Nursing Uncharted Ep. 119: Inside TravCon 2026 - Record Crowds, Real Connections, and What It Means for Your Next Assignment

Ever wonder what actually happens behind the booth at TravCon? What do thousands of travel nurses really want to know before signing their next contract? 

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann sits down with Nicole and Florentina from AMN Healthcare to recap TravCon 2026, the industry's biggest gathering for travel nurses. From Nurse Blake's keynote to the return of the beloved AMN diner-themed booth, the team shares what made this year different, why so many new travelers are entering the field, and what nurses want to know about rates, cancellations, and contract stability. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just curious about your first assignment, this episode will leave you feeling informed, connected, and ready for what's next. 

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Key Takeaways

• Conference Highlights: Why TravCon 2026 saw a surge of energy and new travelers exploring the profession. 
• Rates and Stability: What nurses are asking about contract cancellations, pay, and post-pandemic rate expectations. 
• Human Connection: Why face-to-face conversations with recruiters still matter in an AI-driven industry. 
• Community and Loyalty: Stories of returning travelers, long-term recruiter relationships, and finding your way back to AMN. 
• The AMN Diner Experience: The meaning behind the twenty-four-seven themed booth and how it reflects AMN's commitment to round-the-clock support. 

Chapters 

00:00 - Introduction and meeting the guests 

02:26 - First impressions of TravCon 2026 

05:20 - What surprised the team most this year 

07:09 - Common questions from new and seasoned travelers 

13:01 - Concerns about cancellations and rates 

18:12 - Reconnecting with returning travelers 

24:37 - Inside the AMN diner-themed booth 

32:34 - Memorable and unexpected moments 

36:31 - Biggest takeaways from TravCon 2026 

41:26 - Advice for nurses considering their first TravCon 

Guest Spotlight

Meet our guests, Nicole and Florentina, both recruitment leaders at AMN Healthcare. Nicole, a director of recruitment and five-time TravCon attendee, brings years of firsthand insight into how the travel nursing community has grown and evolved. Florentina, a senior recruitment manager attending her first TravCon, offers a fresh perspective on what makes the event so meaningful for nurses exploring new opportunities. Together, they share the stories, conversations, and moments that made this year's event one to remember. 

Ready to explore what your next travel assignment could look like? Subscribe to Nursing Uncharted and share this episode with a fellow traveler today! 

Transcript

00:00:00:00 - 00:00:18:09 Hey guys. Welcome back to another episode of Nursing Uncharted. I always say this, and I think I've always said this in every episode, that I'm really excited for this, but I am because this is a different type of episode for us. This is the first time I'm hearing every question I'm going to ask both of my next guests.

00:00:18:09 - 00:00:42:01 So this will be real and raw, and that is the point of nursing uncharted. So let's dive right in. Welcome back Nicole, and welcome to Nursing Uncharted Florentina. I'm going to start with just kind of introducing who you are. And if you've listened to us you already know her. She's been on here before. But go ahead and introduce yourself to maybe people who need a refresher.

00:00:42:03 - 00:01:01:18 Yeah, well. Hi, everyone. It's nice to be here again. Thank you for asking me to come back. I am Nicole Ober. I'm a director of recruitment over our nursing and allied solutions here at AMN healthcare. And one of the team leads for TravCon. So this will be my second time being on the podcast to talk about our event this year.

00:01:01:18 - 00:01:26:22 And then my fifth year attending Trap Con. So super excited to be here and thank you so much and for the opportunity. Yes, of course, I'm so excited and I got ahead of myself. I didn't even really introduce what this episode was, but this is a recap of 2026 and unfortunately I was unable to attend this year. But I was talking to Nicole a little bit before we got started and I'm like, wait, was that me in one of the pictures?

00:01:26:22 - 00:01:47:12 Because there was someone that looked good to me, so I kind of had to take a step back and be like, wait, I wasn't there, but I can't wait to hear all the fun details. But before we jump in, Florentino, introduce yourself to the the listeners. Yeah, well, I'm really excited to be here too. I'm a first time guest and not a first time listener.

00:01:47:14 - 00:02:10:15 My name is Florentina. I'm a senior recruitment manager, so I am one of the recruiters. That helps all of you guys out there finding a job. I this is my first time going to travel, so this this will be like a fresh, a new perspective, I think, of the whole experience and I'm really excited to share it with you guys.

00:02:10:17 - 00:02:31:07 Yes, I love I love that, and I think we can maybe even relate to what my first experience was like last year. And now hearing your first experience. So this will this will be fun. So let's dive in. Like I notice that we brought like a really fun theme back this year. But what was what was like the first impression this time?

00:02:31:07 - 00:02:57:01 Maybe Nicole, you kind of take this one since this is your I think you said fifth time. What what was the first thing you noticed that maybe was different than than last year or years prior? Gosh, that's a great question. I feel like there was just I don't know that it's necessarily different, but the excitement and the buzz around the event was, you know, a little more, I guess, higher this year.

00:02:57:03 - 00:03:20:15 Nurse Blake was our keynote speaker. And so I felt like people were really excited to see him and excited for what the week had to offer. We had a great turnout. And yes, we did bring the diner theme back again this year since our second year bringing it out with us. And it is such a hit that, you know, we don't want to get rid of it, but, we thought, you know, hey, what the heck, let's bring it back.

