By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM
Are you making plans to attend the 2026 CMSA Annual Conference? You don’t want to miss this! The conference promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with energy, innovation, and connection. This four-day event brings together case managers from across the country and world to learn, collaborate, and celebrate our profession.
Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of presentations and educational sessions designed for every level of practice. With topics spanning leadership, health equity, behavioral health, geriatrics, workers compensation, and payer-based care, the conference offers cutting-edge, practical content that can be immediately applied in real-world settings. The energy continues with inspiring keynote speakers who will challenge attendees to think differently, embrace innovation, and lead the future of case management with confidence and purpose.
Beyond the educational sessions, the Expo Hall is a hub of excitement featuring exhibitors showcasing the latest tools, technologies, and resources that support case management practice. It’s an ideal space to explore innovative solutions, engage with industry leaders, and discover innovations that can enhance patient care and outcomes.
What truly sets the 2026 CMSA Annual Conference apart is the atmosphere. From spontaneous hallway conversations to intentional networking events, the conference is alive with connection, collaboration, and shared passion. Attendees will leave not only with new knowledge but also renewed energy and a stronger professional network.
Here are some suggestions to make your experience unforgettable:
Quick Tips for a Successful Conference Experience
- Set clear goals before you arrive
Decide what you want to gain: education, networking, inspiration, or all three.
- Plan your schedule in advance
Review sessions and prioritize those that align with your professional interests and CE needs.
- Meet at least 5 new people
Make it a personal goal to connect with at least five attendees and exchange business cards (or connect on LinkedIn).
- Step outside your comfort zone
Attend a session on a new topic or introduce yourself to someone you don’t know.
- Engage actively
Ask questions, participate in discussions, and visit exhibitor booths to learn about new tools and resources.
- Take meaningful notes
Capture key takeaways, ideas, and action items you can bring back to your practice.
- Follow up after the conference
Reach out to new contacts within a week to strengthen connections and continue the conversation.
- Take care of yourself
Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and allow time to recharge so you can stay energized and focused.
- Reflect and apply what you learned
Identify at least 2–3 strategies you can implement immediately when you return to your practice.
A successful conference isn’t just about attending.
It’s about connecting, new perspectives, renewed energy, actionable strategies that influence your practice, and reigniting your passion!
The 2026 CMSA Annual Conference isn’t just a conference. It’s an experience that captures the excitement, heart, and future of case management.
I hope to see you at the 2026 CMSA Annual Conference in Las Vegas June 16 through June 19 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas!
Prepare for an experience of a lifetime!
Who says professional development can’t feel like a vacation? This year, CMSA is turning Las Vegas into a Case Manager’s paradise! Think of the 2026 CMSA Annual Conference & Expo as the perfect blend of high-stakes education and oasis-level networking. https://bit.ly/4pQ3GE5
Bio: Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is President of CMSA. She is a transplant case manager with a wide variety of experiences including educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. She has published many articles in CMSA Today and the Professional Case Management Journal and served as a reviewer for the Core Curriculum for Case Management Third Edition. She has served as President-Elect of CMSA, Chair of the CMSA Today Editorial Board, Chair of the Nominations Committee, and Vice-President of the CMSA Foundation board. Janet was the recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award and was recently inducted as a Case Management Fellow from CMSA.