Choose Your Conference Adventure: Your Stay, Your Style!
This year, our Heartbeat Conference is taking you on an adventure—one that begins with choosing your perfect home base just steps from the Duke Energy Convention Center (DECC)!
Heartbeat has secured special room blocks at three unique hotels, each offering its own vibe and personality—ranging from classic sophistication to modern calm. All are within an easy 6-minute walk to the DECC, with rates from $185–$189 (single/double) plus tax.
Note: Your exclusive Heartbeat hotel booking links will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Option 1: The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati – “Stay Close and Comfortable”
1-minute walk to the DECC For those who like to hit snooze and still make it to the morning keynote on time—this one’s for you! The Hyatt Regency offers the ultimate convenience with modern comfort and professional polish. Expect a clean, contemporary feel and all the familiar amenities that make business travel a breeze. Think: sleek spaces, cozy beds, and a short jaunt to get to sessions.
Option 2: The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza – “Step into Timeless Elegance”
3-minute walk to the DECC If you love stories, history, and old-world charm, the Hilton Netherland Plaza will sweep you off your feet. Built in the 1920s, this Art Deco treasure exudes glamour—from its grand lobby to its glowing chandeliers. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era (and maybe spot Gatsby at the elevator). It’s elegant, full of character, and just a short stroll from the action.
Option 3: The Westin Cincinnati – “Recharge in Modern Serenity”
6-minute walk to the DECC Craving calm amidst the conference buzz? The Westin is your wellness haven. Chic, fresh, and designed with relaxation in mind, it’s perfect for those who value a peaceful retreat after a full day of training and connection. Think soft lighting, cozy beds, and that signature Westin calm to recharge your body and spirit.
Whichever adventure you choose, you’ll be in the heart of it all—steps from the sessions, fellowship, and inspiration that make Heartbeat’s Annual Conference unforgettable.
While we wish everyone from your organization could join us, we understand that it isn’t always possible. Heartbeat is excited to offer in-person attendees discounted virtual access for individuals from your organization who may not be able to make it to Cincinnati!
All in-person registrations receive expanded access for free.
Options available as add-ons to your in-person registration for your team at home:
• Basic Virtual Conference Add-on:
o $99 – Per additional team member access to all virtual conference for 14 days (3/25/26 – 4/7/26)
• Expanded Virtual Conference Add-ons:
o $149 – Per additional team member expanded access to all virtual plus select in-person conference (recorded) content for 21 days (3/25/26 – 4/14/26)
o $479 – Group Expanded access (up to 5 team members) to all virtual plus select in-person conference (recorded) content for 21 days (3/25/26 – 4/14/26)
o $989 – Enterprise expanded access (6-15 team members) to all virtual plus select in-person conference (recorded) content for 21 days (3/25/26 – 4/14/26)
View the tracks below and select one before registering! If you've already registered and would like to add IDD to your registration, please complete the Change Request Form.
Presented by Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International
Executive Roundtable (ERT) is a think tank-type forum intended for Executives and CEOs of larger, especially multi-center operations (in the range of $500,000 to a $1M+ budget and/or multiple offices). Intended to create lively debate, fruitful discovery, and deeper ministry relationships, the ERT involves interactive discussion to mobilize expertise, share ideas, and catalyze action, facilitating innovative change.
Due to space limitations and our desire to make the Executive Roundtable (ERT) experience available to as many qualified organizations and Executive Directors/CEO's as possible, this year's session will require an application. (Available at registration)
Housing Leaders Roundtable (HRT)
Presented by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition
The Housing Director’s Symposium (HDS) is a collaborative event intended to foster innovation in the maternity housing arena. The 2026 HDS will focus on the increased need for housing nationally, the impact of inter-state abortion, and the demand for specialized client services within maternity homes. In an interactive platform, we will explore how homes can continue to serve women and provide compassionate support and real choices in the midst of a dynamic shift in both life states and abortion states, with influence on our mission-critical resident demographic. Increased birth rates with an increased cost of living have placed a unique pressure on housing ministries to meet the complex needs of residents for longer lengths of time. Participants will discuss programmatic assimilations, current staffing models, and effective fundraising strategies.
