The ONS Congress content planning team is responsible for developing and implementing the NCPD content for the conference. Volunteers in this role work with fellow team members to identify topics and speakers then plan and implement educational offerings that address current practice themes as identified by ONS members, ONS clinical and research priorities, and the needs of the target audience. Planning team members will also work with conference speakers to develop sessions assigned from the conference agenda.
Applications are reviewed by the Congress team leader, and selected applicants will be interviewed in late February to early March for final selection. Congress content planning team members must be an ONS member in good standing throughout their term of service.
Note: To enhance your potential to be interviewed and selected, ensure you are completing the Bio section of the application, including skills and background that you feel will make you a valuable candidate for the planning team.
Selected team members will be notified by March 27, 2026.
Please view this short video to learn more about planning team responsibilities.
Time Commitment
Participants spend one year on the team, with the opportunity to reapply for a second year. There is also the potential to serve as team leader in your second or third year.
The time commitment includes:
- June 19 & 20, 2026 (time TBD):
- Two 4-hour meetings. Homework will be provided in early June to prepare for the meetings
- Monthly planning team calls, 90-minute duration, beginning in July 2026. Day and time to be determined at the initial June meetings based on team availability and consensus
- Please note this meeting time may be during, before, or after working hours and attendance is mandatory
- Session development (4 sessions): identify objectives and speakers, then work with speakers prior to conference, 15–25 hours for each session over the course of the year
- January 23-24 or January 30-31, 2027:
- Two 5-hour slide reviews (Dates and times to be finalized after team selection)
- Oral abstract slide reviews for assigned sessions: March (about 3-5 hours total)
- ONS Congress 2027: April 14-18 in Washington D.C. where you’ll moderate sessions you helped plan as well as other assigned sessions
Travel
Participants spend 6 days at Congress, arriving by early afternoon the Tuesday before and departing after the final session on Sunday. Registration, housing, and travel expenses covered by ONS. All planning meetings will be virtual.
Apply
ONS members in good standing are invited to apply by logging into the ONS Communities and clicking the "Apply Now" button at the top of this page.
- No conference planning experience is required, although applicants should have at least 5 years of oncology nursing experience. We encourage you to include information about your skills and background to your application that showcases how you can contribute to the planning of the conference.
- Applicants should have proficiency in using Microsoft365 products and an ability to respond promptly to messages and meet deadlines.
- Due to ANCC requirements, industry employees are not eligible to participate.
- Preference will be given to those who have not been part of a previous planning team or participated in other ONS leadership opportunities.
- Applicants must be a United States or Canadian resident.
Applications are due February 12, 2026.