PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The 2026 NICU Leadership Forum invites nurse leaders to explore the power of Choice, Clarity, and Connection in shaping healthy, high-performing teams. This year’s theme focuses on empowering leaders to make intentional choices that foster balance, resilience, and professional fulfillment. Through inspiring keynotes, interactive sessions, and peer networking, participants will gain tools to support self-care and well-being during times of high stress. Join us to strengthen your leadership clarity, promote accountability, and deepen the connections that sustain excellence in neonatal care.
We are currently accepting poster abstracts. The abstract deadline for podium presentations has passed.
2026 NICU LEADERSHIP FORUM
Boundaries, Bravery & the Beat of Leadership
Thriving Through Change: Choosing Joy in Times of Uncertainty
From Vision to Value
Intentional Leadership:
Making Moves That Matter
How Should I Say This?
(Communication Strategies for Important Conversations)
Riding the AI Wave as a Leader
The Power of Voice: Governance Redesign That Drives Growth and Engagement
2026 NICU LEADERSHIP FORUM
In today’s dynamic healthcare environment, nurse leaders are navigating more than just patient care—they’re managing generational clashes, shifting work ethics, and resistance to change, all while trying to move their teams forward. From Eye Rolls to Excellence: The New Rules of Leading with Respect dives into the real-world challenges of leading diverse teams with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
This session explores how to address differing values and expectations head-on, foster respectful dialogue, and master the art of difficult conversations. We’ll unpack practical strategies for leaving teams strengths, managing conflict, promoting accountability, and creating a culture where every team member feels heard—and motivated to perform. You’ll also learn how to guide your team through change with agility, aligning clinical excellence with business readiness in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Shawana Burnette, DNP, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, CLNC, FAWHONN, Director of Nursing Excellence Programs, Advocate Health & Bobbie Smith, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, ANLC-P, Labor & Delivery/Fetal Surgery Center Manager, Children’s Hospital Colorado
$175 USD
Email Melissa Gehl at mgehl@synovaassociates.com to be added to a waitlist for the event.
APPLY FOR A
Synova will be granting tuition scholarship for NICU nurse leaders to attend the 2026 Neonatal Leadership Forum. Scholarship application deadline is November 15th. Notifications will sent in early December. If accepted, you commit to attend the event.
[THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED]
2026 NICU LEADERSHIP FORUM
$849 USD Early Bird Registration (Ending January 18, 2026)
$949 USD Regular Registration (Jan 19 – February 22, 2026)
$1049 USD Late Registration (After February 22, 2026, if Available)
From Eye Rolls to Excellence: The New Rules of Leading with Respect – $175
Please note:
Out of consideration to registrants, children of any age and spouses/guests may not attend the Sessions. Guests 21 and older may attend the social event on Tuesday, April 14th for a fee (guest registration occurs onsite)
Tuition includes continuing education hours and many meals/snacks
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR
Take a look at our NICU Leadership Forum brochure for an overview of the 2026 NICU Leadership Forum Event.
Our agenda is ever expanding. Take a look to see what we’ll be talking about at this year’s event.
2026 NICU LEADERSHIP FORUM
TAKE A LOOK AT THE VENUE:
Synova Associates
13425 Marquette Ave
Elm Grove, WI 53122
At Synova Associates, we are a nurse leadership company. We strive to change how nurse leadership works and the scope of the very field. We aim to shape a diverse work environment that endorses opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Synova Associates encourages an inclusive workforce that complements that of women, neonates, and their families.
