish line upright, smiling, and without medical intervention!

Get ready to laugh, learn, and take away actionable steps to improve your well-being and patient care. For more information about your keynote speaker, visit StephanieStaples.ca.

Staples will deliver the closing keynote.