About this Event
Join us for the 2027 Annual Leadership Summit, hosted by the Center for Nursing Leadership at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing, for an inspiring day dedicated to leadership, professional growth, and the future of nursing!
The Summit will feature keynote speaker Diane Salter, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Healthy Workforce Institute Consultant and Nurse Executive, on Friday, April 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Brookland Banquet & Conference Center, 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC.
A highlight of this year’s Summit will be celebrating the accomplishments of the Amy V. Cockcroft (AVC) Leadership Fellowship Class of 2026–2027 as Fellows share their project presentations and graduate from the program. The event will also welcome and introduce the Amy V. Cockcroft Leadership Fellowship Class of 2027–2028, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their leadership journey.
We look forward to bringing together nursing leaders and professionals for a meaningful day of inspiration, celebration, connection, and leadership development.
Diane Salter, MSN, RN, NE-BC, has been a nurse for over 25 years and currently works as the Director of Surgical Services and Inpatient Rehabilitation for WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital in Ephrata Pennsylvania. She holds a master’s degree in nursing administration and leadership from Chamberlain University. Her Capstone entitled, “Addressing Lateral and Vertical Violence among Nurses: The Use of Education and Cognitive Rehearsal,” has enabled her to be a strong voice in promoting and providing education on nurse bullying, and the importance of creating healthy work environments. Diane was the recipient of the WellSpan York Hospital Caring and Practice award in the nurse leader category. In 2023, Diane was nominated for the Nightingale award and in 2024 she was the recipient of the Nightingale award in the Nurse Leader category. She is a content expert for the hospital system in assisting units educate staff on reducing bullying. Diane has been a guest presenter at the Johns Hopkins Advanced Nursing Leadership Academy, the Sigma Theta Tau International Conference on creating healthy work environments, the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania State Convention and the Pennsylvania Association of Perianesthesia Nurses state conference. In May of 2018, Diane was selected by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to participate on the Advisory Committee of the #EndNurse Abuse Professional Issues Panel. As a workplace culture and incivility content expert at the Healthy Workforce Institute, Diane helps healthcare organizations cultivate professional, supportive, and respectful workforce cultures.
AGENDA
8:30am to 9:00am | Registration & Breakfast
9:00am- 9:15am | Welcome and Introduction
9:15am-10:15am | AVC Fellowship Class of 2026-2027 Project Presentations
10:15am-10:30am | Break
10:30am-11:30am | AVC Fellowship Class of 2026-2027 Project Presentations
11:30am-12:15pm | Graduation Ceremony, Class of 2026-2027
Introduction of New Class 2027-2028
12:15pm – 1:30pm | Lunch & Annual Leadership Summit Awards
1:30pm – 3:00pm | Keynote Address: The Power of Caring Curiosity and Conversation" by Diane Salter, MSN, RN, NE-BC | Healthy Workforce Institute Consultant and Nurse Executive |
3:00pm Closing Comments and Adjournment
Community Sponsors
Prisma Health
Get Ready for the 2027 Annual Leadership Summit!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you for an exciting day of leadership, learning, networking, and celebration! Please review these important event details as you prepare to join us.
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Lunch
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Start your morning with a complimentary continental breakfast and an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees before the Summit begins.
Summit Schedule
The Annual Leadership Summit begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and concludes with closing remarks at 3:00 p.m.
Lunch will be provided at 12:15 p.m., featuring the Annual Leadership Summit Awards Ceremony —a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate outstanding leadership!
A Quick Comfort Tip
The ballroom tends to be on the cooler side. If you chill easily, we encourage you to bring a light jacket or sweater so you can stay comfortable throughout the day.
Continuing Education / Professional Nursing Development
We are pleased to offer 3.50 Professional Nursing Development Contact Hours.
To receive contact hours:
- Please sign in at the registration table upon arrival.
- At the conclusion of the Summit, scan the provided QR code to complete the evaluation survey.
- After submitting the survey, you will receive your certificate of completion.
- Be sure to email a copy of your certificate to yourself for your records, and remember to add your name to the certificate.
Don’t Miss the Registration Deadline!
Registration for the Annual Leadership Summit closes Wednesday, March 17, 2027.
Hotel Information | Discounted Group Rate
A special discounted hotel rate is available for guests of the 2027 Annual Leadership Summit.
Guests may reserve accommodations on April 1, 2027 and/or April 2, 2027 using the designated booking link below. You may also call the Hyatt reservations line at 1-888-492-8847 and use group code G-ANLS to receive the discounted group rate of
$158 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees, for either one king bed or two queen beds.
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, February 26, 2027
Parking Information
We’re happy to offer complimentary parking at the Brookland Banquet & Conference Center, located at 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC.
Simply park, come on in, and get ready for a wonderful day of learning, networking, and leadership!
Event venue & nearby stays
Brookland Banquet & Conference, 1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, United States
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