Special Events
Friday 30 October | Saturday, 31 October | Sunday, 1 November | Monday, 2 November |
Tuesday, 3 November | Wednesday, 4 November
Fitness for Research Events
Waiver and Pledge Form
The Fitness for Research Events are scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2009 through Tuesday, 3 November 2009. Please check the convention schedule for exact times and activities for each event. The events benefits the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing’s research endowment, enabling the society to provide more small research grants annually to members. Attendees will receive a T-shirt for participating. One hundred percent of the pledges collected by participants for the event will go directly to the research endowment, helping more nurses around the world to heal, lead and learn.
Friday, 30 October
Promoting Healthy Nurses: Personal Tools to Build Global Nursing Communities
Half-Day Pre-Convention Workshop (1:00–5:00 p.m.)
Co-sponsored by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International and Omicron Delta Chapter
Workshop Featured Speaker: Brian Luke Seaward, PhD
Executive Director, Inspiration Unlimited and the Paramount Wellness Institute
Nurses make up one of the most recognized groups of professionals around the world noted for their devoted service. To maintain the best quality of service, however, nurses need to balance patient care with selfcare. This presentation highlights the importance of self care and the problems associated with the lack of self care (burnout). To ensure the best global nursing community through the promotion of self care, this presentation will include the nature of stress, the quadrants of holistic wellness (mind, body, spirit and emotions), signs of mismanaged anger, the relationship between stress and physical health, health of the human spirit and several ageless coping skills and relaxation techniques proven to help restore one’s personal energy levels. Leave inspired, rested and rejuvenated with skills that can be integrated into both your personal life and professional career. Learn more!
Saturday, 31 October
Professional Tours
Choose to visit one of the following area facilities! Select one tour option on your registration form to take part in viewing options available in and around the Indianapolis area.
- Hill-Rom International Headquarters
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Visit the Hill-Rom International Headquarters in Batesville, Ind., on Saturday, 31 October.
- Fairbanks Hall Simulation Lab
Tours will run on a rotating schedule beginning at 8:00 a.m.
The Interdisciplinary Simulation Center at Fairbanks Hall focuses on real-life readiness to give students and medical professionals’ hands-on, simulation-based training in an advanced facility that replicates current hospital unit design.
- Indiana University School of Nursing Simulation Lab
Tours will run on a rotating schedule beginning at 8:00 a.m.
The Indiana University School of Nursing’s state-of-the-art learning lab, the Resource Center for Innovation in Clinical Nursing Education (RCICNE), provides a learning environment for nursing students and faculty.
- Indiana Medical History Museum
10:00–11:30 a.m.
The Indiana Medical History Museum represents the beginning of scientific psychiatry and modern medicine while the building itself is the oldest surviving pathology facility in the nation.
Participation for all tours is limited. Choose your tour opportunity when you register!
First-Time Attendee Orientation/Speed Connect New Member Event (10:00 a.m.–1:15 p.m.)
NEW FORMAT!
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the offerings and opportunities offered at the convention? Want some advice on how to best budget your time to get the most out of convention? Come listen to what experienced attendees have to say. Are you also a new member? If you have been a member for two years or less, plan to join the fun at Speed Connect, a new member networking opportunity designed especially for you. The event is immediately following the First-Time Attendee Orientation. Enjoy lunch followed by a chance to connect one-on-one with other new members.
Opening Plenary (1:30–3:00 p.m.)
The 27th President of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Carol J. Huston, RN, MSN, DPA, FAAN, will deliver her state of the society address as the opening plenary presentation for the 40th Biennial Convention. Dr. Huston’s presidential call to action, Leading Globally, highlights four key themes: being intentionally global; continuing to build our knowledge resources; developing the leadership skills of our membership further; and creating a greater emphasis on providing service. Her opening address will emphasize how Dr. Huston’s call has been put into action. The new Educational Assessment Nursing Research Grant sponsored by ATI will be presented during the opening plenary.
