Submitted by Annie Vista, PhD, RN
PNAAF Executive Director, 2011-2019

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Never before has there been a special venue such as the last 38th PNAA National Convention held at Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International. The PNAA and PNAAF once again strengthened their relationship and culminated in a meaningful and significant partnership. The event is dubbed a huge success!

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The theme of the convention is, "Inspire. Innovate." It was hosted by PNACF led by President Manny Ramos and RVP of Southern Region, Romy De Vera. The cruise originated in Port Canaveral, Florida and sailed from July 23-30, 2017 to St. Maarten, San Juan, and Labadee.

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The notable keynote speaker for the Leadership Institute was Janice Palaganas, PhD, RN, who presented a powerful and interesting topic, "I didn't say it, but I was thinking it." Leo-Felix Jurado, PhD, RN, delivered a topic that all organizations needed to hear, "Power Meetings: Undoing the Elephant." The positive effect was a shortened meeting with highly satisfied participants during the General Assembly without sacrificing the quantity, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

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Other topics included "Organizational Budget: The Desire for Black" by Maria Theresa Sagun, MSN, RN and "Membership Re-engagement by Susan Castor, MSN, RN. Both have excellent strategies that State Chapters can use to be successful.

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Concurrent Sessions for APN were held by Rebecca Graboso, DNP, RN; Marlon Saria, PhD, RN; and Leo-Felix Jurado. They all focused on the topic relevant to Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

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The closing remarks were given by our PNAAF President Merlita Velasquez, BSN, RN, who kept the audience alert with her captivating, humorous, and full of inspiring information about the Foundation and its gigantic goal of "The Dream and the Promise of PNAA/PNAAF Legacy Building." She announced to the audience the delivery of the building by 2018. This elicited thunderous and enthusiastic applause.

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The next two days, July 26 and 27 were hectic but very productive business meetings for PNAAF Board of Trustees and Advisors. The major highlights were: the ratification of the amendments to the bylaws that included Council of Trustees; announcement of the new set of officers; CE providership; Building and Development; History and Direction of PNAAF; Investment report; Treasurer's report; President's report; SOAR:Strategic Planning; and other Committee reports. 

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The Networking Night was full of fun and laughter. The four regions competed with their unique musical broadway presentation. The first prize trophy went to the Western Region. A collaborative performance of PNAA/PNAAF's "The Sound of Music" garnered a trophy for "Artistic Presentation." Shock and awe engulfed Annie Vista when Ernie Rosas escorted her to the front where Pete Calixto, Vicky Navarro and the Trustees led the serenade with John Denver's "Annie's song" as their tribute to her dedication, generosity and commitment to PNAAF since 2000. This surprise gesture deeply touched her as the picture with her husband (Denis gave an all-out-support to PNAAF while alive) flashed on the screen while everyone was singing the song. 

An affair to remember, the Gala night was considered unique and extra special by PNAAF. The Induction of new set of officers and Trustees was a well-planned ceremony, thanks to the efforts of President Dino Doliente, Vicky Navarro, Pete Calixto,
Romy De Vera and the PNACF led by Manny Ramos. The extra touch of bouquets of fresh roses given to Merlita Velasquez and Annie Vista while the boat was in the middle of the ocean was extraordinary! 

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At the conclusion of the Convention, President Doliente handed the $100,000.00 Check to PNAAF President Velasquez to enable us to purchase the PNAA/PNAAF Legacy Building. Stay tuned for the Ribbon-cutting Ceremony in New Jersey in 2018!