Learn from leadership experts who map out clear strategies for success

Network with a community of like-minded nurse leaders to share best practices and challenges

Stay at the forefront of industry trends, products and services

WHAT OUR NURSE LEADERS

Have To Say!

“Honestly, attending my first Synova conference in 2021 changed the trajectory of my career….it was life changing. I have made some of my best friends, most trusted colleagues, and have contributed to the profession in such meaningful ways through Synova since that conference. It’s safety, comfort, home, friends, family, and fun…..and so much more.”

“The connections and friendships made at NICU Leadership Forum or Perinatal Leadership Forum are a treasure. The amazing speakers and inspiration are a bonus. Being a nurse leader is lonely and difficult. Having colleagues that you can turn to for advice, encouragement, and friendship provide the strength to keep going. I owe this amazing network of support to Synova Associates.”

“For me the biggest takeaway was realizing I was not alone. Everyone in leadership always seemed so together and confident but through multiple sessions I learned everyone felt insecure at some point. Knowing that they had overcome gave me the confidence to continue forward and evolve into a better leader.”

“I have been coming to Synova conferences for 20 years. When I first started to come, I was a really young leader.  I don’t even know if I considered myself a leader and I grew so much as a leader during those years and I have to credit so much of that to the Synova conferences.”

“Sometimes as a leader you have to dig really deep to support your team and I really believe that the NICU Leadership Forum and the mentors I have gained through this community have made me a better leader.   Even though it’s hard right now we have to keep growing together.”

“The forum of people is such a great group that I have gotten to know over the years that gives you an incredible amount of support not just at the conference but all year long.”

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Illuminating Influence and Identity in Nurse Leadership

At the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum, we will explore how identity and influence shape the ways nurse leaders show up, make decisions, and drive meaningful change. Known for its intimate setting, this event offers a unique opportunity to discuss real-world challenges and share both unit-level and system-wide improvements. Through interactive sessions and purposeful dialogue, participants will gain valuable insights into how authenticity, clarity of purpose, and a strong presence can enhance their leadership impact. This experience is designed to empower nurse leaders to lead with confidence, elevate their teams, and help build a stronger, more unified voice for the nursing profession. 

At the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum, we will:

  • Reflect on Personal Leadership Identity
    Explore how your values, experiences, and identity shape your leadership style and impact. 
  • Strengthen Leadership Presence and Influence 
    Engage in interactive workshops and dialogue designed to deepen authenticity, purpose, and confidence in your leadership practice. 
  • Examine the Evolving Identity of Nursing 
    Consider the collective influence of the nursing profession and its role in transforming perinatal care and healthcare systems. 
  • Build Community and Shared Purpose 
    Connect with fellow nurse leaders to share insights, foster collaboration, and strengthen a unified voice for nursing leadership. 

Registration for the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum is now closed. 

Email Melissa Gehl at mgehl@synovaassociates.com to be added to a waitlist for the event.

Call For Abstracts

Call for Abstracts for the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum is closed.

Are you interested in submitting an abstract for a 60 or 30 minute speaking spot, or a poster? Submit your abstract by July 21, 2025.

2025 PERINATAL LEADERSHIP FORUM

Speaker Lineup

Keynote Speakers

Cy Wakeman, M.S., CSP, CPEA

Founder / CEO, Cy Wakeman, Inc.

Life’s Messy, Live Happy – Life Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect for You to Be Content

How often, when we encounter a problem, have we caught our ‘ego’ coming in hard and fast driving our reactions and actions? It becomes exhausting, because we continually place ourselves as the center of the action creating ‘drama’ as victims of needy client, entitled employees, unappreciative spouse, demanding meeting planners and more. In this 

thought provoking and pragmatic talk, Cy Wakeman, challenges us all to ‘ditch the drama’, take our ‘ego’ out of the picture and reframe what is ‘actually’ happening. When we do that, we refocus our energy and talent. Not only do we find more creative solutions to our world and the challenges we face, but in doing so live happier and more productive lives. 

Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Professor Emeritus and Leadership Consultant

Perinatal Nursing Leadership in the New World of Work 

The past four years have been very turbulent, impacting healthcare delivery systems and the nursing workforce. Nursing leaders now struggle to pick up the pieces and navigate the new world of work. This presentation will discuss national trends, workforce challenges, and what nurse leaders need to do differently to lead in this new world of work effectively. We will examine three generational shifts in communication, mental health, well-being, and teamwork. Nurse leaders will be provided with actionable strategies and tools to use in their leadership to be more effective immediately. 

Dr. Terri Major-Kincade, MD, MPH, FAAP

Neonatal-Perinatal Palliative Care, UT Health Houston, McGovern Medical School

How Leaders Grow by Starting Over: Why Pivoting is Powerful! 

Great leadership begins with vulnerability. Often leaders find themselves at a crossroads between strength and vulnerability which can manifest ultimately in burnout and moral distress. However authentic leadership can be forged through vulnerability. Creating safe spaces for leaders to pivot inspires safe spaces for both leaders and team members to grow.  What happens when we say yes to ourselves and know to the illusion of perfection. In this talk audience members will follow Dr. Terri on journey from burnout to bright flame as she shares heartfelt lessons on the power of pivot in leadership. 

Diane Rogers, PCC, CPXP

Diane Rogers, PCC, CPXP

Founder & CEO, Contagious Change, LLC

To BE or Not to BE: Stepping into the Light of Influence 

Make a BEEline to the closing keynote, to BE Together, and to create a space for BElonging and connection.  BE Prepared to explore what it is to BE Magnificent – individually and collectively – through empowered, thoughtful, and intentional BE behaviors.  You’ll BE Equipped to bring the science of psychological safety and coaching competencies to your interactions, leaving empowered to BE YOU at your best, showing up to BE Magnificent for your patients, families and colleagues. 

General Session Speakers

Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, RNC-NIC, IBCLC

Dean, College of Nursing – Chief Administrative Officer, UF College of Nursing Associate Vice President for Nursing Education, Practice, and Research – System Chief Nurse Executive, UF Health

From Bedside to Boardroom: Unmasking Implicit Bias and Leveraging Human Factors for Transformative Nurse Leadership

Kristin Arnold, MBA, CSP, CPAE, CPF|M

President, Quality Process Consultants, Inc.

Stop Working So Hard! The Leaders’ Guide to Elevating People, Process, and Performance

Rhonda Collins, DNP, RN, FAAN

Chief Nursing Officer, Cytovale

Code Compassion: Nursing with Artificial Intelligence

Featured Panel

Decreasing Maternal Falls in the Hospitalized Postpartum Period

A rise in postpartum falls sparked our deep dive into the literature—revealing a striking lack of validated tools for the obstetric population. While general fall risk tools exist, they don’t fully capture the unique needs of postpartum patients. This panel will share key findings, emphasize the vital role of nurse assessment, and highlight how safety bundles can transform fall prevention in maternal care.

Featured Panel

Lori Satran, MS-L, BSN, NE-BC, ANLC-P

Associate Vice President Women and Children, HonorHealth

Moderator

Laura Bacon, DNP, APRN-CNS, RNC-OB

Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, HonorHealth

Panelist

Lisa Courson, MSN, RNC-OB

Perinatal Clinical Nurse Educator, HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center

Panelist

Sarah Dent, MSN, RNC

Senior Clinical Director, HonorHealth

Panelist

Kathy Priester, MSN-Ed, RNC-OB, MNN

Clinical Director Couplet Care, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea

Panelist

PERINATAL NURSE LEADERSHIP FORUM

Pre-Conference Events

Surefire Documentation Strategies for Perinatal Nurse Leaders (Half Day, AM)

In this focused, half-day pre-conference, perinatal nurse leaders will take a deep dive into the tools and techniques essential for liability-conscious documentation. In today’s increasingly litigious healthcare environment, nurse leaders need clear, actionable strategies to strengthen documentation practices, safeguard their teams, and lead with assurance. This session offers the space to focus on your professional growth—and you’ll leave with practical, immediately applicable plans to elevate your documentation and support safe, accountable care.

Faculty:

Elizabeth Rudolph, JD, MSN, RN, PLNC, Founder and CEO, Jurex LLC

RATES:

$175 USD

Registration for the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum is now closed. 