00:03:20:15 - 00:03:41:19 So, yeah, that's why we change up the giveaways a little bit, but brought back all the fun and excitement that came along with that. And, it was really well received this year. So we were just really excited to build that again. I love it. Like whoever came up with that theme is brilliant. Like the color. I don't know if it's because of like my me being a millennial.

00:03:41:20 - 00:03:59:05 I'm like, it just reminds, like those colors I've always been obsessed with, like Lisa Frank. And I'm just like, for some reason, I just feel like that's what the vibe is. And like, I'm just obsessed with the color combo, so. So that was great. But maybe. Florentina, what was your initial like impression since this was the first time?

00:03:59:07 - 00:04:27:09 Yeah, I mean, I was first really impressed with how well put together the entire event was. It was extremely organized. And then I was also very caught off guard, I think, with how excited our nurses were to attend the entire or to have that entire experience every single day. We I saw smiling faces, nurses having fun, like discovering and going on new adventures, which was really different for me.

00:04:27:09 - 00:04:49:00 I don't know exactly what I what I expected it to be like, but I think I didn't expect them to be just so excited to be there. And it's something that I learned that they look forward to every single year. So that was great to see. Yeah, I remember when I walked in, I mean, just finding it, I think was the most difficult part for me.

00:04:49:02 - 00:05:10:04 But then like walking in and seeing like how big it actually was, you know, just like all and like all the different sections that, you know, all the different events were taking at, I was a little like overwhelmed and just really excited, like the vibes going, you know, there's there's music and just like all the booths and all the energy, like, I just I'm sad I didn't get to go, you know, it's just work.

00:05:10:04 - 00:05:32:21 And scheduling just didn't kind of align. But, you know what? What surprised you the most? I guess the kind of like, overall experience, but, like, going in, not knowing what to expect, what was something that just kind of surprised you? I think it surprised me to see how many of the travelers there have been traveling for ten, 15 plus years.

00:05:32:23 - 00:05:54:08 I mean, the travelers I got to speak to, have worked with multiple agencies, have gone to traffic on multiple some of them multiple times, are seasoned travelers and really were still excited to be there, right? Like they still had things to learn, there was still questions they wanted to ask. And that kind of surprised me a little bit.

00:05:54:10 - 00:06:16:10 You'd think that there's nothing that you can teach or any questions you can answer for a seasoned traveler, but they have them, and they were super excited to just meet a recruiter or meet people from one of their favorite companies. So that was something that definitely surprised me as well. Yeah. And I think that that, will you say, like learning something new, like for seasoned travelers.

00:06:16:11 - 00:06:41:09 I think that speaks to just how traveling has changed overall. You know, like there's, you know, I, I've been traveling, I guess it's seven years, which I'm like, how is that even possible? Seven years? No way. But just like being how even how getting a job has changed, you know, and that that process and working with the recruiters and how, you know, you really realize having those relationships with you guys is is important.

00:06:41:09 - 00:06:59:19 You're not just, oh, here, I'll submit you to the job. It's understanding in those relationships. And that's something that really stood out to me. I think when I, when I went there last year. But what is like speaking about changes what what is like the hype. Like what are what is the conversations that, you know, are happening at the booth?

00:06:59:20 - 00:07:27:12 Like what were some questions that you had or something that maybe stood out to you? Maybe. Nicole, you can take this one. Gosh. Definitely a lot of talk. And questions around looming strikes that are on the horizon. But, you know, we couldn't really do much with that. We don't have notice yet. So, you know, I think a lot of it was maybe not questions and maybe Florentina can elaborate more on the questions.

00:07:27:13 - 00:07:44:09 I know she interacted with a lot more travelers than I did, but I think what was really cool was just them coming up and remembering us from years prior, or hearing about us from years prior, and then coming up in, in person. And it's like their eyes light up and they're so excited to be there. And what what flag do you have this year?

00:07:44:09 - 00:08:03:08 What are you giving away? What's going on? Are you serving those push pops again? So it was just what you did? Yeah, which we did. We did. We switched up the flavors, but we brought them back. Big fan favorite there. But yeah, I think with, you know, I spoke about 50% of the travelers were new and had never traveled before.

00:08:03:08 - 00:08:26:21 So they really were there shopping around for their next agency and recruiter. And so some of the questions that I feel like I heard the most were just, you know, what makes you different from everyone else? And, you know, why should I travel with AMN what do you guys have to offer? Which is a great question because it gives us so much to then talk about and really built that conversation and that relationship with them.

00:08:26:23 - 00:08:56:12 And so that was really cool to hear. I think we did a lot more education at this event than we have in years past, because of the amount of brand new travelers that were there. So that was really cool to be able to take part in that and just really kind of set the bar high there for us and and tell them why it's it's in their best interest to, to work with us and that we can really help them, you know, elevate their career and find the right job for them.

00:08:56:14 - 00:09:17:14 This the hearing this, you know, again, this is the first time I'm hearing the answers to these questions. But, you know, it's the fact that there were so many new I like I'm just thinking about like when I was entering into travel nursing and even when I thought about it two years into my career of doing it, you know, and it you go off of what other people tell you, right?

00:09:17:15 - 00:09:46:16 Like it's all about word of mouth. It's all about now. Social media is huge. You're hearing about the good, the bad, the ugly, who to go with. Why not, you know, all this stuff. So to have the opportunity to meet these new travel nurses or maybe even nurses that weren't traveling before and have that interaction and to meet you in person is a really interesting and exciting aspect to travel nursing and that kind of like, I don't know, like I'm a little excited because I never had that opportunity.

