Keynote Speakers With Continuing Education Credit
How CE credit works for a keynote or breakout, what the speaker provides, and what your association files, for healthcare, HR and SHRM audiences.
Most continuing education credit for a conference session is applied for by the host organization, not the speaker. The association submits the session to the accrediting body (a nursing or healthcare board, SHRM for professional development credits, or HRCI), and the speaker supplies what the application needs: a session description, learning objectives, a timed outline and a bio. Chris Sund’s sessions have been approved for CE credit at past conferences, and he provides those materials on request.
For a lot of healthcare and HR audiences, CE credit is not a nice extra. It is the reason people get approval to attend. If a session does not carry credit, it competes with every other way they could earn their hours.
I am a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of You Are Capable of More, which won the How-To category at the 2026 Paris Book Festival. I am also a sitting executive: President and COO of Uniti Med, GQR Healthcare and Nebula. I helped grow Uniti Med 10x in revenue in two years, which earned it the #3 spot on the Inc. Regionals list of fastest-growing companies in the Midwest. My sessions have been approved for continuing education credit at past conferences, with the host association handling the application.
Who applies for CE credit, the speaker or the association?
In almost every case, the host. The accrediting body approves the provider and the session, and the provider is usually the association, health system or chapter putting on the event. The speaker’s job is to make that application easy by sending complete, specific materials early.
The materials most CE applications ask for
- A session title and description written for the audience, not for marketing.
- Measurable learning objectives, usually three, starting with verbs like identify, apply or describe.
- A timed outline showing how the hour is spent.
- A bio and, where required, a disclosure of any conflicts of interest.
- References or supporting sources when the accrediting body asks for them.
Which programs work for CE audiences?
For healthcare conferences, the programs that fit CE most naturally are The Power of Small Moments, built on the CARE framework for patient experience; You Are Capable of a Better Culture, built on the SPARK framework; and You Are Capable of More: Leadership, my leadership workshop. For SHRM and HR conferences, I offer You Are Capable of a Better Culture, You Are Capable of More: Leadership and the signature You Are Capable of More.
Each has clear, practical objectives, which is what reviewers look for. A session that ends with people knowing exactly what to do differently is easier to approve than one built around inspiration alone.
How far ahead should you start?
Start the CE application as soon as the speaker is confirmed. Many accrediting bodies need materials weeks before the event, and some need them before the program is published. Ask the speaker for the full packet in the first week, not the last.
Where Chris Sund has spoken for CE-driven audiences
Healthcare and HR audiences are the core of my calendar: AHCA, AOHP, ACHE Wisconsin, LeadingAge Illinois, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association, WSHMMA, state health care associations from Iowa to Montana, and HR rooms at DisruptHR Omaha, DisruptHR Kansas City and the POWER Conference.
CE credit is usually the host’s application and the speaker’s homework. Pick a speaker who sends a complete packet early: description, objectives, timed outline and bio. Chris Sund’s sessions have been approved for CE before, and he provides those materials on request.
Frequently asked questions
Do keynote speakers provide CE credit?
Can a keynote session qualify for SHRM PDCs or HRCI credit?
Have Chris Sund’s sessions been approved for CE credit?
Which Chris Sund programs work best for healthcare CE?
When should we start the CE application?
You Are Capable of More
A No-Excuses Guide to Becoming Your Best Self. The bestselling book behind Chris’s keynotes and the 2026 Paris Book Festival winner in the How-To category. Many organizations hand a copy to every attendee.
Sessions built to
earn the credit.
Chris provides the description, learning objectives, timed outline and bio your CE application needs. Healthcare programs: The Power of Small Moments, You Are Capable of a Better Culture and You Are Capable of More: Leadership. HR and SHRM: You Are Capable of a Better Culture, You Are Capable of More: Leadership and You Are Capable of More.
See also Healthcare Keynote Speaker · SHRM Speaker · HR Conference Speaker
Keynote, breakout or 60 to 90 minute leadership workshop · Response within one business day
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