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.
What's New This Year
Clinical Practice Track
A dedicated full-day clinical immersion experience. October 15 only.
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
A dedicated full-day immersive experience for DNP-prepared clinicians and advanced practice nurses. Deep clinical sessions, expert-led discussions, and peer exchange with practitioners who share your commitment to excellence and health equity.
Available as a standalone day 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 Track
A dedicated full-day clinical immersion experience. October 15 only.
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
A dedicated full-day immersive experience for DNP-prepared clinicians and advanced practice nurses. Deep clinical sessions, expert-led discussions, and peer exchange with practitioners who share your commitment to excellence and health equity.
Available as a standalone day 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.
Early-Bird Registration Is Open
April 20 – June 1, 2026
Save your spot before rates increase.
Venue Snapshot
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
400 Renaissance Drive W,
Detroit, Michigan 48243