The ANPD Aspire Convention continues to be one of the most impactful events in nursing professional development, and this year was no exception.
We always value the opportunity to be part of this community, coming together with professionals who are deeply committed to advancing practice, supporting teams, and improving outcomes across health care. Our CHCM team had an incredible experience connecting with hundreds of attendees, sharing insights, and contributing to important conversations shaping the future of health care.
A Booth Full of Meaningful Conversations
This year, CHCM exhibited at the conference and had the opportunity to engage with hundreds of nursing leaders and professionals who stopped by our booth.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the conversations.
Many of you shared your experiences with shared/ professional governance, competency development and the Donna Wright Competency Assessment Model™, leadership development, and ongoing workforce challenges. What stood out most to us was not just the number of conversations, but the openness and honesty within them. There is a real willingness across our profession to reflect, adapt, and improve.
These conversations are incredibly important in health care. They give us a clearer understanding of what leaders are navigating in real time and where additional support and new approaches are needed. We were especially encouraged by the shared commitment to finding more meaningful and sustainable ways to approach competency and professional development.
We also had the pleasure of meeting many individuals who were new to CHCM. It is always exciting to begin new conversations and build connections within the nursing professional development community.
Perhaps most importantly, these interactions challenge and inspire us. They push us to continue asking, “What more can we do?” and “How can we better support the work happening within your organizations?”
The insights gained from these conversations stay with us well beyond the conference and directly influence how we continue to grow and evolve our work.
The Donna Wright Competency Assessment Workshop Record-Breaking Session
One of the highlights of the conference for our team was the opportunity to witness our very own Donna Wright, Competency EXPERT, share ideas around competency assessment, a topic that continues to evolve and remains a significant priority for health care organizations.
The session drew nearly 150 attendees, setting a conference record for participation. What made this especially meaningful was the strong interest from both long-time attendees and those newer to the conference who were actively exploring fresh approaches to competency.
For our team, the energy in the room and the level of engagement reinforced something we heard throughout the conference: there is a growing desire to move beyond traditional competency models and toward approaches that are more relevant, practical, and evidence-based.
The thoughtful questions, discussion, and shared experiences during the session reflected the power of collective learning. These moments of dialogue are where innovation begins and where meaningful progress takes shape.
Why This Matters for Health Care Leaders
The engagement throughout the conference, from conversations at the booth to dialogue during sessions, reinforced several important realities.
- Health care organizations are actively seeking stronger approaches to competency assessment. There is a clear need for solutions that are not only effective, but sustainable and meaningful for staff.
- Leaders are navigating increasing complexity, and there is growing emphasis on approaches that support professional development, workforce stability, and patient outcomes.
- Commitment across the profession remains strong. We saw a shared willingness to ask hard questions, explore new ideas, and move forward with intention.
Events like the ANPD Aspire Convention create space for collaboration, learning, and forward-thinking dialogue, and they continue to serve as an important catalyst for progress.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful to everyone who stopped by the booth, attended the session, or took time to connect during this year’s ANPD Aspire Convention.
These interactions are what make events like this so valuable. They remind us that while the challenges in health care are real, so is the dedication, innovation, and passion of those working every day to advance practice and improve outcomes.
We left this year’s conference encouraged, inspired, and energized to continue partnering with health care leaders in this important work.
We are also already looking ahead to the 2027 ANPD Aspire Convention and the opportunity to continue these important conversations, share new ideas, and connect with even more leaders committed to advancing nursing professional development.
If we did not have the opportunity to connect during this year’s event, we invite you to connect with us to continue the conversation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ANPD Aspire Convention?
The ANPD Aspire Convention is a national conference focused on advancing nursing professional development through education, collaboration, and innovation.
What topics were most discussed at the CHCM booth?
Common themes included shared and professional governance, competency assessment, leadership development, and ongoing workforce challenges facing health care organizations.
What was unique about Donna Wright’s Competency Assessment Workshop session?
The session reached nearly 150 attendees, setting a conference record and reflecting a growing interest in more effective and meaningful approaches to competency assessment.
Why are conferences like this important for health care leaders?
They provide opportunities to share real-world challenges, learn from peers, and explore practical strategies that can be implemented within organizations to improve outcomes.
Sources:
2026 Aspire Convention Schedule
https://chcm.com/consultants/donna-wright/
We look forward to the opportunity to bring the CHCM solutions to your organization.