This story will be updated after each day of convention. Relive the fun or catch up on what you missed.
We know there are a lot of issues that may have made traveling more challenging for many of you. Nurses are not strangers to adapting under pressure, but we deeply appreciate your patience and flexibility to be here with us. We hope that now you’ve
arrived, the hardest part is behind you, and you can relax among friends and have some fun! And if you aren’t able to be here with us in person, we hope these daily recaps help you feel connected to your Sigma community.
Monday: Inspiration for the last day of convention
The excitement carried over to the presentation of our Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement Award in Nursing. The honorees who were able to join us delivered powerful messages full of inspiration and hope, urging those in the room to lead from where they were. Concurrent sessions continued, and the Marketplace was buzzing with last-minute purchases of fun Sigma merch and award-winning titles before it closed.
Tim Cunningham presented a fun, uplifting presentation on working toward and in a place of abundance rather than scarcity. Abundance leadership, Cunningham said, is “bringing more diverse voices to the table, leaning constantly into the voice of equity, and inviting learners and students to sit with executives to share different perspectives.” Because when leaders lead from a place of abundance, there is less attrition, more trust, and people have more fun.
Key takeaways:
- Actively practice looking up to engage our brains, take in the space around us, read the room, and connect with the people in front of us.
- Keep track of your story and remember that you play a part in other people’s stories as well.
- You can have a profound impact on and radically change the energy of the space as an individual.
This work begins with slowing down, recognizing the beauty around you, and holding compassion for yourself and others.
To round out the evening, the Sigma Foundation for Nursing brought back their Fun-Raiser for Research Trivia Night, where members let off some steam, had fun, and competed for bragging rights.
Voting for the new international board and other leadership positions started in the House of Delegates. Tomorrow, voting on bylaws amendments will take place and so will the installation of the new board. President Sandra Bibb will also install Liz Westcott as Sigma's 2025-2027 president.
Sunday: Celebrating Sigma nurses
The learning, connection, and inspiration continued all the way through our second day. But Sunday was also a big day of celebration.
Tribute Award recipients accepted their awards for demonstrating excellence in their fields. Find out more about the amazing work we recognized here.
Between our two plenary sessions, chapters came together to connect with others in their region. They shared exciting initiatives in their regions and looked forward to the next biennium.
114—yes, 114—chapters received a Chapter Key Award. Two chapters received their 17th award…fun fact: that means they’ve won this award each year since its inception.
Finally, we ended the evening looking ahead. President Sandra Bibb and CEO Luke Davis presented Sigma Forward.
“Together, we are bridging 103 years of remarkable work while stepping confidently into a more innovative and impactful future with a framework grounded in research, dialogue, and reflection,” Davis said.
This new strategic framework comes from listening to you, Sigma members. In it, there is a place for everyone to get involved to see themselves as activators and co-creators of our shared impact. Over the coming years, Sigma is focuses on:
- Connecting nurses globally
- Elevating the member experience
- Advocating for nurses’ impact
- Aligning systems and talent
It’s an exciting time to be part of Sigma as we look forward while never losing sight of the past. See you tomorrow!
Saturday: Opening day
While the sun came up on Saturday and runners began the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, you kicked off the weekend by seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Convention began with our traditional flag processional—watch it all on LinkedIn. Forty flag bearers from around the world represented each country with a Sigma chapter.
After recognizing our Founders Award honorees, Sandra C. Garmon Bibb took the stage for one of her final acts as president to celebrate Sigma. She issued a passionate invitation to be difference-makers, calling on all of us to influence, add value,
and bless lives.
President Bibb likened leadership to a climb—making continuous, upward progress to a goal—and the summits. The summits, she said, are what drive us. They are the end of a climb and the beginning of another.
Our exhibitors put in a long day of setting up to welcome everyone and share their invaluable resources. If you're here, be sure to stop by. And don't forget your BINGO card in your program book...you could win a prize!
Friday: Preconference and international reception
Members came in early for two preconference opportunities. Thank you to Dr. Rhonda Lawes, Chief Nursing Officer at Lecturio, for providing nursing faculty with an action-oriented workshop to empower their students to take ownership of their own learning
in the AI-era. Our own journal editors, Journal of Nursing Scholarship and Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, Susan Gennaro, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, EBP-C, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, shared their insight into
getting published to those new to the field in another workshop.
Some of our international members attended a special reception before the official opening day on Friday evening. We love seeing the diverse faces of Sigma right here in Indy.