Bloom into Your Nursing Potential:

Join nursing students and faculty from across North Carolina for a weekend of learning, leadership development, and professional connection at the NCANS 2026 Annual Convention.

Dates:

February 21–22, 2026

Location:

UNC Chapel Hill
Medical Biomolecular Research Building
111 Mason Farm Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Registration

Annual registration is now open!

Participants may register online or submit a mail-in registration form.

Registration Rates

Early Bird Pricing (available for a limited time)

• NCANS/NSNA Member: $100

• Faculty/Sustaining Member: $106

• Non-Member/Guest: $148

Regular Pricing

• NCANS/NSNA Member: $117

• Faculty/Sustaining Member: $117

• Non-Member/Guest: $169

Parking

Weekend parking is free on campus. Attendees may park in nearby decks, including:

• Dogwood Parking Deck (approximately a 6-minute walk)

• Bell Tower Parking (approximately an 11-minute walk)

Some parking areas may require taking a ticket upon entry, but no payment is required to exit.

Main Speakers

Join us for four featured sessions focused on professional growth, innovation, self-care, and success strategies in nursing.

Dr. Meg Zomorodi, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Bloom and Blossom: Strategies for Lifelong Professional Growth

Dr. Meg Zomorodi serves as the Associate Provost for Interprofessional Health Initiatives at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Vice President of the Robert A. Ingram Institute for Healthcare Access through UNC Health. She leads multiple interprofessional education and rural health initiatives, including the Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative and Rural PrOMISE program, which strengthen healthcare workforce development in underserved communities. A Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy Scholar and TeamSTEPPS master trainer, Dr. Zomorodi is nationally recognized for advancing collaborative healthcare education and preparing future healthcare professionals through innovative academic and community partnerships.

Dr. Brooke Kistler, PhD, RN, CNE

Blending Human Wisdom and AI Technologies on Your Journey from Novice to Expert

Dr. Brooke Kistler began her nursing career as an associate degree nurse and later earned advanced degrees in nursing education and nursing science. Before entering nursing, she worked in computer programming during the early expansion of the internet, shaping her perspective on technological transformation in healthcare. Dr. Kistler focuses on integrating artificial intelligence with clinical experience and human-centered care, supporting nurses as they progress from novice to expert through resilience, reflection, and compassionate professional development.

Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG

The Bloom Blueprint: 21 Keys to Nursing Success

Bonnie Meadows is the President of the North Carolina Nurses Association and brings more than 21 years of nursing experience. She is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and serves as a Cardiovascular Nursing Professional Development Specialist, supporting clinical staff growth and integration. Her background includes cardiac care, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Meadows is actively involved in multiple professional organizations and statewide clinician wellness initiatives focused on strengthening the nursing workforce and improving patient outcomes.

Natacha Simon-Christie, CRNA, CHSE, CNE

The A.R.T. of Nurse Self Care

Dr. Natacha Simon-Christie is a nurse anesthetist, educator, and advocate dedicated to transforming nursing education and student support. With degrees from Syracuse University, SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, and Maryville University, she has spent over two decades in healthcare and education. She played a key role in developing MSN curriculum programs that achieved exceptional NCLEX pass rates and founded Omega Nursing to promote mental health awareness and diversity in nursing. Currently serving as an assistant professor at the University of North Georgia, she is committed to empowering nursing students and fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Keynote Speaker

Senator Gale Adcock, MSN, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN

Senator Gale Adcock is a Family Nurse Practitioner, healthcare leader, and North Carolina State Senator recognized for her advocacy for patient care, nursing workforce development, and healthcare policy advancement. With extensive clinical and leadership experience, she has dedicated her career to improving healthcare access, supporting nurses, and shaping health policy across North Carolina. As a Fellow of both the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing, Senator Adcock brings a unique perspective bridging clinical practice, leadership, and public service.

Dress Code

• Saturday: Business Professional

• Sunday: School apparel or scrubs

Why Attend?

• Engage in educational sessions led by nursing professionals

• Network with nursing students and faculty from across the state

• Build leadership skills and professional confidence

• Celebrate the nursing profession in a collaborative, supportive environment

2026 NCANS Convention Agenda

February 21–22, 2026 | Chapel Hill, NC
NCANS reserves the right to make adjustments

Saturday, February 21

• 9:00–10:00 AM — Registration & Breakfast (MBRB Main Lobby)

• 10:30–10:45 AM — Welcome (MBRB Room 2204)

• 10:45–11:45 AM — Keynote Session (MBRB Room 2204)

• 11:50 AM–12:35 PM — Educational Session (MBRB Room 2204)

• 12:35–1:30 PM — Lunch Break

• 1:30–2:30 PM — Exhibit Hall & Networking (MBRB Main Lobby)

• 2:30–3:15 PM — Educational Session (MBRB Room 2204)

• 3:20–4:50 PM — Rotating Roundtables (MBRB Rooms G202 & 2204)

• 4:50–5:05 PM — BTN Project & Election Overview (MBRB Room 2204)

• 5:05–5:30 PM — Candidate Pitches (MBRB Room 2204)

Sunday, February 22

• 9:00–10:00 AM — Networking & Breakfast (MBRB Main Lobby)

• 10:00–10:45 AM — Educational Session (MBRB Room 2204)

• 10:45–11:30 AM — New Graduate Panel (MBRB Room 2204)

• 11:35 AM–12:45 PM — Bylaws Discussion (MBRB Room 2204)

• 12:45–1:45 PM — Lunch Break

• 1:45–2:30 PM — Educational Session (MBRB Room 2204)

• 2:30–2:45 PM — Closing Remarks (MBRB Room 2204)

• 2:45–5:00 PM — NCLEX Review (includes 10-minute break) (MBRB Room 2204)