SPS Agenda

American association of colleges of nursing | 2025 AACN Student Policy Summit | March 24-25, 2025 | Washington, DC

Program Agenda

All sessions will be held at the Washington Marriott Georgetown located in the Metropolitan Ballroom, Second Floor, 1221 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, unless otherwise noted.

March 30

8:00-10:00 a.m.	Registration Check-In Location: Marriott Georgetown, West End Room

8:00-10:00 a.m.	Sponsorship Lounge Open Location: Marriott Georgetown, Logan Salon

8:00-10:00 a.m.	Networking Lounge Open Location: Marriott Georgetown, Dupont Ballroom

10:00-10:15 a.m.	Welcome Remarks from AACN's Leadership

10:15-11:15 a.m.	A Nursing Journey: Taking Your Passion for Policy to the Federal Level How do you apply your skills and experiences as a nurse to impact change? Hear from nurses who are actively engaged in the policy landscape and learn about their advocacy journeys.

11:15-11:30 a.m.	Stretch Break

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Advocating through Adversity: Championing Policy in Challenging Times Learn about the advocacy landscape through conversation with professionals from Washington DC-based associations. This panel will discuss how to position and frame policy goals in communication with legislators, regulators, and other advocacy organizations to achieve effective outcomes.

12:30-1:30 p.m.	Welcome Luncheon Location: Marriott Georgetown: Metropolitan Ballroom, Second Floor

1:30-2:45 p.m.	Navigating the New Normal: The Art of Finding Common Ground How do you balance different voices and perspectives to achieve a balanced outcome? Hear insights from a long-term Capitol Hill professional who will address the dynamics of working in politically challenging environments to find shared values and common goals to reach mutually beneficial compromises.

2:45-3:00 p.m.	Stretch Break

3:00-4:15 p.m.	Maximizing Your Advocacy Efforts: Developing & Adapting Your Messaging Strategies to Federal Policymakers How do you take an idea and create lasting change? This interactive session will provide you with helpful tips as you frame an issue, learn about real-world examples of advocacy successes, and go into breakout sessions as you prepare for your own advocacy journey on Capitol Hill and beyond.

4:15-4:30 p.m.	Stretch Break

4:30-5:45 p.m.	Hearing from the Experts: A Bipartisan View from Capitol Hill Hear from Congressional staffers and learn about the inner workings of the legislative process. This panel will give you visibility into the collaborative process of legislating and demonstrate how staffers often work in a bipartisan fashion to achieve positive policy outcomes for their constituents.

6:00-7:00 p.m.	Student Policy Summit Evening Reception Location: Outside of Metropolitan Ballroom, Second Floor

March 31

6:00-6:20 a.m.	Travel from Washington Marriott Georgetown to Fairmont Hotel

6:30-7:00 am	Breakfast On-the-Go Location: Fairmont Hotel, Roosevelt Room

7:00-8:15 a.m.	Tips and Tools for Effective Capitol Hill Visits Location: Fairmont Hotel, Grand Ballroom and Kennedy Ballroom

8:15-8:30 a.m.	Travel from Fairmont to Washington Marriott Georgetown

8:45-9:30 a.m.	Networking Session Location: Marriott Georgetown: Metropolitan Ballroom, Second Floor

9:30-10:30 a.m.	The Power of Collaborative Action: Pursing Positive Policy Outcomes Together Hear from members of the Nursing Community Coalition as they discuss the power of collaborative action and pursuing policy goals with a singular voice. This panel will give you visibility into the inner workings of the advocacy space with a particular focus on organizations that represent nursing in the nation’s capital.

10:30-10:45 a.m.	Stretch Break

10:45-11:45 a.m.	A Conversation with a Former Member of Congress: The Power of Your Voice and How You Can Make a Difference Learn what to expect on Capitol Hill through the expertise of a former member of Congress. From the power of the constituent voice, to how you can bring the message together for unified success, the Honorable Alan Wheat will blend his personal experience to help you excel in your Advocacy Day.

1:00-5:00 p.m.	Capitol Hill Visits and Lunch (on your own) Bus service to Capitol Hill begins at Noon from the Fairmont (M St. Entrance) with continuous loops until 4:30 p.m. As a reminder, students attending AACN's Student Policy Summit will be in attendance for Hill Day and are encouraged to travel with their Dean to Capitol Hill.

1:00-4:30 p.m.	Caucus and Connect Location: 902 Hart Senate Office Building AACN Deans, Directors, and students are invited to “Caucus and Connect” in-between their Capitol Hill visits to sit and reflect, enjoy light refreshments and snacks, and strategize prior to the next Hill Visit.

5:00-6:30 p.m.	AACN Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill Location: Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn House Office Building AACN Deans, Directors and Students will be able to celebrate a productive and impactful day on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staff. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

For questions, contact the AACN Conference Team today!

Phone: 202-463-6930 | Email: conferences@aacnnursing.org | Website: www.aacnnursing.org/conferences