STI Services To Better Reach the Most Vulnerable (STI)
Presented by Karolyn Schrage and Mischa Long, Choices Medical
Discover how STI services can expand your reach to abortion-minded women and their partners. This full-day In-Depth Day will equip you with the vision, strategy, and practical tools to implement or enhance STI testing within your medical services.
Medical Leadership: Leading with Accountability & Grace (MED)
Presented by Christa Brown, Bryan Williams, and others from the Medical Impact Team of Heartbeat International
Discover how to hire medical missionaries, manage with the L.O.V.E. Approach, and provide servant leadership in your Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic. This full-day In-Depth Day will equip you with tools to lead and serve your team successfully.
Masters in Development (DEV)
Presented by Kirk Walden and Kama Tate-Gregory
From major donors to monthly supporters to events and everything in between, join Kama Tate Gregory and Kirk Walden for a fast-paced, deep dive into building both short- and long-term revenue streams. Together, let’s uncover the keys to a successful development plan – built for you – which taps into your giftings and strengths. Kama and Kirk bring more than 50 years of experience in development, and they look forward to bringing this to you and your ministry.
Trauma-Informed Ministry: A Retreat Day for Sustainable Care (TRAUMA)
Presented by Stacey Chik, Life on Belay
Before the main conference begins, step into a day of renewal and equipping. This retreat-style intensive blends teaching, reflection, and practical tools to help you create a trauma-informed culture—one that honors the sacredness of clients’ stories while protecting the well-being of staff and volunteers. In the rhythm of the day, you’ll move between learning sessions, guided quiet, and interactive practice—leaving you grounded, refreshed, and ready to lead with strength and sustainability.
Mastering Messaging: Professional Communication Skills for PHOs (MKTG)
Presented by Andrea Trudden and others from the Communications and Marketing Team of Heartbeat International
This one-day, in-depth training equips pregnancy help organization staff with the confidence and tools to communicate their mission clearly and effectively. Attendees will learn to craft compelling messages, write for impact across platforms, and speak with poise in both public and media settings. Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, participants will leave prepared to represent their organizations with professionalism, clarity, and heart—amplifying their reach and influence in the community.
Sexual Wellness: Scientific Foundations and Practical Applications (SWELL)
Presented by Dr. Joe Malone and Lori Kuykendall
Come learn the clear science foundations supporting sexual integrity and the corroborating scriptural support for sexual wellness. Biologically-based sex differences in brain anatomy and brain chemistry chemistry along with many other important physiological and psychological inherent and encoded behavior influencing traits, will be explained. Practical applications for client counseling, client education and classes, STD/STI clinical services, and community prevention services will be explored in this interactive, in-depth day session.
Governing (BOARD)
Presented by Dr. Peggy Hartshorn and Lauri Campbell
The LOVE Approach (LOVE)
Presented by Michele Cheresnick and Kathleen Richard
Get the training and information you need to serve clients in post-Roe America. With this training, attendees can feel confident going into their initial client interviews, whether virtual or in the office. The training is based on The LOVE Approach, the well-loved and proven training system written by Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D., and developed by Heartbeat staff. Interactive & packed with tangible exercises and examples to fully equip client advocates and empower them for effective service. (Session requires and includes the LOVE Approach manual.)
Fatherhood (DADS)
Presented by Tony Trammell, Dadhood.org
Who’s the Guy in the Waiting Room? Discover eight compelling reasons to launch a men’s ministry in your center and learn how to get started. Together we’ll take a practical look at serving male clients and walk step-by-step through a fatherhood visit—whether the man is abortion-minded or not. Every attendee will receive free Dadhood books and resources to help strengthen their work with men and fathers.
Leadership/Management (LEAD)
Presented by Bryan Gonzalez, Heartbeat Faculty
Healthy Is Messy: Loving Your Team Enough to Defeat Dysfunction True organizational health isn’t tidy—it’s built through honesty, trust, and courage. This In-Depth Day will explore how loving leadership means confronting dysfunction, pursuing clarity, and staying relentlessly aligned. Drawing from Patrick Lencioni's organizational health framework, as well as Gino Wickman’s book Traction, you’ll learn practical tools to build a culture that’s healthy, focused, and thriving—where grace and truth work hand in hand.