Email Melissa Gehl at mgehl@synovaassociates.com to be added to a waitlist for the event.

From Eye Rolls to Excellence: The New Rules of Leading with Respect (Half Day, PM)

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.

Faculty:

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

RATES:

$175 USD

Registration for the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum is now closed. 

Email Melissa Gehl at mgehl@synovaassociates.com to be added to a waitlist for the event.

APPLY FOR A

Conference Scholarship

Synova Associates and conference sponsors will be granting tuition scholarships for nurse leaders to attend Perinatal Leadership Forum. The scholarship application deadline is June 6, 2025. If accepted, you commit to attend the event.

[THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED]

PERINATAL NURSE LEADERSHIP FORUM

Rates

NICU NURSE LEADERSHIP FORUM

Rates

MAIN CONFERENCE REGISTRATION (Opens Early June)

$825 USD Early Bird Registration (Ending July 27, 2025)

$925 USD Regular Registration

$1025 USD Late Registration (After September 21, 2025, if available)

MAIN CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

$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)

PRE-CONFERENCE

Single Half Day Session: $175 USD

Full Day Sessions: $299 USD (includes lunch)

PRE-CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

From Eye Rolls to Excellence: The New Rules of Leading with Respect – $175

Lunch is included for those individuals who register for both AM and PM pre-conference sessions.

Registration for the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum is now closed. 

Email Melissa Gehl at mgehl@synovaassociates.com to be added to a waitlist for the event.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR

Brochure & Agenda

Brochure

Take a look at our Perinatal Leadership Forum brochure for an overview of the 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum Event.

Agenda

Our agenda is ever expanding. Take a look to see what we’ll be talking about at this year’s event.

2025 PERINATAL LEADERSHIP FORUM

Conference Details

  • Who Should Attend?

    • Labor and Delivery & Mom/Baby Directors, Managers, Assistant Managers & Charge/Supervisors
    • Leaders of Perinatal Quality and Safety Initiatives & Perinatal Safety Nurses
    • Perinatal Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Practice Specialists
    • Directors & Managers of Perinatal Outpatient or Virtual Services
    • Director & Manager of Lactation Services
    • VP/Executive Directors of Women’s Services or Patient Care Services
    • Director of Nursing
    • Advanced Practice Providers & Nurse Midwives
  • When & Where

    2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum will be held at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson, AZ, November 9th – 13th.

  • Program Changes and Tuition

    Synova reserves the right to make necessary changes in speakers, topics or schedule. The most up-to-date agenda is online. Due to rising costs of food, beverages, and travel, tuition is subject to change until conference registration officially opens.

  • ACCREDITATION

    The 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum is approved for approximately 17 contact hours through Abbott Nutrition Health Institute. The pre-conferences will be awarded contact hours depending on the length of the program. 

  • TRAVEL

    HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

    The 2025 Perinatal Leadership Forum will be held at the Westin La Paloma.

    Westin La Paloma Resort
    3800 East Sunrise Drive
    Tucson, AZ 85718

    The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is a AAA Four-Diamond hotel in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. With staggering views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, activate your sense of adventure with a stroll through Sabino Canyon. The resort balances activity with leisure, offering dynamic workspaces at our full-service business center and five outdoor pools with cabanas, chaise lounge chairs and shimmering waterfalls. The Westin La Paloma completed a 26,000 sq ft renovation of the main restaurant and lobby in September 2024.   

    Book now at: https://book.passkey.com/e/51054283 

    Room rate is $219/night (plus tax, resort fee is waived)  

    Reservations must be made prior to October 26, 2025; rooms will be available as space allows.  

     Hotel reservation policies:  

    • Please note that the hotel has a seven (7) day individual cancellation policy. If a guest needs to cancel their reservation, they will need to do so at least seven (7) days prior to their arrival date to avoid a penalty. 
    • An Early Departure Fee of one (1) night room & tax that will apply to any attendee checking out prior to their original checkout date.  

    AIR & GROUND TRANSPORTATION

    Tucson International Airport is the closest airport to the conference center. Super shuttle, rental cars, taxis, and Ubers are available

    View the Cancellation Policy