00:09:46:16 - 00:10:05:21 So to know that there there were new nurses showing up in an event where you can meet the teams face to face is a huge advantage because you get you can you can schmooze on the phone all you want, but you get someone standing in front of you and you see the dynamic. And even how I'm impressed with AMN of how you guys work together as a team.

00:10:05:23 - 00:10:41:02 And you see that at the booth. You know, I saw that at the booth. I saw different parts of what, you know is under the umbrella, you know, and just everyone working together and to be new to the industry to see that, that has to be impactful. Sorry to like, go off on a tangent, but I'm like, that is actually a really cool, cool thing for new travelers to go to this and to have that unshaded opinion, you know, to kind of go in and go in fresh, they actually had while we're on this topic, they had a new little event this year that we were able to take part into, and it was exhibitor

00:10:41:02 - 00:11:03:19 speed dating. So we were able to send two recruiters over and they had tables set up and it was like, you know, speed dating. You sat, the recruiter sat at the table. The clinicians were able to, I guess, go online and sign up for who they wanted to talk to, so they were able to see who all was involved and participating, and then sign up for little seven minute sessions with the people that they wanted to talk to.

00:11:03:20 - 00:11:30:12 And both of our recruiters were booked up for the session. It was about an hour long, so they each spoke to, I think, eight people, but that was also a really cool opportunity. You know, let's say someone didn't get a whole lot of face time at the booth just because we were so busy the whole time. And we maybe, you know, they had to run to a session or something, they were able to just have that really one on one time with that recruiter and ask any questions, exchange contact information.

00:11:30:12 - 00:11:47:11 So I think that was just another level for the new nurses to be able to connect and really find what is going to be a good fit for them. Yeah, I'm that I like that whole speed dating thing. I mean, I wish that that would be how you find your recruiter, because that is an episode that I had.

00:11:47:13 - 00:12:04:02 You know, one of the very first episodes that I did when hosting was, you know, finding the right recruiter and the right fit. And it is it's like a relationship. And, you know, you have to make sure that you trust the person that you're working with. And sometimes personalities just don't line up. And that's okay. That doesn't mean the whole company is bad, right?

00:12:04:03 - 00:12:21:03 It just means you and that person maybe just aren't on the same page. You're not understanding each other. So that's a I. I like that concept. Yeah, it was fun and the recruiters had a great time. So we're we were happy to be able to participate in that. And the travelers were excited about it too. Yeah. Yeah. See and that's good.

00:12:21:03 - 00:12:39:12 I'm glad that there's excitement. That was something Florentino. You said you know what? You know, you noticed the first thing was that the excitement behind it because, you know, full disclosure, social media is negative half the time. So you hear like the the bad. I was getting sent things like, are you a travel con this year? Is this really happening?

00:12:39:12 - 00:13:01:01 Blah blah blah blah blah. You know, and so it's nice to to hear from you guys who are actually there, that there is still that that excitement from the clinicians, which, which is important. And I think that this conference is a is an important thing to have. It's fun. It's in Vegas. But you know, there's really the foundation is to educate and to connect with agencies and with clinicians.

00:13:01:01 - 00:13:23:06 So I'm happy I'm happy to hear that. So talking about the excitement and everything, but like what? And the discussions that you had, were there any like, I don't know, maybe some consistent concerns that were brought up with the clinicians that were coming. I know you said they mentioned like strikes and that's kind of like, you know, we can't really answer that now.

00:13:23:06 - 00:13:31:21 But was there any concerns that you heard that were, you know, something you heard over and over?

00:13:31:23 - 00:14:17:01 Go ahead, Tina, if you have something, I think people are always, you know, when we do have a lot of fall and winter assignments, I think people are concerned about potential cancellations or rates changing while they're on assignment. And although there's not, you know, something that we can say, you know, can't go out there and, and say blankly that we are not going to get a cancellation from a facility, being able to give the assurance that we are working with our largest health systems to avoid that, and to make sure that we, as a company, are transparent with the travelers about what can potentially happen or why it can happen, was important for them to

00:14:17:02 - 00:14:41:04 hear. And then I think also, one of the major things it's always top of mind for our travelers are rates. And a lot of the travelers came to the booth, and I was surprised to hear to them and telling me, I know that, you know, people are saying that rates are low, but they're actually still better than working permanently at a at a position.

00:14:41:09 - 00:15:10:04 So traveling still outweighs the pros of traveling, still outweigh the cons of staying at a permanent position and knowing that they're still above what they were pre-COVID. Right? We know that nothing is going to compare to the Covid rates. So knowing that that's not even top of mind anymore and that a lot of travelers are going back to traveling for location and experience and also getting a great rate while they're at it.

00:15:10:06 - 00:15:38:06 Was something that I a topic that I just kept coming across. I like that the fact that getting back to the foundations of what nursing, travel nursing is, you know, I, I went into travel nursing right before Covid and then Covid hit. And with my specialty, I actually lost my job. I have a job for like two, two months, two and a half months because I'm in baby world and the world was not affected by by Covid.

00:15:38:08 - 00:15:55:05 So, you know, I really didn't get that experience that, you know, a lot of a lot of travel nurses got when they entered in after Covid. But I've said for so long, we just need to get back to why we do this in the first place. And half the time it's because we want to go to places that we never thought we could go to before and to fall in love.

