Power of Nurses in a Changing World
Countdown to 2026 National Nursing Forum
About the National Nursing Forum
The National Nursing Forum (NNF) is the Australian College of Nursing’s signature annual leadership and educational event bringing together nurses, students and other health professionals from around the country and across the globe. The 2026 NNF will take place from Thursday 6 – Friday 7 August 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
The theme Power of Nurses in a Changing World, this year’s forum will explore and highlight how nurses are shaping the future of health care. With a strong line up of speakers, the forum sessions will focus on workforce, innovation and implementation, clinical governance and wellbeing, and sustainability.
Attendees will enjoy a full and rich forum experience with face-to-face presentations and interactions with the nursing network, the opportunity to connect with valuable sponsors and exhibitors to learn about the latest products, and more.
Want to partner with us?
Sponsorship and exhibition enquiries
e: events@acn.edu.au
t: 0431 749 151
Registrations
All participants are required to register to attend. Please read the following information carefully before completing your registration. Fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST. All bookings must be paid for at the time of registration by credit card.
Registrations opening soon
Full registration (two days)
- Entry to forum plenary and concurrent sessions
- Access to the exhibition
- Lunch, and morning and afternoon teas
- One (1) ticket to the gala dinner (Thursday)
One day registration
- Entry to forum plenary and concurrent sessions (on the designated day only)
- Access to the exhibition (on the designated day only)
- Lunch, morning and afternoon tea (on the designated day only)
- Does not include any social events. Additional tickets can be purchased separately.
Student/Retired member registration
- Entry to forum plenary and concurrent sessions
- Access to the exhibition
- Lunch and morning and afternoon tea
- One (1) ticket to the gala dinner (Thursday)
More information
| Early bird Paid on or before Wednesday 25 March 2026 | Standard Paid on or after 26 March 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Members | ||
| ACN Member full registration | $895 | $975 |
| Member ONE day registration | $550 | $550 |
| Retired Member & Fellow full registration | $700 | $700 |
| Student | ||
| Student (Undergraduate) full registration | $600 | $600 |
| Non-members | ||
| Non-member full registration | $1,200 | $1,450 |
| Non-member ONE day registration | $650 | $650 |
| Additional tickets | ||
| Exhibitor/Sponsor additional registration (includes sessions, excludes dinner) | $800 | $800 |
| Gala dinner (additional ticket) | $220 | $220 |
| Networking drinks reception (members) | $50 | $50 |
| Networking drinks reception (non-members) | $100 | $100 |
2026 Call for abstract submissions
As the national voice of the nursing profession, we invite undergraduates through to retired nurses to share their learnings, insights, stories and encourage you to submit an abstract for consideration addressing our theme of ‘Power of Nurses in a Changing World‘.
KEY DATES
- 16 February 2026 – Abstract submissions close
- 20 March 2026 – Abstract Review Committee recommendations due
- 10 April 2026 – Authors notified of submission outcome
- 22 April 2026 – Presenters to confirm acceptance
- 8 May 2026 – Presenter registrations due
Abstract submissions are open.
Writing an abstract for the first time, or want to make it stand out? We’re here to help! Read our NurseClick article ‘Top tips for writing a successful abstract for the National Nursing Forum’.
Venue – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is conveniently located within the city centre and is close to all city centre services, attractions and amenities that Melbourne has to offer. It’s only 25km from Melbourne Airport and easily accessible by car, taxi and public transport at any time of the day.
Accessibility
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is a fully accessible venue, delivering the high-quality services and facilities you have come to expect with a seamless service and 100% customer focus. Learn more about MCEC accessibility here
Address: 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 9235 8000
Website: www.mcec.com.au
Location – Melbourne
The capital of Victoria, Melbourne, is Australia’s largest capital city renowned for its thriving arts, sport, food and coffee scenes and its warm and welcoming multicultural community. Students can also choose to live in a country or rural setting, with regional cities boasting spectacular natural beauty, welcoming communities, generous post study work rights and a relaxed lifestyle.
Climate
In August 2026, expect Melbourne’s climate to be typically cold, with average daytime highs around (14 degree C) and nighttime lows near (6 degree C).
Accommodation
Australian College of Nursing has partnered with local hotels to provide discounted accommodation to forum delegates. ACN will not be booking accommodation on delegates behalf. Please follow the instructions below to book accommodation with the providers directly.
Getting here
Airport transfers and public transport
Explore airport transfers and public transport options—click here for essential travel information to help you get around Melbourne.
Parking
Parking is available at MCEC. More info here
Car rental
- Hertz: 13 30 39
- Thrifty: 13 61 39
- Dollar Car Rental: 1800 501 934
Contact us
The National Nursing Forum is organised by the ACN Events team. For further information or assistance, please contact us at:
t: 0431 749 151
e: events@acn.edu.au
