At times it may feel increasingly difficult to see beyond the horizon. During turbulent times, health care leaders can encounter greater demands, uncertainties and challenges that may dim the radiance of even the most optimistic and futuristic leader.

This year's theme, "Nebraska Hospitals: A Mission to Care. The Vision to Lead" will encourage and inspire health care leaders as they guide their hospitals and health care systems toward a bright and prosperous future. Several nationally recognized visionaries in leadership will provide guidance by addressing some of the most important issues and new developments in the health care environment. Attendees will learn how to better cope with these challenges in their professional and personal lives, as well as how to produce trust-building behavior and eliminate trust-busting behavior among physician leaders, medical staff, nurses, administration and other members of an interdisciplinary health care team that will lead to solving problems and improving processes. Health care leaders will obtain practical and proven ideas for empowering leadership and discover the seven crucial conversations in health care.

The NHA 2009 Annual Convention brings together hundreds of health care professionals to gain insight on leadership, new industry trends, quality excellence and motivation. Network with colleagues and make new business contacts at the NHA Trade Show. The trade show features more than 85 companies that will introduce you to helpful products and services, as well as offer exciting prizes throughout the event. Enjoy a delicious box lunch before you browse and return later in the afternoon for the Sponsors' Social.

The convention concludes with the 30th anniversary of the Caring Kind Luncheon. Nebraska hospitals recognize their finest at this annual celebration of caring by receiving the Caring Kind Award. Additional awards will be presented, including the Excellence in Service Award to be presented to one Nebraska hospital executive in recognition of outstanding health care leadership; the Quest for Excellence Awards rewarding outstanding work in the area of hospital quality and performance improvement; and the Trustee of the Year Award. Class VI graduates of the NHA Leadership Institute will also be recognized during this event, acknowledging achievements in professional development.

The NHA 2009 Annual Convention is an important resource for Nebraska's health care professionals. I look forward to seeing you there.