00:15:55:06 - 00:16:17:02 Maybe with a new home like that was my purpose. When I started, you know, someone asked me, why did you do this? I'm like, I want to find a new home. You know, I wasn't happy living in central Pennsylvania. I had some life changes and I wanted to explore around. And what better way to do that was to go make more money than I was making as a bedside or a, a permanent position.

00:16:17:06 - 00:16:37:00 And I get to see I came to San Diego, so I'm like, I gave place on Earth. So, you know, it's like it was just an opportunity that I never thought would be presented to me. And to hear that that's maybe what's coming back to you is really it fills my heart because, you know, we get a little discouraged when you've been in this industry for so long and see those changes.

00:16:37:03 - 00:16:45:09 So to hear that it's coming back to that is really, really refreshing. Now I'm like really bummed I didn't go.

00:16:45:11 - 00:17:10:17 Oh, but let's maybe talk about something fun. Something I actually saw on social media was there was a girl in a picture, and I met her last year and she was there again, this. So I think that was really, really cool that they come back, you know, and the theme was the same, which I like. At first I was a little like caught off guard, like, oh, but then it was so fun that I think that that's probably why people were like, oh my gosh, it's back.

00:17:10:17 - 00:17:28:01 And I maybe missed this night. And so, you know, it's it's there. But it really stood out to me that they I think like two people actually. But one of the one of the girls, I really remember having a good conversation with her and she ended up in a photo on social media. So I love the return customer per se, I guess.

00:17:28:01 - 00:17:47:17 But do you call? Do you remember anybody from last year coming back, or any stories from last year that were shared? Yeah, there was definitely a lot of returns. I feel like every year I encounter a lot of the same people that will come up and as long as say hi and they may not be traveling with us anymore and that's totally fine.

00:17:47:17 - 00:18:06:14 We support them in whatever they decide to do post. And but it was good to see them. It's nice to just see a familiar face. It's it's nice to know that, you know, we mean enough to each other to be able to stop by and just say hi. And that goes a long way. So it's fun. It's it's nice to catch up with them if they are still traveling with us.

00:18:06:14 - 00:18:20:21 I always love to try and kind of just get myself up to date on, you know, who their recruiter is and what facility they're at and just wish them well and the best. And if they're not with us, also to just letting them know, hey, we're always here to support you. The door is always open if you need us.

00:18:20:23 - 00:18:43:13 But it's fun because they also just tell us stories about their life. You know, kids, grandbabies for babies, travel, all the things. So it's just fun to have conversations with them. And they're usually always first in line for the swag when we have it, so they know the drill. But, when they know. Yeah, yeah, they're excited to see what's on the menu and what what what we're giving away.

00:18:43:13 - 00:19:07:18 So, Yeah, I mean, that that theme is just. I feel like it's a, a bit. What's the word I'm looking for? I don't know. I just feel like it's like it attracts you. It's like. Right, right there, it's like big, it's loud, and it's like, I want to know what's going on there. Yeah. And then even for those of us, I mean, no one knew we were bringing that theme back until they got there.

00:19:07:18 - 00:19:26:11 So it was fun to see the faces as they walked up and just like, oh my gosh, like, you guys are back or oh my gosh, it's the booth from last year. This was so fun. And then they'll share their experience from the year prior. And so it's just a good time. And so yeah we'll we'll see what the future has in store for our booth designs.

00:19:26:11 - 00:19:48:00 But you know, at least for the last couple years, we've been able to give people a fun experience and all the things. So, you know, we just continue to continue moving forward with that. Regardless, we're here to just give the people what they want and have a good time, support us and give them all the information and guidance that they need to to go ahead and in our travel journey.

00:19:48:02 - 00:20:11:15 And I really like that. You said they come back and they may not be traveling with AMN currently or haven't in years. And you know, it's just a reminder that you can always go back. Like just because there might have been one bad assignment or like something happened, you know, just coming back and like, you know, repairing the relationship or just circling back to like a, you know, going back to the company after trying out someone else.

00:20:11:15 - 00:20:31:17 I think those are like important things for travelers to know. It's okay. Like, no one's going to be personally offended that you took a job with someone else because, you know, sometimes there's jobs that just aren't available to certain companies or, you know, so I think that, you know, even for me, I've been, you know, just very exclusive with AMN because I just love all of you.

00:20:31:17 - 00:20:52:15 And I've gotten to call some of you guys friends, which is great. But, you know, it's you can always have those conversations and you can you can come back. It's not an end all sale when you walk away. And I think that's a I like that you brought that point up because I've heard that as a traveler, as a nurse is like, well, I was with them a couple years ago, but not not you guys, but just in general, like a company.

00:20:52:21 - 00:21:15:10 And it's like, so I don't really know, like, should I go back and I'm like, yeah, you can always go back. Yeah. We had a nurse on the first day who came up and she actually had not traveled with us, and it was like close to 15 years. Like she was like way back in the day. And so I asked her a recruiter was and that person, you know, unfortunately, was no longer with the organization, but I had heard of them.

00:21:15:10 - 00:21:37:14 So I was able to at least make that connection. Because that was prior to me being there. So it was just fun to hear her story and what she's been up to since then. But also she happened to just share, you know, how travel nursing helped her find her forever home and her the hospital that she's worked, that or is working at now and continues to work out and will probably retire at.

