Welcome to the 2026 NANN Annual Conference Call for Abstracts Submission Portal!

42nd Annual Conference - Call for Case of the Year Abstracts

The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) is the premier organization that shapes neonatal nursing through excellence in practice, education, research, and professional development. The purpose of this conference is to offer comprehensive educational and networking opportunities for neonatal nurses, advanced practitioners, and other interprofessional providers across the spectrum of neonatal care. Sessions represent state-of-the-art advances in neonatal care, leadership, advocacy, and research. The Annual Conference Committee would like to invite you to submit an abstract to present at the 42nd Annual Conference taking place September 15-18th, 2026 in West Palm Beach, FL.
The deadline to submit a Case of the Year abstract is April 1, 2026. NOTE: Deadline extended to April 10, 2026!

The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), in collaboration with Vermont Oxford Network (VON), invites you to submit an abstract to be considered as the Case of the Year! This interactive presentation will explore a complex and unique clinical case, challenging attendees’ critical thinking skills and encouraging them to think outside the box. The diagnosis will be revealed at the end of the presentation, and attendees will receive education on the diagnosis. The goal of this session is to help participants better recognize this time-sensitive diagnosis and improve outcomes in their unit. NANN’s partner in this endeavor, Vermont Oxford Network, is a nonprofit voluntary collaboration of health care professionals working together as an interdisciplinary community to change the landscape of neonatal care. Their mission is to improve the quality, safety, and value of care for newborn infants and their families through a coordinated program of data-driven quality improvement, education, and research.

Learning Outcome(s):

• Explore a complex clinical case with multiple competing diagnoses
• Construct a differential diagnosis based on a clinical scenario
• Recognize clinical abnormalities and their significance

ELEMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR ABSTRACT

• Abstract does not need to be submitted in a mystery format but should plan to be presented as such.
• Proofread carefully for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The abstract word count cannot exceed 1,000 words.
• To ensure a supportive and restorative learning experience for attendees, NANN accepts case studies that focus on positive outcomes, including patient survival.
• Case information includes gestational age, chronological age, birthweight, and relevant background.
• Pertinent positives from maternal history are highlighted.
• Infant’s clinical presentation is briefly described (history, physical, laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic information).
• Differential diagnostic possibilities are listed.
• Diagnostic work-up and clinical findings are described. Please do not use local abbreviations (i.e., chem 1, chem 7, etc.) when describing diagnostic tests performed. Exact tests and results are not required to be included in abstract; an interpretation of work-up is adequate.
• Method for confirmation of final diagnosis is stated.
• Treatment and complications are described.
• Unique features of this case are outlined.
• Implications for clinical practice are addressed.
• Review of literature for primary diagnosis and relevant diagnoses excluded, highlighting clinical controversies and scientific rationale for practice (in bibliography form for abstract).
• Post-discharge outcome data is included (i.e., Bayley, school performance, developmental issues, family integration).

ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION CONSIDERATIONS

• The abstract should be submitted in standard case report style, but will be presented in a mystery format (narrative presentation, audience participation/feedback, final case reveal) within 45 minutes, with 15 minutes post-reveal for additional Q&A.
• The selected presentation will receive coaching and mentoring to prepare for the live presentation through 2-3 planning calls (June – August) with the previous winner and volunteer planners.
• When applicable, the abstract should address cultural humility, sensitivity, or inequity in case examples, or describe how issues of cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion are considered in specific aims or narrative of proposed content to include impact of proposed topic or research on underrepresented and underserved populations.
• The case should fall into one of the following categories:
  • An atypical presentation or outcome of a common disease
  • An unusual disease process or diagnostic challenge
  • An ethical challenge
  • A transport challenge
  • A patient safety-related case

Submitters must obtain or provide proper written family permission/consent upon abstract submission (a consent form template is available within the submission platform, if needed).

Presenter will receive a complimentary full conference registration. Presenter is responsible for all expenses related to their presentations, including but not limited to air & ground travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals.

Abstracts successfully submitted for review will undergo a blind review (i.e., the reviewers are unaware of the applicant's identity). Therefore, applicants should be careful to not disclose their identity or their institutuion when describing their qualifications to present on their particular topic. Notification for acceptance will be emailed to the abstract submitter in May 2026. If you have any questions, please contact education@nann.org.

IMPORTANT: This is not the second call for posters. This is for the Case of the Year. The second call for posters will open April 15, 2026.