I always look forward to the TONL Annual Conference, but I am particularly eager this year to set time aside to learn from experienced keynote speakers that champion compassion and encourage others to lead their own evolution. Once again, 2021 brought challenges for nurse leaders across Texas, and 2022 seems to have no plans to be outdone. Our annual conference offers time to refuel by showcasing provocative speakers and panels that expand our thoughts, as well as reconnect through networking opportunities and a chance to visit with our wonderful, supportive vendors.

I know it’s difficult to make time for our own development while our profession demands more of us than ever, but this opportunity is a way to fill our bucket so we can be an even greater resource to the many nurses who need our leadership. This opportunity reminds me of a metaphor I once heard. You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you, making you spill your coffee everywhere. You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup. Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea. When days are challenging, whatever is in your cup is what will spill out. It’s easy to fake it until life comes along and rattles us like it tends to do, buy as nurse leaders we have a heart of servitude and the bumps have only exposed that our cup is filled with selflessness and grit. I think we owe it to those who chose to follow us to lead by example and take the precious time required to fill our cup, so that we may inspire others to do the same.

I hope you’ll join us February 16-18, but if you are unable to attend in-person, you can select on-demand learning up to 60 days after the conference. And don’t forget there is also a chance to attend our Annual Business Meeting where we will discuss our successes and strategic plan for the future. I look forward to seeing you all. Cheers!

Sincerely,
Jane McCurley

Join Fellow Texas Nurse Leaders (and Aspiring Leaders!) at the 2022 TONL Annual Conference

Due to continued travel and gathering restrictions for our members, the 2022 TONL Annual Conference will be held as a virtual event. As always, the Annual Conference will include a line-up of dynamic speakers addressing topics important in nursing leadership today, networking opportunities and industry insight. We look forward to another successful virtual gathering in February!

Register Today!

Visit the link below to view rates and secure your spot.

Registration: https://tonl.org/event/2022tonl_registration

 Agenda

The TONL Education Committee has been hard at work crafting an agenda that supports the 2022 conference theme: "Leadership: Reconsidered | Rebuilding the Workforce." Explore the agenda below!

Conference Agenda: https://virtual.tonl.org/agenda

Wednesday Pre-Conference Workshop

Communication Reconsidered. Results Reimagined!
Presented by Julie D. Burch; Speaker. Author. Humorist.

Honesty sounds good, doesn’t it? We have all been taught that honesty is the best policy. But is it?  Does that work in the real world? Can you be honest and tactful, professional, and diplomatic all at the same time? Absolutely!

 What is tactful communication? What does it look like and what does it sound like? What does it mean to maintain professionalism? How do we practice diplomacy in the most difficult and dicey situations? How can I be honest and achieve results?

 In this dynamic, high energy, and highly interactive session, you will get answers to these questions and so much more. You will leave with solid, real world techniques you can apply immediately to improve your results in difficult situations. Never be left speechless again!

•  After attending this workshop, you will be able to:
• Accurately define tact, professionalism, and diplomacy
• Understand the importance of perception and your credibility suit of armor
• Communicate tactfully in the most difficult and dicey situations

This communications workshop can be added to your virtual conference registration for a $75 fee. We look forward to your participation!

 Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Texas Health Resources and the Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership. Texas Health Resources is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The TONL Annual Conference offers the opportunity to network with hundreds of nurse leaders and decision-makers in hospitals, universities and health systems from across the state of Texas. Don't miss the chance to connect with key leaders who implement the many changing healthcare requirements of today and tomorrow.

Conference sponsors will receive:

• A robust virtual exhibit booth with the opportunity to upload company information, videos, handouts and more. The virtual event website will be accessible by nurse leaders one week prior and 60 days following the event.
• The ability to video chat with attendees (Zoom integration) during scheduled live exhibit hours:
  
  Thursday, February 17, 2022: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm CT
  Friday, February 18, 2022: 10:00 - 11:30 am CT

There is still time to sponsor – setting up a virtual exhibit space is easy! 2022 sponsors will receive early access to 2023 conference sponsorship opportunities. We appreciate your support!

Sponsorship Packages and Application: https://tonl.org/event/tonl2022_sponsor_application