00:21:37:16 - 00:21:58:13 So it was just really cool to hear how like we were a part of her story and getting her to Dream Hospital and her dream job, and now she's just flourishing. And she was so happy and so great and so thankful for everything that we had done for her. So that was a really cool little moment. Yeah, I love I love that, I love when there's like those moments that you have that just kind of set differently with you.

00:21:58:14 - 00:22:14:23 Like that's something that just kind of hits your heart. You know, you hold on to that just kind of is is a lot more meaningful, which I that's, that's special just to she's not even traveling. And she goes just to kind of circle back and bring up those memories of when she did travel, which is really cool. It was Florentine.

00:22:15:01 - 00:22:36:17 Did you have any, like a meaningful conversation or, you know, have anybody that showed up that maybe you had worked with before, anything that really stood out to you in a conversation? Yeah, absolutely. I actually wanted to add that, I, I met with a traveler who hadn't traveled with us for over nine years, and I asked her why?

00:22:36:19 - 00:23:00:23 Why hasn't she come back? And she's still traveling. She's worked with multiple agencies, so she hasn't necessarily found the right the agency that she will. You know, what you said is stay loyal to or just completely only travel with that agency, which is totally fine. But when I asked her why, she said it's because we didn't pay weekly, and that's something that we changed.

00:23:01:00 - 00:23:21:09 I don't know how long ago, Nicole. Like 3 or 4 years ago. Where now every single one of our facilities is paying weekly. And that's some information that she didn't have before. And so it opened her eyes to know that, like, what was back then may have already changed. We're always one of our mottos is continuous improvement. We're always working towards that.

00:23:21:09 - 00:23:47:07 We're taking back the feedback from travelers, and we're trying to apply it and and trying to make sure that we we're listening and making sure that it's the right, that we're the right company for everybody if possible. But for her, it was a little bit of an eye opener to hear that we're doing that already, and that she can take on an assignment at her favorite locations and not have to worry about biweekly pay, depending on the pay cycle.

00:23:47:07 - 00:24:06:17 So I was happy to hear that she will be traveling with us again. I actually called her yesterday, so that was a great conversation to have. And then I had a traveler who's traveled with one of our top recruiters for over seven years, and she loved him. She was just like, I'm just here to say I love Brandon so much.

00:24:06:19 - 00:24:24:07 And she just was giving us so much information about how excited she is to work with him. She's excited to be with AMN, she was excited to see our booth, and she goes every single year to, Something that I wanted to add previously is the return return client or return traveler to the booth. They bring their friends, right?

00:24:24:08 - 00:24:52:04 Like they're there to show their friends their favorite booth at Traffic Con, and they were super excited to hear about those adult push pops coming back. And they made sure that they brought their friends for that and also for the swag. So that was great to see and great to have this conversations. Yeah, I, I love that I'm, I'm literally sitting here like I have FOMO.

00:24:52:06 - 00:25:13:04 I'll make sure I make it next year. Yes, yes. So talking about the booth talk, we've we've mentioned it a little bit, I don't know, do we, do we discuss what it was like, what the theme is, did we do we get into that I don't even I don't think so. No one can do it because I want to know all the details and like, I really want to give my input on one thing I saw on social media that I'm like, this was brilliant.

00:25:13:06 - 00:25:32:03 So if you want to, I don't know, Nicole, if you want to take what the what the theme actually was this year. Yeah. So for those of you that saw us last year was the same booth. It was the a m diner. So the theme is kind of like 24 over seven service. We're open 24 over seven, which literally we're not open 24 over seven.

00:25:32:03 - 00:25:57:20 But we do have great things in place with technology and AI that does help with automation and us being available all the time for our nurses. You know, even when our recruiters are asleep getting some rest, our systems are working in the background to get you auto submitted and find the right jobs for you. So, the theme just ties in really well with all the, you know, advances that we're making in that space.

00:25:57:20 - 00:26:20:04 And, you know, we we want to be full service. We want to be there at all times for you on your assignment, no matter what part of the process that you're in. So it was fun. It was retro. It was, like you said, bright colors, very easy to find, very tall. And just overall, a lot of fun, a lot of energy emanating from the space.

00:26:20:06 - 00:26:35:17 Our giveaways were a little different than they were last year. I will say shout out to our marketing team who got us these big blue bags with the a m logo on them, and everyone at the conference had them and was putting all their swag in it. So when you walked around, it was just a sea of blue.

00:26:35:19 - 00:26:57:18 So that was really cool to see. And we did a fun giveaway to the first 50 attendees to show up at the booth each morning. We did like hard sided collapsible totes, which are like all the rage right now. And that's a fun little takeaways like candy and, little rubber Vegas themed rubber ducky. We had the neck wraps back again.

00:26:57:20 - 00:27:09:23 The coasters, the keychains, and then we, also, food wise, brought back. We got the.

00:27:10:01 - 00:27:29:11 We also had the, ruby floats that came back the donut holes in the morning. So it was just a lot of fun, a lot of energy. And, you know, there was no way that you could not find us. We were right in the front. So great location space as well, too. So shout out to our marketing team for securing a good spot for us.

00:27:29:12 - 00:27:44:21 So it was a different than last year. We were in a different location. Yeah. So we booth number 400 this year. So right when you walk in it was to the left. So we kind of were close to the corner, which was great because when we got busy, there was enough space around the booth so that we weren't.

