2026 Sigma Region 8 Conference - 2026 Sigma Region 8 Conference
Join us for the premier nursing conference bringing together academic and clinical excellence to enhance health globally. Through the presentation of research, projects, and programs, nurses will further scholarship in the nursing profession.
Educational concurrent sessions provide the opportunity for nurses to showcase success strategies, techniques, and leadership models to bridge the gap between academic and clinical settings.
- Conference Dates
- March 5–7, 2026
- Location
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Presentation Formats
- Oral Podium Presentations, Poster Presentations
- Nursing CE Hours
- 7.50
The Capstone College of Nursing
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Conference Theme
Research, Advocacy, and the Future of Nursing
Shaping Today, Advancing Tomorrow
Join us for the premier nursing conference bringing together academic and clinical excellence to enhance health globally. Through the presentation of research, projects, and programs, nurses will further scholarship in the nursing profession.
Conference Focus
This conference emphasizes the critical role of research and advocacy in shaping the future of nursing. Educational concurrent sessions provide the opportunity for nurses to showcase success strategies, techniques, and leadership models to bridge the gap between academic and clinical settings.
Research
Advancing nursing scholarship through presentation of research, projects, and evidence-based programs
Advocacy
Empowering nurses to be champions for healthcare improvement and policy advancement
Future of Nursing
Shaping tomorrow's healthcare through leadership and innovation in nursing practice
Our Mission
This conference brings together academic and clinical excellence to enhance health globally. Through collaborative learning and knowledge sharing, we will further scholarship in the nursing profession and bridge the gap between academic and clinical settings.
Conference Leadership
Meet the dedicated professionals leading the 2026 Sigma Region 8 Conference and the educational sessions that will advance nursing scholarship.
Meridith Rice
2026 Region 8 Committee Chair
Leading the conference planning committee and opening ceremonies.
Dr. Haley Townsend
Sigma Region 8 Coordinator
Supporting strategic programming and presenter engagement.
Dr. Heather Cole
President, Epsilon Omega Chapter, Sigma
Chapter leadership and conference support.
Educational Sessions
Diverse presentation formats designed to showcase nursing excellence and foster professional development.
Concurrent Sessions
Educational sessions showcasing research and best practices
- •Friday Morning: Presenters 1-6 (Rooms 1 & 2)
- •Friday Afternoon: Presenters 7-12 (Rooms 1 & 2)
- •Saturday Morning: Presenters 13-18 (Rooms 1 & 2)
- •Saturday Late Morning: Presenters 19-24 (Rooms 1 & 2)
Sigma Sessions
Special sessions dedicated to Sigma activities
- •Friday Afternoon Sigma Session
- •Saturday Morning Sigma Session
Poster Presentations
Interactive poster sessions with authors present
- •Friday: Silent Auction & Poster Session
Present at Our Conference
Share your research, projects, and programs to further scholarship in the nursing profession. Multiple presentation formats available, including oral podium presentations and poster sessions.
Presentation Formats
Educational concurrent sessions provide the opportunity for nurses to showcase success strategies, techniques, and leadership models to bring together the academic and clinical settings to enhance health globally.
Oral Podium Presentations
Individual/group abstract (20-minute presentation)
To be included in a group of up to three abstracts around a similar topic grouped together by the program committee from individual abstracts accepted for presentation. A concurrent session is allotted 15 minutes for individual abstract presentation with five minutes for audience questions.
Poster Presentations
Visual displays of research, projects, and programs
Poster presentations provide an opportunity to showcase your work in a visual format during dedicated poster session times where authors are present to discuss their work with attendees.
Submission Requirements
Through the presentation of research, projects, and programs, nurses will further scholarship in the nursing profession. All presentations require abstract submission and are peer-reviewed to ensure high quality content based in evidence.
Conference Schedule Coming Soon
We are finalizing the full agenda for sessions, exhibits, and networking activities. Please check back soon for the complete conference schedule.
Coming Soon
We're working hard to bring you detailed information about this section. Please check back soon for updates!
Registration
Registration information will be available soon. Check back for pricing and registration details.
Coming Soon
We're working hard to bring you detailed information about this section. Please check back soon for updates!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support nursing excellence and reach professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare.
Platinum Sponsorship
$3,500
- Single booth space in a prominent location
- Verbal announcement during the conference
- Full-page color advertisement in the digital program
- Logo and/or name printed on the conference lanyard
- Option to sponsor a conference break or directional signs
- Four exhibitor identification badges with lunch (additional badges $150 each, max 2)
- Eligibility for 20% discounted full conference registrations for booth staff
- Logo with link featured on the conference Exhibitor/Sponsor page
Gold Sponsorship
$2,500
- Single booth space for exhibiting
- Verbal announcement during the conference
- Half-page color advertisement in the digital program
- Logo printed on the conference bag
- Four exhibitor identification badges with lunch (additional badges $150 each, max 2)
- Eligibility for 20% discounted full conference registrations for booth staff
- Logo with link featured on the conference Exhibitor/Sponsor page
Silver Sponsorship
$1,000
- Single booth space for exhibiting
- Verbal announcement during the conference
- Half-page color advertisement in the digital program
- Two exhibitor identification badges with lunch (additional badges $150 each, max 2)
- Eligibility for 20% discounted full conference registrations for booth staff
- Logo with link featured on the conference Exhibitor/Sponsor page
Bronze Sponsorship
$500
- Single booth space for exhibiting
- Verbal announcement during the conference
- Quarter-page black and white advertisement in the digital program
- One exhibitor identification badge with lunch (additional badges $150 each, max 2)
- Eligibility for 20% discounted full conference registrations for booth staff
- Logo with link featured on the conference Exhibitor/Sponsor page
Special Sponsorship Opportunities
Keynote Speaker Sponsor
$2,500Highlights nursing excellence; includes announcement prior to the presentation, half-page color advertisement, and Gold Level recognition. Two opportunities available.
Conference Breakfast Sponsor
$2,500Includes announcements in general sessions, half-page color advertisement, table signage, and Gold Level recognition. Two opportunities available.
Conference Lunch Sponsor
$2,500Includes announcements in general sessions, half-page color advertisement, table signage, and Gold Level recognition. Two opportunities available.
Conference Reception Sponsor
$2,500Includes announcements in general sessions, half-page color advertisement, reception signage, and Gold Level recognition. One opportunity available.
Conference Break Sponsor
$500Includes announcement in general sessions, quarter-page black and white advertisement, break signage, and Bronze Level recognition. Two opportunities available.
Directional Signs Sponsor
$500Logo/name printed on conference directional signs, announcement in general sessions, quarter-page black and white advertisement, Bronze Level recognition. One opportunity available.
Ready to Sponsor?
Contact mnrice2@ua.edu for more information about sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor discounts.
Nursing Contact Hours
Earn continuing education credits for your professional development
Official Accreditation Statement
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
How to Obtain CE Hours
- •Complete conference evaluations
- •Follow instructions provided at concluding remarks
- •Submit required documentation
Important Notes
- •CE hours available for all sessions
- •Instructions provided at Saturday's concluding remarks
- •Evaluations are required for credit