Program
This page is your guide to the APHON 2026 Annual Conference program—featuring session details, pre-conference activities, special events, and everything you need to plan your conference experience.
Come as you are, bring your conference spirit, and celebrate where it all began.
Because real connection is where the most meaningful ideas begin.
Memphis, Tennessee | September 16-18
The APHON Annual Conference brings pediatric hematology/oncology nurses together for powerful learning, meaningful conversations, and connections that last long after the closing session.
In Memphis, you will be part of a room filled with professionals who truly get it—who are eager to share, learn, and support one another. From timely education to real‑world strategies and peer‑to‑peer connection, every moment is designed with you and your patients in mind.
Come for the education. Stay for the community. Leave inspired and ready to make an impact.
Pre-Conference Activities
APHON Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Instructor Course
Tuesday, September 15 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Members fee (members only): $720 (includes lunch)
Does your next professional goal include becoming a course instructor?
Then don’t miss this opportunity to join the only in-person instructor course offered this year. The course fee includes one day of instructional content where you will earn 6.5 NCPD hours and receive your instructor certificate. The best part about taking the course in person? You immediately expand your professional connections and earn your spot in the instructor community.
Note: This is a specialty course that requires specific planning and as such APHON does not offer refunds. If a participant can no longer attend APHON is able to transfer the registration to another individual. Please contact education@aphon.org with questions.
APHON Leadership Course
Hosted by the Professional Development Committee
Tuesday, September 15 | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Members fee: $100 Early Bird/$100 Standard/$135 Late (includes coffee break)
Non-member fee: $125 Early Bird/$135 Standard/$150 Late (includes coffee break)
The APHON Leadership Course brings together current and emerging leaders in pediatric hematology and oncology nursing for an intentionally structured experience that will encourage curiosity and a sense of shared purpose. This course will offer 3.25 NCPD hours.
Mighty Memphis Mixer
Sponsored by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Tuesday, September 15 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get ready to mix it up with APHON as you settle into an evening that celebrates your arrival in Memphis. Enjoy live music from the 901 Band. Mingle with your APHON friends as you enjoy beverages and lite bites. Be sure to look out across the Mississippi River, where the Hernando de Soto Bridge (the M Bridge) will be lit up in honor of our nurses and conference attendees. This event is generously sponsored by St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up early.
Industry Relations Council Meeting
Thursday, September 17 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Invitation only
This annual meeting provides a platform for dialogue and idea sharing between valued industry partners and the APHON Board of Directors. IRC members will receive a formal invitation with meeting details. If you would like to learn more on how to attend, contact katy.lewis@wearemci.org.
APHON Pre-Conference Workshops
Wednesday, September 16 | 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM
Members fee: $100 early/$100 standard/$125 full (includes coffee break)
Non-member fee: $125 early/$135 standard/$150 full (includes coffee break)
Boost your conference experience by adding one of our workshops. These sessions offer a deeper dive into a select topic, provide an opportunity for dialogue.
Main Program Activities
Education Sessions
The education content offers a variety of options to secure Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) hours:
- Five (5) mainstage presentations
- Thirty-six (36) concurrent sessions
- Eighteen (18) paper presentations
- Six (6) Professional Development sessions (available in-person only)
- Six (6) Townhall sessions (available in-person only)
Attendees can attend these sessions live or view on-demand post conference. Attendees will be notified when recordings are available, and will have 60 days to view content, submit evaluations, and download their NCPD certificate.
The program content will be reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) to be eligible for Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) Coding and acceptable for recertification points towards your Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON®). Pharmacology credits may be available for select sessions.
Main Stage Presentations
APHON 50th Anniversary Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, September 16, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us as we kick off the APHON Conference with a special 50th Anniversary Opening Ceremony. Celebrate this milestone with colleagues and friends as we reflect on our shared impact, honor the past, and look ahead to the future of pediatric hematology/oncology nursing.
Opening Keynote: Overcoming Adversity to Reach for the Stars
Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Presented by: Hayley Arceneaux Lion, PA-C
Hayley will discuss her journey from overcoming childhood cancer to becoming the youngest American orbital astronaut and the first pediatric cancer survivor in space. Through her story of resilience and possibility, participants will be inspired to reach for the stars, embracing new perspectives on what is possible both personally and professionally.
APHON In the Morning: From Apps to AI: State of the Science in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing
Thursday, September 17, 8:50 AM – 9:50 AM
Presented by: Clifton Thorton, PhD MSN, Micah Skeens, PhD APRN FAAN, and Suzanne Ameringer, PhD RN
This session will discuss the future potential of digital innovations and technology in pediatric hematology/oncology nursing. Three nurse scientists will highlight their programs of research in informatics, mHealth, and AI. The session will transition to a facilitated interactive discussion with attendees. Together, we welcome conversations on how technology has shaped nursing practice, what opportunities exist to explore further applications, and consider how nurses can lead innovation and integrate digital tools to care and research.
State of the Science – An Overview of Small-Molecule Treatments in Pediatric Leukemia and Solid Tumors: Implications for Nursing Care
Thursday, September 17, 3:50 PM – 4:50 PM
Presented by: Belinda Mandrell, PhD RN PNP-AC FAAN
This session will describe how personalized somatic genomic sequencing is transforming pediatric cancer treatment by guiding the addition of small-molecule therapies to standard treatment regimens for pediatric leukemia, hemopoietic cell transplant (HCT), solid tumors, and brain tumors. The session will highlight how these targeted therapies inhibit specific molecular pathways including tyrosine kinase signaling, the mTor pathway, epigenetic regulation, and transcriptional pathways, and will emphasize the clinical implications of integrating precision medicine into pediatric oncology care. The role of nurses at both treating and referring centers will be discussed, with case reports demonstrating the effectiveness of these agents when used alone or in combination with study drugs.
