The National Leadership Conference (NLC) is the highlight of the year for HOSA members and advisors - with dynamic general sessions, informative business sessions, nationally known speakers, health care industry tours, competitive events, awards, recognition, and much more. The NLC is held annually in June and attracts the very best HOSA members and advisors for four days of testing, learning, and recognition.

The purposes of the NLC are to:

• Provide a variety of educational and social learning activities at a national level for HOSA members;
• Provide HOSA members the opportunity to share common experiences in leadership development, community service, and understanding of their vocational health occupations programs;
• Provide information about current health care issues and concerns at the local, state, and national level in health occupations and the vocational student organizations of HOSA which fosters attitudes of good ethical practices and respect for the dignity of the work;
• Provide the opportunity for participation in and recognition of leadership and skill development through competitive learning activities; and
• Conduct the necessary annual business of the national vocational student organization of HOSA by the national voting delegates and HOSA, Inc. Board of Directors.

The NLC agenda includes but is not limited to the following activities:

Day One

• Voting Delegate Orientation
• Event Participation Orientation
• National Officer Candidate Orientation and Testing
• Opening General Session
• Local and State Advisor Orientation

Day Two

• Event Competition
• National Officer Interviews
• Industry Tours
• Health Care Workshops
• Exhibitors
• HOSA, Inc. Annual Meeting
• Second General Session
• National Officer Candidate Speeches

Day Three

• Event Competition
• Industry Tours
• Health Care Workshops
• Exhibitors
• Third General Session
• National Officer Elections
• Social Event (dance)

Day Four

• Recreational Event
• Awards and Recognition Session
• Social Event (dance)

The event winners receive a medallion recognizing first, second, and third place. The top ten winners in each event are recognized at the Awards and Recognition Session. National Officers are elected and serve until the next NLC.

To enjoy the motivational benefits of the NLC, each chapter should strive to have at least one delegate in attendance at the National Leadership Conference. Press Coverage prior to and following the NLC will build the importance of attending. The chapter advisor can use the NLC as a motivational tool to encourage new members to get involved in chapter activities and to develop their leadership and technical skills in hopes of serving as a delegate to the SLC and NLC.

NLC registration materials are mailed to chapters in good standing in February of each year.