Travel Nursing, Therapy, & Allied Healthcare Conference Guide 2024

As a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health clinician, it's crucial to keep up with industry changes. As you plan for the year ahead, consider the following list of events and conferences for opportunities to enhance your healthcare professional skills, knowledge, and career opportunities.

Travel nursing offers unique challenges and opportunities, and attending the right conferences can be a game-changer in this dynamic field. From the Association of California Nurse Leaders Annual Program in picturesque Monterey to the high-energy Travelers Conference (TravCon) in Las Vegas, each event is designed to provide travel nurses with the latest insights and tools to excel in their roles. Whether it's diving into the complexities of surgical nursing at the AORN Global Surgical Conference in Nashville or exploring leadership strategies at the AONL Annual Conference in New Orleans, these gatherings are key for those looking to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of nursing.

What: Association of California Nurse Leaders Annual Program

When: February 4-7, 2024

Where: Monterey, CA

ACNL's Annual Conference provides you with the knowledge, tools, and insights to optimize your effectiveness as a nurse leader. 

What: AORN Global Surgical Conference and Expo 2024

When:  March 9-12, 2024

Where: Nashville, TN

The Association of Registered Nurses (AORN) presents the AORN Global Surgical Conference and Expo 2024 – a revolutionary learning experience featuring a dynamic range of topics, world-renowned speakers, top researchers, and the latest products and services that advance how nurses practice.

What: American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Annual Conference

When: April 8-11, 2024

Where: New Orleans, LA

AONL is a way to connect with fellow colleagues while preparing yourself for the future of nursing. 

What: Travelers Conference (TravCon)

When: September 22-25, 2024

Where: Las Vegas, NV

For all traveling healthcare professionals, one of the best conferences in the nation is TravCon – the largest annual event that provides traveling healthcare professionals the opportunity to network with other travelers and industry insiders. TravCon invites all RNs, NPs, PAs, and allied health professionals to join them at this dynamic event. FlexCare will be there, so come to our booth, say hello, and grab some great swag! 

What: Emergency Nursing 2024

When: September 4-7, 2024

Where: Las Vegas, NV

The Emergency Nurses Association presents the annual Emergency Nursing 2024 – an event that promotes innovative education and technology, leading research, and network opportunities for emergency nurses.

What: ANCC National Magnet Conference

When: October 30 - November 1, 2024

Where: New Orleans, LA

The largest nursing conference in the United States, the National Magnet Conference, is a great place to learn, be inspired, and celebrate nursing!

What: National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition

When: May 20-24, 2024

Where: Denver, CO

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses presents NTI 2024 –  the largest, most comprehensive trade show for acute, progressive, and critical care nurses, advanced practice nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nurse managers, as well as transport and emergency department nurses who treat acutely and critically ill patients.

For therapists and allied healthcare professionals, 2024 offers a roster of conferences that span various specialties. Physical therapists can look forward to the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston, the largest event in the field with programming from all 18 of APTA’s specialty sections. Respiratory therapists will find the American Association of Respiratory Care Annual Congress in Orlando an invaluable platform for learning and networking. Speech therapists will have the opportunity to engage with the latest research and resources at the ASHA Convention in Seattle, while occupational therapists can connect with peers and industry leaders at the AOTA Annual Conference in Orlando. For surgical technologists, the AST Annual Surgical Technology Conference in Denver promises to be a highlight, showcasing the latest surgical techniques and industry advancements.

Physical Therapy

What: Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2024

When: February 15-17, 2024

Where: Boston, MA

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) presents CSM 2024 – the largest conference on physical therapy in the country with innovative and dedicated professionals, plus programming designed by all 18 of APTA’s specialty sections.

Respiratory Therapy

What: AARC 2024 – American Association of Respiratory Care Annual Congress

When: November 20–23, 2024

Where: Orlando, FL

This AARC 2024 is a spectacular networking and educational event for respiratory therapists from around the world, offering cutting-edge lectures by the top leaders in the industry. Congress will equip you with the valuable resources you need to push forward in your career.

Speech Therapy

What: ASHA Convention

When: December 5-7, 2024

Where: Seattle, WA

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) presents ASHA Convention 2024 - a premier annual professional education event for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. This event provides unparalleled opportunities to hear the latest research and gain new skills and resources to advance your knowledge and career.

Occupational Therapy

What: 2024 AOTA Annual Conference and Expo

When: March 21-23, 2024

Where: Orlando, FL

The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) presents the 2024 AOTA Annual Conference and Expo – the largest gathering of occupational therapy practitioners and students. Be inspired by keynote speeches, educational presentation sessions, and discussions and networking opportunities.

Surgical Technologists

What: AST Annual Surgical Technology Conference

When: May 30 - June 1, 2024

Where: Denver, CO

In 2024, AST comes together to promote the surgical technology profession, highlight the latest and greatest surgical techniques and connect you to supporting organizations from across the country. 

Recognizing the importance of overall health and wellness in healthcare, several conferences in 2024 are dedicated to this broader perspective. The HIMSS Global Conference in Orlando is a must-attend for those interested in the intersection of health and technology. The American College of Healthcare Executives Congress in Chicago offers extensive professional development for healthcare management professionals. Lastly, the Tools for Promoting Healthy Change conference in Orlando, hosted by Lifestyle Medicine, focuses on the essential role of lifestyle medicine in healthcare.

What: HIMSS Global Conference and Exhibition

When: March 11-15, 2024

Where: Orlando, FL

HIMSS24 unites thought leaders, disruptors, and changemakers representing every sector across the global health information and technology spectrum. Join peers and experts to develop, strengthen and learn from the relationship between health and technology. 

What: American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHA) Congress on Healthcare Leadership

When: March 20-23, 2024

Where: Chicago, IL

The ACHA Congress on Healthcare Leadership provides cutting-edge professional development and practical solutions to healthcare management and a global networking community that provides ample professional development opportunities. No matter what healthcare profession you’re most passionate about, there is always a chance to advance your knowledge, enhance your skills, and network with innovative individuals who are trying to accomplish the same goals you are – to provide the best and most innovative care to patients.

What: Tools for Promoting Healthy Change

When: October 27-30, 2024

Where: Orlando, FL

Lifestyle Medicine presents the Foundation of Healthcare – designed to educate, equip and empower a galvanized force of change-agent allied health professionals, health coaches, and healthcare executives who understand that lifestyle medicine is and must be the necessary foundation of health and healthcare.

Each of these conferences presents a unique opportunity for travel nurses, therapists, and allied health professionals to grow in their careers. Whether it's through learning about the latest clinical advancements, engaging with thought leaders, or exploring new tools and technologies, these events are key stepping stones in a journey towards professional excellence and better patient care in 2024.