00:27:45:02 - 00:28:03:16 Oh my gosh, I mean, years. And we're able to have space for our clinicians to kind of stand around and hang out and and have good conversations with our recruiters. Good. Yeah, I love I mean, the space last year was great because you walked in and it was like right there, but that's nice to have the the space and the like availability to like stand around.

00:28:03:16 - 00:28:20:01 So we we talked a lot about what we've done at Charleston. But like let's get into like what the booth actually was. So can you, can you can explain to everyone listening what, what the theme is and like what the what the actual meaning behind the theme is because it's something that like, you just think it's cool, but there's actually meaning behind it.

00:28:20:03 - 00:28:57:05 Yeah, yeah. Like an said before, it's very colorful. It's very bright and easy to spot in the crowd. But the theme is AMN diner. And so we have a 24 over seven theme that's kind of tied into that. So really how that kind of ties into real life is that, you know, we have made a lot of advancements and investments into technology in AI, and how can we really be an agency that has that human component still, but also has things in place in the background that are working 24 over seven for us.

00:28:57:07 - 00:29:21:01 So automation, you know, being able to reach out even to like our clinical or housing departments 24 over seven if you have something going on. So that's kind of how it ties in. And so we're basically here for you every step of the way all the time, even when your recruiter is getting some much needed rest. There is one or something here that can help and assist you in your time of need if you need it.

00:29:21:01 - 00:29:43:13 And so that's really the theme. And it's fun. It's it's interactive, it's bright, it's full of energy. And so we brought a little bit different swag this year. My favorite being it seems so simple. But these big blue tote bags with the AMN logo on them. But it was so cool because they were big enough to put all your swag in as you're walking around.

00:29:43:13 - 00:30:01:01 So everyone had one on their shoulder, and so when you walked around, it was just a sea of blue and it was really cool to see just so much AMN everywhere. Yeah. And then, you know, people were so stoked about the giveaways. And then we did also bring back the food. We switched it up a little bit. So you heard me mention the boozy push pops.

00:30:01:01 - 00:30:20:17 Those made a comeback this year. We also had the donut holes in the morning. And then we did the floats in the mood changing cups, which were a huge hit. So there was always a reason to come back to the booth, whether it was a raffle or to get the root beer flow to the push pops. So we made it fun and interactive.

00:30:20:17 - 00:30:38:00 And then we also thought, gosh, another way we could really get people involved into the booth early in the morning is let's do for the first 50 guests, there's a special giveaway. And so each morning, the first 50 guests would receive these, hard sided collapsible tote bags, which were all the rage right now. So those were a huge hit.

00:30:38:02 - 00:30:57:13 So we're just we're glad we were able to to bring those and and give those out to everybody. Yeah I love the swag. And I feel like that's always like the topic is, you know, you go to trap con, you get this swag, but this swag has a purpose. It brings you in, it brings you to engage. You have those conversations and someone that may be like, I'm never why would I okay, I'll go get my swag.

00:30:57:13 - 00:31:17:05 But then you think about the conversations and the the type of people you guys are. I mean, to be honest, y'all are engaging your fun. There's such a good energy there from everyone. And to know that, you know, you're dealing with directors, you're dealing with, you know, managers, you're dealing with high level aspects of what AMN stands for.

00:31:17:07 - 00:31:34:00 And they're having fun and they want you to be there. Really makes it seem personal to, you know, a clinician. Because yes, I was there last year with you guys, but I was still one of your clinicians at the end of the day, and it was just nice to have that interaction and make it make it real, like a family, you know?

00:31:34:01 - 00:31:50:15 And sometimes it does feel like that when you're traveling, you're by yourself on an assignment, and the only person in your corner is is your recruiter. So that's your that's your family. Sorry, that was a little tangent, but I wanted to bring something I saw on social media were the compression socks, which last year and I was there.

00:31:50:15 - 00:32:17:00 People thought the fuzzy socks, which are still great, were compression socks. So I love that the the, the company listened to the consumer. We just give the people what they want. So socks are a big hit every year. So we'll I'm sure there'll be another version of those next year. And then the other thing I want to mention to that we did, which was really fun and shout out to our marketing team for this idea as we sent out influencer boxes to, our nurse influencer community.

00:32:17:00 - 00:32:37:13 So I'm, I'm sorry, an that's why you got to come next year. But, we sent out these ahead of time and then ask them to please, when you receive it, post on social media, we'll reshare it. And so we got a ton of videos that were made and we're able to reshare that content. And so the boxes got rave reviews.

00:32:37:13 - 00:32:54:08 They were super fun. They had their beautiful. Yeah. They just had like the swag in them. And they would come back to the booth with their box and our marketing team would get testimonials and content from them, which was so fun. But they were super excited about it and everyone was like, oh my God, this is so cool.

00:32:54:08 - 00:33:28:08 No one else did this. And we like, yes, those dice were like epic. Like, I'm like, I want him to hang in my car. I would like it back to the to the early days and hanging in the theme. Yes, yes. Well, was there anything maybe Florentine? Was there anything that, you know, funny or unexpected happened that like, since this was your first year, like, and not really knowing what to expect, was there anything that really stood out to you, like actually at the actual booth that, like, was kind of either funny or just memorable altogether?

