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A Day in the Life as an ONS Congress® Attendee

January 25, 2024
Bridgett Harr, DNP, APRN-CNP, AOCNP®
Planning Team Member
Group of eleven multiracial individuals smiling at the camera

 

We’re so excited to help you fuel your passion for oncology nursing at the 49th Annual ONS Congress®. This conference is full of unique opportunities to learn and network with other oncology nurses just like you. Here is what a typical day at ONS Congress looks like.

    

5:45 am—You’re up and ready to go early, excited to drink some coffee, eat breakfast, and learn a little something at one of the many industry-supported breakfast symposia. Before you leave your room, make sure you have your conference badge, your conference guide, something to take notes with, a water bottle, and a sweater or light jacket! 

7 am—Head to the poster pavilion and watch one of your colleagues present their poster during a poster session.   

8 am—Just enough time to grab a coffee on the way to the Victoria Mock New Investigator Lectureship.    

10 am—After hearing that amazing lecture, you decide to go check out the Hot Topics in Radiation Roundtable Session. You’re excited to talk with other radiation nurses about current practices, hoping to share some best practices and take some back to your institution. 

11 am—Stop by the Learning Hall to visit with the vendors, grab some complimentary drinks and snacks, and learn about the products and other unique educational opportunities available. Don’t forget to refill your water bottle and stop by my favorite place—the Zen Den—where you can take a moment to relax and recharge your batteries after a busy morning with therapy dogs!     

12 pm—Meet with your colleagues and decide whether to get lunch at one of the many industry-sponsored lunch symposia or head out to a nearby restaurant to see a little of the city. 

1 pm—Head back to your room for a quick nap to recharge you for the rest of the day ahead. 

2 pm—Back in the Learning Hall, stop by the ONS Campus to shop and meet with some of the ONS team. Check out the programming that is held here as well. Currently, the session is Idea Exchange: Share What’s Happening in Your Practice With the ONS Board.    

3 pm—Choose a session from one of our five tracks: Advanced Practice, Clinical Practice, Management/Staff Education, Radiation, and Research. Don’t be afraid to attend something different from what you do daily!   

Pro tip: Wish you could attend two presentations at the same time? Selected educational sessions are recorded for you to watch after the live event concludes. We’ll identify the recorded sessions on the conference schedule closer to the event so that you can decide on which ones to attend live in Washington, DC, and which to watch when you return home.  

4:15 pm—Join the day’s afternoon power session. Today’s session just happens to be on climate change and how it affects patient care, a topic you want to learn more about.  

7 pm—Meet up with your chapter members, coworkers, or new friends for dinner at a local restaurant and take some time to explore the city. Then get a good night’s rest to maintain your energy for the rest of the conference.    

 

One thing I love about ONS Congress is that you can personalize your own itinerary to meet your individual needs. No two are the same.   

Now it’s your turn: Build your ONS Congress itinerary using the online schedule. Remember to watch for the announcement that the ONS Congress app is available for download; this is a great way to keep your personalized itinerary close at hand each day.    

The opportunities are endless for networking, reconnecting with old friends while making new ones, cultivating your professional development, and just having fun. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC. Register by March 7 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.   

Note: The schedule illustrated in this blog does not reflect the official 2024 schedule but is a depiction of what a typical conference itinerary may look like. Review this year’s official schedule to begin your own personalized itinerary.