Why Major Chiropractic Conferences Matter for Your CE Plan
If you’re looking for ways to stay on top of your continuing education, take your practice to the next level, and hone your clinical skills, major chiropractic conferences are some of the best places to do it. These events combine hands-on learning, real-time case discussions, and face time with industry leaders, all of which play a huge role in shaping your professional development and patient care outcomes.
The NW Chiro Expo, taking place on August 29th, 2026, at Victory Hall in Seattle, WA, is a prime example of how chiropractors can earn continuing education credits while getting hands-on experience, networking with peers, and learning about the latest developments in chiropractic care. With opportunities to earn CE credit, connect with others in the field, attend hands-on seminars, and dive into the latest research, events like this help chiropractors stay on top of their game and comply with state board regulations. You can explore full details and updates on the NW Chiro Expo homepage.
So, how can chiropractors make the most of their CE credits at major chiropractic conferences? This guide will walk you through practical strategies for maximizing your CE opportunities, elevating your clinical practice, and meeting ongoing continuing education requirements.
Choosing the Right Conferences and CE Opportunities
Picking a CE Event That Makes Sense for You
Before registering for a chiropractic continuing education event, determine whether it aligns with your CE needs. Each reporting period has its own set of rules, so choose events that offer approved courses from approved providers.
For example, chiropractors in Washington State must meet standards set by the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission. Large events, such as those listed on the NW Chiro Expo Events page, often include board-approved sessions well-suited for license renewal.
Prioritizing Evidence-Based Topics That Matter
Look for CE courses grounded in evidence-based chiropractic education and supported by organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Event programs that incorporate the latest research, diagnostic imaging updates, public health considerations, and peer review discussions will strengthen your clinical decision making.
Sessions on adjustive technique, health equity, sports chiropractic, patient communication, and risk management are not only widely beneficial but supported by best practices promoted through agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Getting Familiar with Your CE Requirements
What Your State Board Expects
Every chiropractor must fulfill CE requirements set by their state’s licensing board. These requirements include completing a variety of continuing education courses, attending approved CE events, and completing the required CE hours within the reporting period.
Always check whether your state allows CE completed online, CE delivered through distance learning providers, or CE credits earned at in-person seminars. Many states publish requirements through their public health agencies, for example, the Washington State Department of Health.
Knowing Your Renewal Period Timeline
Planning your CE activities ahead of time can save you stress. Mark your renewal period and track your completed CE hours so you know exactly where you stand as deadlines approach.
Reporting requirements vary. Some states require annual CE hours, while others, like Nova Scotia, follow longer cycles maintained by organizations such as the Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors. Staying informed helps ensure your chosen courses meet state rules and licensing criteria.
Finding the Best CE Courses at Major Conferences
Choosing Courses That Will Help Your Practice
Before attending a major event, review the full list of CE courses beforehand to identify sessions that support your chiropractic practice goals, whether that means enhancing clinical skills, improving patient care, or expanding your business operations.
Use the event schedule to plan which courses you’ll attend. Focus on areas such as diagnostic imaging, clinical practice updates, or new developments in chiropractic science supported by research from entities like the U.S. Department of Education.
Mixing Required and Elective CE Credits
Most major events offer a mix of required and elective CE courses. A blended approach helps you stay compliant while gaining meaningful skills you can apply immediately in patient care.
Courses pertaining to ethics, radiology, infection control, and cultural competency are commonly tied to broader public health initiatives from federal agencies such as the CDC and HRSA.
Leveraging Online CE and Distance Learning
Balancing Online Courses with In-Person Seminars
To get the most out of your CE credits, blend online courses with in-person seminars. Online CE offers flexibility, while hands-on events provide valuable practical skills and interaction with instructors.
While online courses are convenient and cost-effective, chiropractic continuing education truly benefits from in-person seminars where you can practice techniques under supervision.
Making Sure Your Online CE Comes From a Reputable Source
Always ensure online courses are approved by your state board or accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). CCE-approved programs ensure your earned CE hours count toward your licensure requirements.
