2027 CNSA National Conference: Where the Hill Meets the Bedside

Community, Advocacy, and Frontline Care

January 27–30, 2027 · Fairmont Château Laurier · Ottawa, Ontario
Hosted in collaboration with the University of Ottawa School of Nursing

What is the CNSA National Conference?

The CNSA National Conference is the largest annual gathering of nursing students in Canada. Each year, it brings together over 350 delegates from coast to coast to coast, including students, faculty, practising nurses, and representatives from national nursing organizations. The conference provides:

  • Educational Opportunities – keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panels on nursing practice, education, leadership, and advocacy.
  • Networking & Collaboration – a chance to connect with nursing students, educators, and healthcare organizations nationwide.
  • Student Leadership & Advocacy – through the National Assembly, delegates debate, vote on, and pass resolutions that shape CNSA's national priorities.
  • Career Development – with exhibitors, sponsors, and partners showcasing opportunities for students entering the nursing profession.

It's not just a conference. It's an opportunity to learn, connect, and lead the future of nursing in Canada.

Why Ottawa?

Ottawa is home to Parliament Hill, where national decisions about healthcare are made. This year's theme, Where the Hill Meets the Bedside, explores the connection between policy and practice. Frontline care, community health, and advocacy all shape and are shaped by what happens on the Hill.

Our academic host, the University of Ottawa School of Nursing, is part of one of Canada's largest bilingual universities. Its students are active in national and provincial advocacy through CNSA and RNAO. uOttawa's commitment to equity, research, and interprofessional collaboration makes it a natural home for a conference about nursing's voice in shaping the health system.

What to Expect in 2027

This year's National Conference / National Assembly will be held at the Fairmont Château Laurier in downtown Ottawa, January 27–30, 2027. Four days of learning, networking, and leadership:

  1. Keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions on advocacy, community, and frontline care.
  2. A dynamic exhibitor fair with career and educational opportunities.
  3. The CNSA National Assembly, where nursing students shape the Association's direction.
  4. Social events that showcase the nation's capital and build lifelong connections.

Relive the Energy of CNSA 2026 & Get Ready for What's Next!

The 2026 CNSA National Conference in Saskatoon, Building Bridges in the City of Bridges, brought nursing students from across the country together to strengthen connections between students, professionals, and communities.

Now, we're taking those connections to the Hill. In 2027, nursing students will gather in the nation's capital to explore how student voices can influence the policies that shape nursing practice across Canada.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Sponsoring the 2027 CNSA National Conference is more than just brand visibility. It's your chance to inspire and support the next generation of nurses. With over 350 delegates from across Canada, this event brings together nursing students, educators, practising nurses, and national nursing leaders for four transformative days of learning, advocacy, and connection.

By partnering with us, your organization will:

  • Reach a national audience through our website, social media, conference program, and on-site event branding.
  • Showcase your commitment to advancing nursing education, leadership, and healthcare.
  • Directly connect with the future workforce of Canadian healthcare through our exhibitor fair.

Six sponsorship levels are available, from Crystal ($2,500) to Diamond ($12,500), along with exhibitor spaces and add-on opportunities such as branded conference items and student scholarship sponsorship.

For sponsorship inquiries, contact ncadvisor@cnsa.ca or conference@cnsa.ca.

Your support makes this conference possible, helping students gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to shape the future of nursing.

VIEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Exhibitor Fair

The Exhibitor Fair runs Wednesday, January 27 to Saturday, January 30, 2027, giving your organization four days of direct engagement with nursing students from across Canada.

Each exhibitor receives:

  • One or two skirted 6-ft tables with tablecloth
  • Complimentary registration for one staff person (additional registrations $250 each)
  • Standard electrical outlet and hotel Wi-Fi access

Exhibitor fees: Single Exhibit Space – $2,500 · Double Exhibit Space – $3,500

Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsors receive a complimentary exhibitor booth as part of their package. Exhibitor spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Go Beyond Your Sponsorship

All sponsors, at any level, can add branded conference items for our 350+ delegates, including blankets, pen lights, water bottles, badge reels, and conference tote bags, as well as a photo booth.

You can also support student scholarships to help nursing students from across the country attend the conference. Sponsorship packages include event branding throughout the conference space at no additional cost, with printing, installation, and removal fully coordinated by CNSA.

Key Dates for Sponsors & Exhibitors

  • January 1, 2027 – Exhibitor cancellations received before this date are eligible for a 50% refund
  • January 15, 2027 – Deadline for delegate bag inserts to be received (contact resource@cnsa.ca for shipping details)
  • January 27, 2027, 6:30–8:30 AM – Exhibitor set-up
  • January 30, 2027, 5:30–7:30 PM – Exhibitor take-down