Pregnancy Help Apologetics (APOLOGETICS)
Presented by Marc Newman
Leadership Strategies for Small & Rural Centers (RURAL)
Presented by Roberta Bigalk, ACaringPregnancy.org
Building Strength and Sustainability in Rural Pregnancy Centers Designed for those serving rural communities, this In-Depth Day will equip you with practical tools to strengthen every area of your organization. Learn strategies for effective governance, planning, community engagement, and fundraising—while connecting with peers who understand the unique realities of rural ministry. Walk away affirmed in what you’re doing well and empowered to take your next steps toward lasting success.
Check out your state coalition - each one a vital hub of support, collaboration, and advocacy for life-affirming work in their region. They are here to serve, equip, and walk alongside pregnancy help organizations just like yours. We encourage you to reach out, connect, and partner with your state coalition to strengthen your mission and expand your impact!
For updates or revisions, please contact the Director of Affiliate Services, Kathy Jerman, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Alabama
Alabama Pregnancy Center Alliance Bethany Garth This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 334-260-8010
Alaska
Alaska Pregnancy Center Coalition Colleen Ward This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (907) 252-1689
Arizona
Arizona Life Coalition https://www.chooselifeaz.org/ Garrett Riley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 602-315-6523
Arkansas
Arkansas Pregnancy Network https://arkansaspregnancynetwork.com/ Christie Robertson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
California
California Alliance for Pregnancy Care https://calalliance.org/ Allison Martinez This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Colorado Pregnancy Care Alliance https://co-pca.org Rich Bennett This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Delaware Association of Pregnancy Centers https://delawarepregnancy.org/ Rachel Metzger This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Florida
Pregnancy and Family Resources Alliance (PAFRA) https://pafraflorida.org/ Ruth Rodrigues This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 239-848-8919
Florida Pregnancy Care Network https://floridapregnancysupport.com/ Rita Gigliano This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 850-656-6245
One More Child-- Florida Association of Life Centers/Clinics (FALC) https://onemorechild.org/ Mary Lou Hendrey This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 863.687.8811, Ext. 2223
Georgia
Life Resources of Georgia, Inc. https://www.liferesourcesga.com/ Christina Middleton This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 478-246-4427
*No organized coalition* Stacey Jiminez This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Idaho
Idaho Coalition for Life Heather Lawless This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 208-790-5020
Illinois
Vision for Life https://www.vision2020il.org/ Carol Fouse This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 214-420-4310
Indiana
*Newly formed coalition* Michelle Schoenefeld - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Rebecca Bailey - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Iowa
Iowa Coalition of Pro-Life Leaders & Iowa Pro-Life Fellowship https://iowaprolifeleaders.com/ Maggie DeWitte This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 515-201-8281
Kansas
Life Alliance Kansas https://lifeallianceks.org/ Melanie Bowman This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 913-538-7113
Kentucky
Kentucky Association of Pregnancy Care Agencies - KAPCA Pamela Held This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 606-678-0335
Louisiana
Louisiana Pregnancy Center Coalition lifechoicesncla.org Kathleen Richard This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 318-255-7377
Maine Right to Life www.mainerighttolife.org Mike McClellan This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 207-782-0101
Maryland
Maryland Coalition of Medical Pregnancy Clinics Pamela Palumbo This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 410-431-5000
Michigan Coalition for Pregnancy Wellness https://micoalition.org Carolyn Doyle This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (616) 257-6802
Pregnancy Centers of Southeast Michigan Sue Nellis This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Minnesota
Pregnancy Center Coalition of Minnesota Tammy Kocher - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Kim Bennecke - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mississippi Pregnancy Resource Alliance Karen Sims This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Missouri
Alliance for Life https://allianceforlifemissouri.com/ Marsha Middleton This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 816-806-4168
Tracey Ullrey This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 406-422-1011
Nebraska
Nebraska Pregnancy Care Alliance https://nebraskapregnancycarealliance.org/ Jennifer Gutierrez This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 402-499-2401
New Hampshire
*No organized coalition* Mike Younus This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New Mexico State Collaborative Paula Gonzales This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New York
The New York State Coalition for Life https://www.nyscoalitionforlife.com/ Kathy Jerman This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