Closing Keynote: How do you do it? Why do you stay?
Friday, September 18, 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM
Presented by: Teresa Conte, PhD CPNP FAPHON
These are questions pediatric oncology nurses are often asked—and the ones many quietly ask themselves. Join Teresa as she closes the conference with a session centered on reflection, storytelling, and renewal. Through stories, insights, and actionable strategies, she will offer ways for attendees to maintain well-being and purpose across every stage of their professional journey.
Hosted Symposiums
Complimentary (max capacity 300), RSVP Required
APHON appreciates our industry partners, and we encourage you to take advantage of a hosted meal and engaging presentation (not eligible for NCPD credit).
Non-NCPD Breakfast Symposium
Sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals Defitelio
Wednesday, September 16 | 7:15 AM – 8:15 AM
Start the first day of conference off right with networking, a hosted breakfast, and an informative talk presented by Jazz Pharmaceuticals Defitelio. Then head to a pre-con or attend the First Timer Welcome already knowing someone! Limited to 300.
Non-NCPD Lunch Symposium
Sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals Rylaze
Wednesday, September 16 | 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Secure your seat early for the opening sessions of conference by joining the hosted lunch and insightful presentation by Jazz Pharmaceuticals Rylaze. Our main program begins immediately following lunch. Limited to 300.
Non-NCPD Lunch Symposium
Sponsored by Servier Pharmaceuticals
Thursday, September 17 | 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Lunch with friends? Yes, please. Join Servier Pharmaceuticals for a sponsored lunch and engaging update and information that you can use in your professional role. Limited to 300.
Non-NCPD Dinner Symposium
Sponsored by Creative Educational Concepts
Thursday, September 17 | 6:15 – 7:15 PM
After a great day, put your feet up and enjoy a dinner from Creative Educational Concepts. Hear a presentation and have some casual conversations with old friends and new ones. And the night will still be young if you want to head out in Memphis afterwards. Limited to 300.
ONCC Recognition Breakfast & Session: For CPON®, CPHON®, and TCTCN™ Certified Nurses
Sponsored by Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
Friday, September 18 | 7:30 – 8:30 AM
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) hosts the Recognition Breakfast for CPHON®, CPON® & TCTCN™ Individuals and for nurses aspiring to become certified. Join ONCC to honor the CPHON® of the Year. This event will have a featured speaker, so please arrive on time. Priority is given to those who hold one of these credentials. This session will offer 1 NCPD hour
Non-NCPD Lunch Symposium
Sponsored by Day One Biopharmaceuticals
Friday, September 18 | 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Don’t miss this last chance to gain new insights and ideas over lunch with Day One Biopharmaceuticals. And if you attend all of our Symposiums, we promise that you will be returning home with more contacts and practical knowledge then you had before you came to Memphis! Limited to 300.
Poster Presentations
Come discover the latest news in research and clinical practice with 80+ poster presentations.
- Early Viewing – Wednesday, September 16 – 11:30 AM to 6:15 PM
- Hosted Poster Viewing – Thursday and Friday during exhibit hall hours
Attendees will submit their votes for their favorite poster on Thursday.
Attendees may claim up to 3 NCPD hours for evaluating a maximum of 30 posters for this activity.
Exhibit Hall
Visit industry partners and your APHON friends during our exhibit hall.
Highlights include:
- Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 16 | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Exhibits Hall Continental Breakfast: Thursday, September 17 | 7:00 – 8:30 AM
- Coffee Break: Thursday, September 17 | 9:50 AM – 10:50 AM
Passport Prize Drawing & Coffee Break
Thursday, September 17 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
The APHON Passport to Prizes once again returns. Visit select exhibitors and enter to win one of over 20 prizes!
Sponsored by Blood Cancer United.
Can‘t Join Us In Person? Be Part of It Anyway.
Even if you’re unable to attend the APHON Annual Conference in person, you can still experience the education, connection, and impact through Conference To Go. Designed for remote attendees, this option offers flexible access to high‑quality content and meaningful ways to engage, on your schedule.
Please note: Conference To Go is not a live‑streamed event. Sessions will be recorded during the conference and made available approximately two to three weeks after the conference concludes. Once released, recordings will remain accessible for 60 days.
Conference To-Go Will Give You Access To:
📱 Conference App
- Access to the conference mobile app and online platform as soon as it goes live
- Email notifications will alert you when access is available
🎓 On‑Demand Education Sessions
- Watch recorded sessions at your convenience once they become available after the conference concludes
- Complete evaluations and earn NCPD hours for up to 60 days post‑conference
🖼️ Poster Presentations
- View and evaluate all poster sessions
- Claim up to 3 NCPD hours by evaluating a maximum of 30 posters
🤝 Digital Networking
- Connect with speakers and fellow attendees through the conference app
Certification & Continuing Education
Conference content will be reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) and is eligible for Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) Coding, making it acceptable for recertification toward your CPHON® credential.
Select sessions may also offer pharmacology credits.
APHON AI Recording Guidelines for recording devices and transcription tools
Participating in conference education sessions is your acknowledgement that APHON is recording. Sessions in the main ballroom will have captured video and audio and concurrent education sessions and paper presentations will have captured audio.
Recording devices and AI tools:
Recording in public spaces or areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy is generally permitted. While you may do this for social media purposes, we encourage you to review what you have captured before you post.
Video recording, especially if it involves capturing individuals in private settings or for inappropriate purposes, is prohibited.
Recording without participation (e.g., leaving a device in a room to capture conversations) is illegal.
AI summary tools are considered recording devices and follow the same rules. Usage of AI tools in education sessions and other settings is discouraged.
All attendees will have access to the captured record of the conference sessions post-event.
Questions?
Contact the APHON Staff at info@aphon.org.
