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
All attendees must register their vehicle before arriving.
Register your vehicle for conference parkingSigma's Organizational Call to Action 2025–2027
Lead Together
Sigma nurses: This is our time. Let's Lead Together—across nursing, within Sigma, and around the globe.
For more than 100 years, Sigma has united nurses around the world through scholarship, leadership, and service. Lead Together invites every nurse, in every role, in every global region, to shape the future of healthcare by standing stronger in community than we ever could alone.
Our Voice
We elevate our voice to advocate for the issues that matter most to nursing and our patients.
Our Value
We advance our value as trusted clinical experts, educators, researchers, and innovators.
Our Impact
We expand our impact, improving health outcomes and advancing equity across diverse global communities.
— Liz Westcott, DCM, MSc, DipMan, RNT, RN, 36th President of Sigma
View the full call to action at Sigma
Conference Focus
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.
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 Schedule
Three days of educational sessions, networking, and professional development opportunities for nursing excellence.
Registration and welcome reception. Pick up conference materials, poster set-up, and silent auction item drop-off.
Registration & Welcome Reception
–- Registration: Rotunda
- Welcome Reception: Room 1035
Registration and welcome reception. Pick up conference materials, poster set-up, and silent auction item drop-off.
Registration & Welcome Reception
–- Registration: Rotunda
- Welcome Reception: Room 1035
Opening ceremonies, keynote speakers (Maria Shirey, Christopher Collado), concurrent sessions, poster presentations, and silent auction.
Registration & Breakfast
–- Registration: Rotunda
- Breakfast: Room 1035
Opening Ceremonies
–- Room 1035
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Maria Shirey
–- Room 1035
Concurrent Sessions
–- Rooms 1026, 2018, 2019.
Silent Auction Open & Poster Presentations
–- Room 1035
Lunch
–- Room 1035
Keynote Speaker: Christopher Collado
–- Room 1035
Concurrent Sessions
–- Rooms 1026, 2018, 2019.
Afternoon Break
–- Refreshments
Sigma Session: D'Ann Somerall
–- Room 1035
Breakfast, concurrent sessions, Sigma session with Suzanne Prevost, Region 8 meeting, and concluding remarks.
Breakfast Buffet
–- Room 1035
Concurrent Sessions
–- Rooms 1026, 2018, 2019.
Sigma Session: Suzanne Prevost
–- Room 1035
Lunch & Region 8 Meeting
–- Room 1035
Important Notes
- Silent Auction closes at 2:45 PM Friday; winners posted at 3:30 PM. Pay and pick up items by 5:00 PM.
- Dinner Friday evening is on your own. See the Conference Program or website for dining suggestions.
Parking & Directions
All attendees must register their vehicle. Click the link below to register your car before arriving.
Register your vehicle for conference parkingConference Registration
Join us for three days of nursing excellence, education, and networking
Important Dates
Early Bird Full Conference
Full conference registration before or on February 12, 2026
Deadline: February 12, 2026
- All conference sessions and keynotes
- Welcome reception and networking
- Breakfast and lunch included
- 7.50 nursing contact hours
- Conference materials and swag bag
- Access to poster presentations
- Silent auction participation
Full Conference
Full conference registration after February 12, 2026
Deadline: After February 12, 2026
- All conference sessions and keynotes
- Welcome reception and networking
- Breakfast and lunch included
- 7.50 nursing contact hours
- Conference materials and swag bag
- Access to poster presentations
- Silent auction participation
Friday Only
Single-day registration for Friday only
- Friday conference sessions and keynotes
- Welcome reception and networking
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Nursing contact hours for Friday sessions
- Conference materials
- Access to poster presentations
- Silent auction participation
Saturday Only
Single-day registration for Saturday only
- Saturday conference sessions and keynotes
- Networking opportunities
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Nursing contact hours for Saturday sessions
- Conference materials
- Access to poster presentations
Student/Retiree Rate
For current nursing students (undergraduate or graduate) or retired nurses
Valid student ID or proof of retirement status required. Available for all registration periods.
Student RegistrationContinuing Education Hours
7.50 nursing contact hours available for all conference attendees. 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.
Registration Questions?
For assistance with registration or special accommodations, please contact:
Meridith Rice
2026 Region 8 Committee Chair
mnrice2@ua.edu
Phone: 205-348-6441
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our 2026 Sigma Region 8 Conference sponsors.
Platinum Sponsors
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Silver Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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Conference supporters
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
Session evaluation links
Use these links to complete your session evaluations (QR codes will also be available at the conference).