By: Terri Schmitt, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, NPACE Executive Director
Every year around this time I get especially excited about the upcoming NPACE year! There is something about fall… the familiar “back-to-school” feeling brings a renewed sense of energy, growth, and possibility.
Our annual unveiling of the upcoming NPACE event calendar is one of my favorite moments. Every year I excitedly exclaim to anyone who will listen that this is going to be one of NPACE’s best offerings yet… and every year, I mean it! That in mind, 2027 is going to be something truly special.
The NPACE team is creating an upcoming year of education designed for the realities of today’s advanced practice clinicians (mixing in a little fun in themes, music, games, and more). NPACE Department of Education thought of everything including current clinical updates, emerging areas of care, unique topics, pharmacology, diagnostics, practice success, professional connection, and of course opportunities to learn somewhere beautiful.
We kick off 2027 on February 10 with Partners and Primary Care Day, a one-day virtual program featuring timely education and updates from NPACE partners. This kickoff is an accessible way to start the year with relevant clinical education from experts at the forefront of emerging therapies. Our thanks to the education partners taking part.
Then, February 28–March 2, NPACE is heading back to Boston for Medical March Madness: Offensive Strategies for Primary Care. After several years away, NPACE will be downtown at the elegant InterContinental Boston with a sports-themed event featuring an afternoon start, keynote, and outstanding speakers. Topics will include menopause and hormone therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, safe prescribing for older adults, and more. To be in the heart of Boston in such an elegant hotel is one of the best opportunities to check out American history, the buzz of Boston, and explore (eat) your way through one of the best Northeast destinations.
Spring takes us to Hilton Head, South Carolina, for Sun, Sea, and Science: Practical Updates in Patient Care. This three-day conference brings APPs from everywhere who need a little sun and ocean (who doesn’t by April?) for practical clinical updates and unique topics including tick-borne illness, food and environmental allergies, adult ADHD and neurodiversity, atrial fibrillation, substance use disorders, and more. This particular hotel is an oasis of activities and beauty.
Back by popular demand, Groovy Diagnostics: Two Days of Peace, Love, and Laboratory Learning returns virtually in May. Affectionately known as LabFest, this program takes a fresh approach to laboratory education with topics such as inflammation, viral panels, and CBC interpretation. And since it is virtual, you can join from anywhere and wear your grooviest gear while you do it! Who doesn’t need more lab information in this constantly evolving clinical landscape?
On June 29–July 1, one of our NPACE favorites heads to a new location: Newport, Rhode Island. Catch the Next Wave: Healthcare Currents Every APP Needs to Know will combine three days of education with the opportunity to enjoy Newport in the summer! I recently went to this famous destination for the first time and had no idea about the waterfront view, mansions, cliff walk, boats, beaches and plenty of New England charm. I ate some of the best French toast of my life (with peanut butter and honey) at some monkey café across from another place where people stood in line 2 hours for cinnamon rolls and hiked over 22,000 steps on the cliff walk.
August is a big, exciting month for NPACE. I am gushing to discuss the unique and clinician needed event we have here! From August 16–19, NPACE will bring two unique experiences to Chicago, including our only four-day conference covering cardiac and renal updates, orthopedics, and adolescent health. Chicago is special though because here NPACE is holding the inaugural Great APP Expo & Exchange: A Roaring Celebration of Advanced Practice Providers.
The APP Expo is something we have never done before and something we believe APPs need and will love. I’ve described it as bridal fair like, but for advanced practice clinicians. Think of it as a professional destination designed specifically for APPs, bringing together employers, universities, malpractice resources, pharmaceutical and medication resources, entrepreneurial opportunities, interactive learning labs, prizes, and more.
Here is the best part… Every NPACE in-person registrant in 2027 receives complimentary access to the Great APP Expo & Exchange. No membership and no separate conference purchase are required. Everyone who attends is invited to a Roaring ’20s party featuring costumes, music, food, and plenty of opportunities to connect.
September 29th & 30th brings a much-requested two-day virtual program, Clinical Excellence Meets Practice Success: Functional Medicine and the Business of Advanced practice. This virtual is 2 days, where one day will focus on functional medicine and the second will explore billing and coding, documentation, and the business of APP practice. These topics remain among the top requests from APPs and the live virtual format makes it possible to participate without travel.
From November 8–10, NPACE heads west to Carlsbad, California, for Riding the Waves of Medicine: Current Updates and Clinical Pearls for APPs. This three-day event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Josh Hamilton, DNP, PMH-BC, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, FAANP along with timely clinical education in a beautiful coastal setting. Sunshine, pools, beach access, and downtown Carlsbad don’t hurt either! I saw this property for the first time last year and fell in love. Perched high on a hill with views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance, golf, a secret entrance to Legoland, free shuttle to the beach and Carlsbad. It’s full of light, peace, and beauty.
A two-day virtual program will close out the year, featuring the latest primary care updates and education from several NPACE partners. The virtual programs are always a great way to learn industry information and finish the year with needed updates.
When I look at the 2027 NPACE calendar, what excites me most is the breadth of opportunity. As APPs we practice in every state and across virtually every healthcare setting, and we need current clinical information, practical tools, unique topics like functional medicine or running our own practice, pharmacology and diagnostic expertise, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and the larger APP community (this last one is particularly important). This is why NPACE included virtual and in-person education, focused clinical programs, destination conferences … and new this year, the Great APP Expo & Exchange!
Our goal is not simply to offer more education, but for me and the staff we truly strive to create meaningful opportunities for my fellow APPs to learn, relax, explore, connect, and advance.
No matter what you are looking for, I know you need to connect and I urge you to explore the 2027 NPACE calendar to find the event and learning that speaks to you. The joy of connecting is still magic in the face of professional development, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has created for 2027.
We can’t wait to see you in 2027!