Celebrating its 27th year as one of nursing's flagship conferences, Nursing Management Congress2006 offered attendees 31/2 days of thought-provoking workshops, exhibits, and sessions hosted by some of the leading healthcare professionals in our industry. With the number present topping out at approximately 1,300 attendees, this year's gathering educated aspiring and seasoned nurse managers the world over on cutting-edge technologies, new and creative approaches to practice, updated facts and figures, and much more.

During opening ceremonies, Editor-in-Chief and Congress Chair Richard Hader, RN, CNA, CHE, CPHQ, PhD, FAAN, presented Joan Wessman, Chief Nurse Officer, Moses Cone Health System (MCHS), with Nursing Management's Visionary Leader 2006 award sponsored by B.E. Smith. Wessman was a key factor in MCHS, which became the first five-hospital system in the Southeast to be awarded Magnet Recognition for Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her many achievements will be outlined in her winning manuscript to be published in Nursing Management's January 2007 issue.

"Joan has a direct and indirect impact on the health of the community by clearly setting standards of excellence," said Hader. "She upholds the characteristics of integrity, accountability, and honesty. Her strong passion for nursing emanates from her at all times[horizontal ellipsis]whether addressing nurses, executive staff, or patients and families."

Figure. Beth Eagleton, RN, MN, PhD, Vice President of Interim Management Services at B.E. Smith, and Editor-in-Chief Richard Hader present Joan Wessman (center) with the Visionary Leader 2006 award.

Figure. During her keynote address, Carol

Figure. Grace Anderson "fires up" the audience with valuable tips on the benefits of implementing change.

Figure. Diann B. Uustal, RN, MS, EdD, gives attendees the 411 on healthcare ethics.

Figure. Phillyfest offered attendees a rocking good time, complete with a house band and authentic Philadelphia-based cuisine.

Nursing Management will continue its Congress tradition next year, this time at the Hyatt Regency Chicago from September 16 to 19. In the meantime, don't miss the journal's Recruitment & Retention Conference at the Chicago Hilton from May 4 to 6. To register or submit poster abstracts for these shows, call 1-800-346-7844, ext. 7750, or e-mail [email protected]