00:33:28:10 - 00:33:56:18 Well, I think, one of the most memorable things that we had a I think maybe the traveler that went won a ticket was in the one that won the ticket. Yeah, yeah. So she went and she was just such an amazing person over all. She took little gifts for everybody who was there. And that was just such a memorable thing for me, because that's not what we expected, obviously, but just hearing from her words.

00:33:56:18 - 00:34:19:15 And she was so genuine about how great her experience has been. Her recruiter was actually there at Trav Con as well, so they got to spend time together. She went to dinner with us and she gave us just a little token of appreciation, which she obviously did not have to do. But it was the sweetest thing ever. And she was just so excited to be there and so happy.

00:34:19:15 - 00:34:36:23 I think she's been on assignment with us for a couple of years, and I don't see her going anywhere else, so that was great. As far as funny, I, I honestly think a lot of our travelers are hilarious. They kept coming up to the booth and they were just sharing a lot about their lives, their kids.

00:34:36:23 - 00:35:05:00 And, we had a lot of just little personal moments with people that were able to tell us a little bit about themselves and their families. But nothing too much that stood out as far as like, oh, this this is really funny. Yeah. I think of that moment, if you don't mind me sharing, because we did, you know, speaker Nurse Blake and he did come to our booth and said hi to everybody.

00:35:05:00 - 00:35:29:21 We got a photo with him. And so it was just really cool to meet him in person and to later that day hear his story. And, you know, here are some of his his humor. He's just a such a kind human being. And it was just we felt really lucky to have been able to partner with him, but it was fun to have him come to the booth and just know that, you know, hey, like, we're here for you.

00:35:29:21 - 00:35:51:03 You're here for us. Like, we're excited to to see you on stage in a little bit. And yeah, I think that also just, you know, people would come up and like, oh my God, Nurse Blake and want to take photos too. So it was just really cool to see everyone engaging and stuff with him. So also, we were kind of creating content at the booth and doing a couple TikToks.

00:35:51:03 - 00:36:12:19 We had so many travelers passing by that wanted to join, so they ended up doing a couple of dances with us, which was just so funny to see. Yeah. They took well to the choreography and they were front and center and everything, so that was really, really funny. I love I did, I did catch a couple of those videos and Nicole, the whole one where you guys were like pushing people out of the way.

00:36:12:19 - 00:36:21:13 I'm like, where is this going to do a leap of real? Yeah, we crunched it. Okay.

00:36:21:15 - 00:36:50:19 Great. And, you know, yeah, that was the shadows were TikTok queen Kaylie Simmons and our ally Division, who was there at traffic on with us. She was very helpful teaching us the moves and showing us how to do it, because some of us are not on TikTok. So it was fun. She's so good, and I like that's one of the things I remember most about her is when she did that video, she was like at a conference somewhere and did the video of that, one song, and then the artist commented on the video.

00:36:50:19 - 00:37:11:20 And I think that just like jet set her on, like, I got this, I'm going to do it and it's going to happen again. So I just I love that about her. She's so fun. She is fun. She's been on here too. Yes. So, you know, wrapping up, you know, I love the fun. I love that we talked about even just having those moments where you can reconnect or bring someone back to AMN.

00:37:11:21 - 00:37:32:03 I mean, I think that that is the purpose of this conference. Granted, this conference isn't about AMN, but AMN is a huge part of this conference. You know, it's the biggest, nicest booth. So, but just, you know, the purpose of that. And, you know, what was your biggest takeaway? Maybe, maybe. Nicole, take this one first and then I can go to you.

00:37:32:03 - 00:38:13:21 Florentina. Like what? What is since you've been there before? Like, what did traffic on 2026? Really? You know, what did you take away from this one? Yeah, I think what I took away was, is that there's just still so much interest out there in travel nursing. And so I think it's really refreshing to see that so many newer travelers who are just new to the the market in general, like have the resources and the tools and know about this ability that they can travel and work and care for patients is just really cool.

00:38:13:23 - 00:38:33:05 You know, I don't know, I just I think about when I was in college and I'm like, I don't feel like I knew anything. So I was, you know, not in the loop about things, but with the power of social media these days and being able to, you know, tease things and market them and create hype and then also reach such a broad, ready audience.

00:38:33:10 - 00:38:54:03 And it was really cool to see just so many new people there. And I think, you know, that ultimately is a huge market for track comm because it is really hard to go out there and find an agency. Right? You can search online, read reviews. But like we kind of talked about earlier, it's hard because what you read online, a lot of it is negative.

00:38:54:03 - 00:39:21:16 And people go online to to speak negatively. And so, it makes it difficult. But word of mouth is great. But social media, the power that it has, is just untouched. So we hope to continue to see, you know, the majority of that audience be new travelers because it really, truly is such an awesome resource to be able to just come and, and, you know, talk to these agencies yourself and take part in everything.

00:39:21:16 - 00:39:41:12 Just learn. I mean, the sessions that they have, the trainings, the speakers, there's just so much that you can take from it. And so I just hope that, you know, they continue to capitalize on that and, and bring in I definitely the nurse influencers make it fun as the keynote speakers. So we love a good we love a little humor.

00:39:41:12 - 00:40:01:17 We love a little reality. And so yeah, just kind of bringing tying that all together, and really looking forward to seeing what they kind of have in store for the next few years. Yeah, I think that that one of the questions I was actually going to ask you that you kind of just like alluded to naturally, of course, as you would it was like the future of travel nursing.

