2026 Annual Conference
Igniting Community &
Driving Innovation
October 15 -18, 2026
Detroit, MI
About the Conference
The 2026 DNPs of Color Annual Conference is where community, creativity, and leadership converge. This year, we're heading to Detroit — an unapologetically resilient city rooted in innovation, culture, and collective power — to gather DNPs, future DNPs, and allies who are shaping the future of nursing. This conference is more than an event. It's a movement. Attendees can earn up to 15.0 accredited contact hours / CEUs.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Nutrena H. Tate
PhD, MBA, APRN, CPNP-PC, NEA-BC, FADLN
Dr. Nutrena H. Tate, PhD, MBA, APRN, CPNP-PC, NEA-BC, FADLN, is an award-winning pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse scientist, educator, executive leader, and healthcare strategist committed to advancing child health, health equity, and nursing leadership. She serves as National President of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Founder and CEO of Brand Nu Consulting, Inc. Dr. Tate earned her BSN, MSN in Parent-Child Nursing, and postdoctoral training from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor; PhD in Nursing Research from Wayne State University; and Executive MBA from Michigan State University. Her work focuses on transforming healthcare, developing leaders, and strengthening communities.
What's New This Year
Clinical Practice On Demand
Sponsored by NPACE, Clinical Practice On Demand offers on-demand access to top clinical practice topics to advance your expertise.
Hack-a-thon
A collaborative innovation challenge for the boldest thinkers in the DOC Family.
Storytelling Track
A powerful space for nurses of color to share their journeys and inspire community.
Agenda at a Glance
Opening Day
🆕 NEW: Clinical Practice On Demand
The Clinical Practice Track on demand advances your clinical practice with access to on demand to clinical practice topics sponsored by NPACE. Available as a standalone ticket or combined with General Sessions.
General Sessions
Opening programming, mini podium presentations, a Leadership Lesson, and vendor engagement.
Evening: Mix & Mingle — Motown Karaoke
Marriott Renaissance Hotel
A Motown Karaoke-themed networking and nonprofit fundraiser evening benefiting the Congress of Communities.
Community & Innovation
General Sessions
A full day of community-driven programming including:
- DiMENsions in Nursing Panel
- Historical Panel (sponsored by NYSK)
- Keynote presentation
- Mini podium sessions
Evening: Student Happy Hour & Dinner
A dedicated space for the next generation of doctoral nursing leaders.
Leadership, Innovation & Celebration
🆕 Hack-a-thon
A half-day collaborative innovation challenge bringing together the brightest minds in the DOC Family. Limited to 75 participants.
🆕 Storytelling Track
A dedicated space for nurses of color to share their journeys, name their truths, and inspire the community through the power of narrative.
General Sessions
Poster pitch presentations and additional programming running alongside the Hack-a-thon and Storytelling Track.
Evening: The DOCs Gala
Wright Museum
Cocktail hour, dinner, scholarship and award presentations, and an evening of DJ, dancing, and celebration.
What's New This Year
Clinical Practice On Demand
Sponsored by NPACE, Clinical Practice On Demand offers on-demand access to top clinical practice topics to advance your expertise.
Hack-a-thon
A collaborative innovation challenge for the boldest thinkers in the DOC Family.
Storytelling Track
A powerful space for nurses of color to share their journeys and inspire community.
Agenda at a Glance
Opening Day
🆕 NEW: Clinical Practice Track On Demand
The Clinical Practice Track on demand advances your clinical practice with access to on demand to clinical practice topics sponsored by NPACE. Available as a standalone ticket or combined with General Sessions.
General Sessions
Opening programming, mini podium presentations, a Leadership Lesson, and vendor engagement.
Evening: Mix & Mingle — Motown Karaoke
Marriott Renaissance Hotel
A Motown Karaoke-themed networking and nonprofit fundraiser evening benefiting the Congress of Communities.
Community & Innovation
General Sessions
A full day of community-driven programming including:
- DiMENsions in Nursing Panel
- Historical Panel (sponsored by NYSK)
- Keynote presentation
- Mini podium sessions
Evening: Student Happy Hour & Dinner
A dedicated space for the next generation of doctoral nursing leaders.
Leadership, Innovation & Celebration
🆕 Hack-a-thon
A half-day collaborative innovation challenge bringing together the brightest minds in the DOC Family. Limited to 75 participants.
🆕 Storytelling Track
A dedicated space for nurses of color to share their journeys, name their truths, and inspire the community through the power of narrative.
General Sessions
Poster pitch presentations and additional programming running alongside the Hack-a-thon and Storytelling Track.
Evening: The DOCs Gala
Wright Museum
Cocktail hour, dinner, scholarship and award presentations, and an evening of DJ, dancing, and celebration.
Become A
Sponsor
Connect directly with 400+ doctoral nursing practitioners, healthcare leaders, and students at the 2026 DNPs of Color Annual Conference in Detroit, MI. Partner with us to champion diversity in nursing leadership and elevate your organization's impact.
Venue Snapshot
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
400 Renaissance Drive W,
Detroit, Michigan 48243
Support the Conference Nonprofit
Your donation to Congress of Communities is more than a gift — it's a statement. It says the DOC Family shows up, not just for each other, but for the communities that welcome us. Give today and help us leave Detroit stronger.
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Partners
