Welcome to AACN’s Abstract Submission Platform for the 2026 Access, Connection, Engagement (ACE) Symposium!

2026 Access, Connection, Engagement (ACE) Symposium June 10-12, 2026
Submission Deadline / Due Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 11:59 p.m. ET

We hope you will join us at the 2026 Access, Connection, Engagement (ACE) Symposium in Charlotte, NC on June 10-12, 2026. We are now accepting abstract submissions for poster and podium presentations for the Access, Connection, Engagement Symposium describing programs, courses, initiatives, or evaluation strategies that characterize the conference theme, addressing the many changes and challenges in academic nursing programs.

Access, Connection, Engagement Symposium
Conference theme: "Policy, Power, and Pathways: Elevating Excellence in Academic Nursing."

Submission Topics:

• Policy and Advocacy: Strengthening Nursing’s Voice and Influence
  Focus: Exploring how policy decisions shape education, workforce, and community outcomes while amplifying nursing’s role as an advocate, leader, and trusted community partner.

• Power for Change
  Focus: To explore leadership strategies that build collective power, promote well-being, and create environments where students, staff, and faculty thrive through collaboration, innovation, and system-wide improvement.

• Pathways to Educational Excellence: Innovation, Access, and Success
  Focus: Advancing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and institutional operations through innovative strategies, meaningful partnerships, and accessible pathways that prepare students, faculty, and staff for long-term success.

Please ensure that you have reviewed the submission guidelines and the scoring rubric before submitting your abstract.
For additional information about abstract submissions, please click here.

To begin your abstract submission, please click “Join Now” below.