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

Stephanie Staples is a “rewired” nurse with a fast-paced, interactive session full of ideas that will inspire you to take immediate action to positively impact your life and career.

An author, radio host, and social entrepreneur, Staples works with healthcare professionals from the Mayo Clinic to the Middle East, helping them live with full energy and purpose. She is the recipient of the 2014 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Contribution to Community award winner. She is also the author of two books, When Enlightening Strikes: Creating a Mindset of Uncommon Success and Your Life, Unlimited: A Guided Journal, and a regular expert columnist for both print and online periodicals.

For over eight years, Staples produced and hosted a weekly radio show on Corus Entertainment called Your Life, Unlimited where she helped her listeners become happier and healthier.

Staples’ programs are proven to boost hope, happiness, and empowerment for participants.

Staples will deliver the closing keynote.