PROPOSALS
The Academy of Forensic Nursing's Education Committee invites you to submit proposals to present at the AFN Regional Conference: Tucson, September 22–23, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona.
This two-day, live conference will promote excellence in evidence-based practice to both novice and advanced-practice forensic nurses. Presentations will inspire innovative techniques and research that informs an interprofessional approach to working with people affected by violence and trauma. This event is open to healthcare and law enforcement professionals; legal, court, and judiciary staff; and victim advocates.
Our Conference Objectives
The Academy of Forensic Nursing is seeking abstract proposals for presentations that meet the following conference objectives:
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Improve the response to populations affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, child maltreatment, stalking, human trafficking, elder abuse, and gender-based crimes.
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Support collaboration among criminal justice, healthcare, law enforcement, and community professionals through an interprofessional approach.
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Demonstrate contemporary research that supports innovative, evidence-based practice models for forensic nurses.
Who Should Submit a Proposal?
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Forensic nurses and healthcare professionals
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Educators and researchers
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Students
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Interprofessional partners and allies
Free Registration for Primary Presenters
If your proposal is selected for presentation, the primary speaker will receive one complimentary registration for AFN Regional Conference: Tucson, September 22–23, 2026.
Submissions Timeline
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April 1, 2026 – Deadline for submission of all proposal materials
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May 1, 2026 – Applicants will be notified the week of May 1 whether their abstract has been accepted
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May 15, 2026 – Deadline to confirm your availability and submit presenters' credentials, bios, and headshots (if accepted)
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September 10, 2026 – If accepted, your presentation is due to the conference planners no later than September 10
Where to Submit Your Proposal
Please click the button below to complete the AFN Call for Proposals form.
Questions? Please email education@afnmail.org
OVERVIEW
Location:
Tucson, Arizona
Conference Venue:
The Eddy Hotel
4626 N Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ 85718
Direct: 520-297-8624
Toll Free: 844-3-TAPESTRY
General Information:
The Academy of Forensic Nursing's Education Committee invites you to join your AFN colleagues for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection at AFN Regional Conference: Tucson forensic nursing conference, September 22–24, 2026. This event will feature a diverse offering of presentations of relevance to both novice and experienced forensic-nursing professionals and their allies.
General Schedule:
September 22–23, 2026
Conference - Days One & Two
Southwest Forensic Nursing Conference
September 24, 2026
Post-Conference
Non-Fatal Strangulation Clinical Skills and Competency Training
Registration Costs - In Person
In-person registration includes light breakfast, lunch, and snacks/beverages throughout the day, plus a networking event with snacks and drinks (day/time TBA).
Conference
Two Days – In-Person
AFN Member – Early Bird $315 ($350 after June 1, 2026)
Non-Member – Early Bird $380 ($425 after June 1, 2026)
Post-Conference – In-Person Only
Non-Fatal Strangulation Clinical Skills and Competency Training
Important! This training includes full registration to a mandatory, 8-hour didactic training that must be completed online, on demand, before attending the Post-Conference. This 8-hour didactic training will be posted for viewing on AFN Learn in the 2nd Quarter of 2026.
AFN Member – Early Bird $315 ($350 after June 1, 2026)
Non-Member – Early Bird $380 ($425 after June 1, 2026)
Bundle & Save! – All Three Days
In-Person Only
AFN Member – Early Bird $575 ($650 after June 1, 2026)
Non-Member – Early Bird $700 ($775 after June 1, 2026)
Registration Costs - Virtual
Two Days – Virtual
AFN Member – Early Bird $215 ($240 after June 1, 2026)
Non-Member – Early Bird $280 ($315 after June 1, 2026)
Special AFN Membership Opportunity! Non-members will receive a discount code for $30 off a one-year membership. Good through 11:59 Central Time, September 24, 2026. Valid for the Healthcare Professional level only (regular one-year rate = $130). Code will be emailed separately from your registration confirmation, coming from afn@afnmail.org.
Volume Discount Available: Non-profit organizations purchasing 10 or more tickets at once are eligible for a volume discount. Contact afn@afnmail.org for details.
AFN Cancellation Policy
IN PERSON - If you need to cancel your in-person registration, please do so before August 22, 2026 to receive a 50% discount. After August 22, 2026, no refunds will be available. You may transfer your registration to another person to attend the same event in your place at any time. Transfers cannot be applied to a future AFN event. For cancelations or transfers, please email: afn@afnmail.org
VIRTUAL - Our virtual events are created for flexible schedules. If you are unable to attend the day(s) of the conference, you will have the ability to watch all of the sessions asynchronously – on your own time and schedule – within three months of the live event. Therefore, we do not allow cancellations or refunds. By continuing to the registration page, you indicate you agree with this policy.
LODGING INFO
Hotel Options:
The Academy of Forensic Nursing has secured a block of rooms at the conference venue. Please use the group code to secure your special AFN rate!
The Eddy Hotel
4626 N Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ 85718
Direct: 520-297-8624
Toll Free: 844-3-TAPESTRY
Group Code: AFN
Group discount open through August 21, 2026.
Visit the hotel's booking link to learn more & secure your room!
OTHER INFO
AFN Regional Conference: Tucson Planning Committee
Co-Chair: Deanna Squires BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Co-Chair: Lauren Acosta PhD, RN, SANE-A
Emily Coggon BSN, RN, SANE-A
Sherri Witzel RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Natalie Evenson MSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, IVSE-C
Kathy Bell MS, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, AFN-C, DF-AFN
Angelia Trujillo DNP, MSN, WHNP-BC, DF-AFN
Continuing Education Disclosure:
Continuing education is available for those registered to attend the conference. The number of CE hours available will be based on your registration and attendance. Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.