Next Gen Conference to spotlight the future of advanced AOD nursing practice
The Next Gen Nurse Practitioners Conference will return to Sydney in June 2026. This purpose-built, practice-focused event is designed for AOD Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner candidates and students, advanced practice nurses, and clinicians seeking to enter, establish or build on their practice within the AOD specialty.
Delivered by Next Gen Nurse Practitioners, the two-day conference will be held at Westmead Hospital on 4-5 June 2026.
The program has been intentionally designed to reflect the realities of advanced AOD practice, responding to increasing clinical complexity, workforce pressures and the need for expanded scope, leadership and system-level influence.
“The Next Gen Conference exists because AOD Nurse Practitioners are working at the edge of clinical complexity every day, yet too often their expertise and leadership aren’t fully recognised. This conference is about creating space for that expertise to be shared, challenged and strengthened,” said Darren Smyth, Managing Director of Next Gen Nurse Practitioners.
The 2026 conference moves beyond traditional lecture-style formats, offering immersive and applied learning experiences grounded in contemporary AOD care. The program emphasises clinical decision-making, pharmacology, complex case management and interdisciplinary collaboration, while creating space for peer-to-peer exchange and shared problem-solving across diverse practice settings.
“This isn’t a generic nursing conference. Every element of the program is designed specifically for advanced practice and AOD contexts, from pharmacology and complex case management through to leadership and system impact.”
A central theme of the conference is amplifying the voices of Nurse Practitioners working at the frontline of AOD services. Through case-based learning, practical skill development and practitioner-led discussion, the conference will highlight the depth, impact and leadership capability of Nurse Practitioners across community, hospital and custodial environments.
“Pushing the Scope. Powering the Practice. isn’t just a theme, it reflects what AOD Nurse Practitioners are already doing. Our role is to back that work with education, connection and visibility.”
“Some of the most innovative thinking in AOD care is coming directly from Nurse Practitioners on the frontline. Our conference deliberately centres those voices, because that’s where the most meaningful learning happens.”
The 2026 Next Gen Conference will also provide tailored content for clinicians at different stages of their professional journey, including established AOD Nurse Practitioners, transitional and candidate NPs, and nurses considering the NP pathway. This focus reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening workforce sustainability and supporting clear, supported career progression within advanced practice nursing.
“If we’re serious about building a sustainable AOD workforce, we have to invest in Nurse Practitioners at every stage, from those considering the pathway through to highly experienced clinicians leading services. That’s exactly what this conference is designed to do.”
Industry partnership and workforce development remain a key focus of the 2026 program, proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor Camurus, Gold Sponsor Indivior, and Gilead Sciences, supporting scholarships such as the AOD Nurse Practitioner Gilead Scholarship.
Industry partnerships and workforce development will be at the heart of the 2026 program, fuelling innovation and setting a bold direction for the future of the AOD sector. Powered by the support of leading industry partners - including Platinum Sponsor Camurus, Gold Sponsor Indivior, and other influential sector leaders - the conference will champion transformative initiatives that build capability, elevate professional practice, and inspire the next generation of AOD leaders. Among these is the AOD Nurse Practitioner Gilead Scholarship, a flagship initiative celebrating outstanding clinical leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice within the AOD Nurse Practitioner sector.
With strong attendance expected, the 2026 Next Gen Conference continues to position itself as a leading forum for advancing AOD nursing practice, professional capability and system-wide impact.
Early bird registration open now open.
For further information, or to get involved, please contact Next Gen Nurse Practitioners.