Most major events partner with accredited CE organizations, allowing you to complete continuing education with confidence.
Getting the Most From Your CE Hours
Getting Ready Before the Event
Before the conference, review the schedule and select CE sessions you most want to attend. Create a checklist of CE hours you need, including requirements in topics like ethics, recordkeeping, or radiology, areas frequently emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
If you’re attending the NW Chiro Expo, browse the NW Chiro Expo homepage to understand event structure, pricing, and featured speakers.
Engaging at the Event
Attend every session you planned for and actively participate in discussions. Asking questions and sharing real-world experience helps reinforce what you learn while giving you direct access to industry leaders.
Networking with fellow chiropractors expands your professional community and allows you to learn from different approaches, state rules, and evolving public health considerations.
Following Up After the Event
Once your CE hours are complete, organize your certificates and save them for board audits or renewal submissions.
Put your new knowledge to work immediately in your chiropractic office, whether through new techniques, updated clinical protocols, or administrative improvements that support better patient outcomes.
Making the Most of What Key Events Offer
Learning From the Best
One of the biggest advantages of major chiropractic events is access to high-profile speakers who are shaping the chiropractic profession. Events like NW Chiro Expo feature clinicians, researchers, legal experts, and educators.
To preview featured educators, visit the NW Chiro Expo Speakers page and learn more about speakers such as Dr. R. Jay Shetlin, Joshua Brumley, and Dr. Evan Gwilliam.
Making the Most of Exhibitor Resources
Exhibitors frequently showcase new products, software, diagnostic imaging equipment, and practice-enhancing tools. Exploring the exhibit hall helps you stay on top of new developments and innovations that support patient outcomes.
This emphasis on innovation aligns with the mission of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which encourages evidence-based improvements across healthcare systems.
Understanding Med-Legal Insights
Many chiropractors work in environments where med-legal documentation, insurance reporting, and accurate charting are critical. Conferences often include CE sessions specifically focused on med-legal best practices.
These sessions enhance your peer review readiness, charting accuracy, and patient communication, skills essential for maintaining a compliant, risk-aware practice.
Building a Long-Term CE Strategy
Planning Ahead for the Next Reporting Period
The most effective CE strategy is planned well in advance. Identify major events, online CE options, and smaller seminars that fit your schedule and CE requirements.
Early planning prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures you maintain compliance year-round.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your CE Activities
After completing your CE requirements, take time to reflect on the courses that made the biggest impact. Did a technique session improve patient outcomes? Did a documentation workshop streamline your workflow?
Evaluating results ensures every CE credit plays a role in your long-term success and clinical growth.
Why NW Chiro Expo Offers Exceptional CE Value
A Complete Educational Experience
NW Chiro Expo offers an all-in-one opportunity to earn CE credits, learn from leaders, connect with peers, and explore innovative tools, all in a single event.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or seasoned doctor, the Expo provides CE programs that support growth at every career level.
Multiple Ways to Earn CE Credits
With keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, med-legal dinners, and breakout learning labs, attendees can earn CE in a cost-effective, time-efficient way.
Since the event offers board-approved CE activities, all credit hours count toward state licensing board requirements.
Your Next Step: Join the Waitlist
Spots for top chiropractic events go fast, especially those offering CE credit. Don’t miss the chance to attend the 2026 NW Chiro Expo.
Join early using the Join the Waitlist link to receive updates on speaker announcements, early bird pricing, and emerging CE opportunities.
Get the Most Out of CE, Take Your Practice to New Heights
Major chiropractic events offer some of the most valuable CE experiences available today. The NW Chiro Expo provides access to cutting-edge advancements, board-approved courses, interactive learning sessions, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
By choosing courses strategically, balancing online learning with in-person seminars, and staying engaged with experts in the field, chiropractors can maximize their CE investment and elevate their practice.
Whether you’re meeting CE requirements, improving patient care, or pursuing long-term growth, the NW Chiro Expo makes it easier than ever to stay on track and stay ahead.