00:40:01:17 - 00:40:19:17 And I will, I will say like, I'm, I've been a little, I don't know the correct word, but, you know, I've not been the most positive when I'm thinking about the future of travel nursing because of what I have seen. And I've had a different perspective because I was in it before, during and then after. And I don't think we were recovered.

00:40:19:18 - 00:40:41:20 But what I'm taking, like, I guess my biggest takeaway from even this conversation organically is that there's still faith and there's still hope in the future of travel nursing, and it's nice that there's still new nurses that are excited to do it for the right reason. Like that is what fills my cup up. That's what makes me like, want to want to do and continue to do what I'm doing.

00:40:41:22 - 00:41:00:23 You know, that's that's something I mean emotional, not to get too serious about this podcast episode, but, you know, it's just really, really wonderful to hear that. And it does like fill my heart because I care. I'm a nurse because I care. I didn't get into this or any other reason. I was from central Pennsylvania. We didn't get paid nearly nothing.

00:41:01:01 - 00:41:20:19 So I had to love what I did. And, you know, it's it's just nice to hear that maybe we're getting back to those roots because I've said that for years, so it's nice. Thank you for sharing that, Nicole. Because I'm really I really, really that hit and landed with me significantly. So thank you and Florentina not to like dull your shine in any way.

00:41:20:19 - 00:41:44:01 But like what is your biggest takeaway. I mean this is your first time. So there's some I mean I think you know I knew this of course, but in a world of AI, and then being able to meet people face to face, my takeaway is a human connection still important. And it's still top of mind for a lot, if not most, of our travelers.

00:41:44:03 - 00:42:03:19 And that was great for me to see, and for them to know that that's not going away from for an we are there to build that relationship with them. And it's really important, as important to us as it is to them. So my takeaway is that, you know, nurses want to hear from us and they want to know us as much as we want to know them.

00:42:03:21 - 00:42:32:02 And I and that was great as well. Yeah. That's beautiful. I, I like that I was worried that we talked about something so impactful. And you would come in with all the party favors were great. But that was really I love I love that it's, you know, it's nice to just have the the faith be restored and what health care is, you know, for AMN to still show up with, you know, all hands on deck and you know, still, you know, make it and celebrate.

00:42:32:02 - 00:42:51:16 It is really it was really important. That's what keeps people coming back. And that's what gives new nurses, you know, good like insight on the future and hope for the hope for the future. But you know what? What would you say to someone that maybe has gone in the past and, you know, is like, I'm never doing that again?

00:42:51:17 - 00:43:12:20 What would what would be something that you would tell them to come back or like someone even knew either either one of those, gosh, I mean, if they have been before and I'm trying to convince him to come back, I would say just come back. Every year is different. Every year is a different experience. You know, what happened in the past is, is water under the bridge at this point?

00:43:12:22 - 00:43:33:19 But just come and have an open mind and, you know, come and just meet your fellow nurses, make a new friend, make a new connection, enjoy Las Vegas and all it has to offer. If you're a new traveler and you've been thinking about doing it, just do it. Pull the trigger. Just do it. And you know, it's it's a great experience.

00:43:33:19 - 00:44:05:15 I feel like when I talk to new travelers, they just talk about how they've made so many memories, made new friends, had experiences that they never thought they would be able to have, and they take a lot out of it. And even if for some reason they don't find their agency or they don't start traveling right away. The event is just so impactful because you're bringing together so many people that are all doing this for the same reason, and it's just cool to find your tribe and your people and just all come together in one place.

00:44:05:15 - 00:44:29:20 And so, yeah, if you have been thinking about doing it, just do it. Pull the trigger. It is so much fun and track on has so many events that they offer throughout the week to really just keep you guys busy and, and motivated and having fun. So, it is definitely just there's nothing negative that could come out of it except maybe spending too much money, but otherwise it's a pretty positive experience and all that.

00:44:29:21 - 00:44:49:20 Yeah. So maybe pick up a few extra shifts before you apply out, but, But yeah. Do it. Yeah. Florentino, what would make you want to go back? You know, this is your first time. So what would what excites you about maybe experiencing this again? Creating the the the memories. Honestly, it's a memorable experience there. You're not going to forget it there.

00:44:50:01 - 00:45:12:23 There's great food, great drinks, great people. Lots to learn, lots to do. Where could you go wrong? Yeah, yeah, I love that. And you know, something made me think of a previous episode with a nurse. Natalie and I met her at con, and we connected, and that's who, like, was reaching out. So she was unable to make it this year as well.

00:45:12:23 - 00:45:33:23 But she she I met her during during trap con, we did like a scavenger hunt and she was just like the most excited person to like, you know, win these prizes. And we connected through social media. And then I needed someone to do an episode and I'm like, wait, she might be a good fit. And she did. So those like you both are talking about those connections and meeting fellow travelers.

00:45:33:23 - 00:45:55:04 I would have never met her. She was a she's a pack nurse. I'm a nurse. They don't go together at all. I never go in the. And so it just was it was really nice to have a friendship and maintained that friendship. Even a year later, I'm still hearing from her. So, you know, just you could go alone and you're going to meet someone and you're going to have the best time,

00:45:55:06 - 00:45:56:04 right?

00:45:56:06 - 00:46:07:16 100%. Well, thank you both for coming on here and telling me all about it. I loved hearing about it for the first time. This was a really unique experience for me, and

00:46:07:20 - 00:46:14:21 I can't wait to see what what future cons have in store from a men's point of view.