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and Reception (4:30–6:30 p.m.)
This is your first chance to see exhibitors at the 40th Biennial Convention. Check out their booths, mingle and have some hors d' ouevres. Check out our exhibitors!
International Induction (6:45–7:45 p.m.)
Witness the induction of nurses from around the world, including honorary members. A reception to welcome these new members will immediately follow the induction.
Sunday, 1 November
Plenary II (9:30–10:45 a.m.)
Join us in congratulating award winners during the plenary II session. The following awards will be presented:
- Chapter Key Awards
- Chapter Community Building Award
- Chapter Research Advancement
- Chapter Spirit of Philanthropy
- Chapter Communications
- Pillar Awards (New Member Awards)
- Chapter Anniversaries
- Melanie C. Dreher Outstanding Dean Award
- Environment of Elder Care Nursing Research Grant sponsored by Hill-Rom
Tribute Awards Event (12:30–1:45 p.m.)
Support your colleagues and honor award winners by attending this meal event, where the following awards will be presented:
- Clinical Scholarship Award
- International Research Awards
- Virginia K. Saba Nursing Informatics Leadership Award
- Daniel J. Pesut Spirit of Renewal Award
- Communication & Technology Awards
- Geriatric Nursing Leadership Award
Brick Paver Celebration and Headquarters Tours (5:30–7:30 p.m.)
While in Indianapolis, tour the building that nurses built! Board a bus at the convention center for a short trip to visit STTI headquarters, the International Center for Nursing Scholarship. While you are there, enjoy the Brick Paver Celebration!
Hosted Receptions
Chapters and regions are invited to hold receptions to honor award winners and people who have served the honor society in other capacities. (If you are interested in hosting a reception, please contact Maria Meschi.)
Monday, 2 November
Award-Winning Author Greg Mortenson to Give Plenary III Address (8:00–9:00 a.m.)
Learn more about this featured speaker!
Greg Mortenson is the founder of nonprofits Central Asia Institute and Pennies For Peace and co-author of New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea, which has been a number one New York Times bestseller since its January 2007 release, and was Time Magazine Asia Book of The Year. As of October 2008, Three Cups of Tea, has sold more than 2 million copies. The new Practice/Academe Innovative Collaboration Award will also be awarded.
Greg Mortenson Book Signings
9:30–11:00 a.m. Mortenson to sign his best-selling book Three Cups of Tea
* For the general public (with a plenary ticket) and non-delegate attendees
1:45–2:30 p.m. Mortenson to sign his best-selling book Three Cups of Tea
* For delegates only
House of Delegates Session I (9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m)
The House of Delegates Session I will begin at a special time on Monday, 2 November with the introduction of the candidates for elected positions and a review of delegate materials.
Regional Meetings
Meet with others in your region and your regional coordinator to learn about what’s happening in your area. Also become acquainted with those running for regional coordinator.
Founders Awards Celebration (7:00–9:30 p.m.)
This elegant dinner is followed by the presentation of:
- Founders Awards
- Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award
- Dorothy Ford Buschmann Presidential Award
- Lucie S. Kelly Mentor Award
- Archon Awards
- Audrey Hepburn Award
- Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award
Dress is business or semi-formal.
Tuesday, 3 November
Plenary IV (9:00–10:00 a.m.)
The plenary IV keynote address will be given by the Episteme Laureate, and the new Sigma Theta Tau International/Joan K. Stout, RN Research Grant will be awarded.
Heritage Society Dinner (Invitation Only)
Virginia Henderson Fellows, Billye Brown Fellows and Sigma Theta Tau Fellows are invited to this meal at the Colombia Club. Individual invitations will be mailed. Visit the foundation to learn more about becoming a fellow.
Wednesday, 4 November
House of Delegates Session II (8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
House of Delegates Session II begins Wednesday morning with the colorful presentation of flags, followed by the presentation of honor society petitions and continues with the vote on bylaws amendments and the installation of the new board. The day will end with the presidential call to action by the newly installed president.