North Carolina
LifeLink Carolina https://lifelinkcarolina.org/ Bobbie Meyer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 704-281-8631
North Dakota
North Dakota Pregnancy Resource Network Jill Chandler This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 218-779-3658
Ohio Coalition of Pregnancy Centers Savannah Marten This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 419-531-6842
Oklahoma
Pregnancy Resource Network of Oklahoma https://pregnancynet.org/ Gayla White This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 405-697-2711
Oregon
Oregon Pregnancy Center Association https://www.myopca.org/ Robin Fuller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 541-659-5406
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative (PPWC) papregnancy.com Sarah M. Bowen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 724-794-3325 ext 1401
Pennsylvania Life Exchange https://www.palifeexchange.com/ Debbie Davenport This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 717-274-5128 x312
South Carolina
South Carolina Association of Pregnancy Care Centers https://scapcc.com/ Linda Plummer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 854-855-0581
South Dakota
*Informal coalition* Erica Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 605-361-3500
TN Pregnancy Center Network Laura Messick This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 615-893-0228
Texas
Life Ambassadors of Texas https://lifeambassadorsoftexas.com/ Threesa Sadler This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 903-456-4317
Utah
Utah Pregnancy Care Alliance Evangeline Sanders This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 801-895-2105
Vermont
**No organized coalition Mike Younus This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Virginia
Virginia Coalition of Pregnancy Centers https://vacoalitionpc.org/ Ryan Holloway This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 757-812-5117
West Virginia
West Virginia Pregnancy Center Coalition https://www.wvmothersandbabies.org/ Jenny Entsminger This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 304-885-1944
Wisconsin
Connect Life Wisconsin https://connectlifewi.org/ Justin Novitski This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 715-301-0811
Wyoming
**No organized coalition Jessica Baxter This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Heartbeat International proactively engages the community and shares the good work of the pregnancy help movement with both the media and government officials. Through proper education of all the services our pregnancy help network provides in communities, we encourage hopeful messages of LIFE throughout the world. Our Babies Go to Congress event takes moms and babies to their government officials to show them the value of the pregnancy help organizations. We do this to encourage a positive relationship among our elected officials.
While we do what we can to be proactive, Heartbeat is prepared to help defend organizations against attacks from the opposition. Our pregnancy help network agrees to the standards of our Commitment of Care and Competence. If you ever feel that you or your center is under attack, please contact us.
We suggest our affiliates work with their local media so they can better work with centers in the community. Heartbeat provides a Pregnancy Help Center Defense Toolkit (Affiliates Only) to equip our centers with the tools they need to work with the media. Education is the best tool we have against any negative claims that may arise.
In the news
Heartbeat International is on Capitol Hill for the Intoduction of the Heartbeat Bill. Learn more
Federal court rules: preborn baby is a person. Read more.
A Local Launch of "A Passion to Serve, a Vision for Life"
Pregnancy Center Report Spotlights the Contribution of Heartbeat Affiliates
Even though little Emma Grace was conceived by teens – regularly a death sentence under the rule of Roe v. Wade – her parents, with the help of the Pregnancy Care Center, welcomed her, with all her inherent value, into their newly formed family. Ahna and Garrett Roney were seventeen and eighteen when they chose to marry and to make a family with the infant they welcomed. The Roney’s story about Heartbeat International’s affiliate in Springfield, MO is a testament to how practical help and emotional support for a young couple can turn a difficult time into a much-welcomed blessing.
This is just one of the examples of the life-saving work of Heartbeat International’s compassionate network of care highlighted in “A Passion to Serve: How Pregnancy Resource Centers Empower Women, Help Families, and Strengthen Communities,” the updated report from Family Research Council (FRC).
This report shines a light on the positive contributions of pregnancy centers, maternity homes, adoption agencies and pregnancy help medical clinics. These faith-based nonprofits brighten a woman’s future with the support she needs to bring new life into the world.
While tracing the history of concern and care for pregnant women, this report focuses on the positive ways pregnancy support organizations are strengthening their communities. It describes the impact of the pregnancy help movement by detailing, through statistical summaries and case studies, the extraordinary ways centers are meeting the needs of women, youth, and families.
Pregnancy centers served over 2.3 million people with pregnancy assistance, abstinence counseling and education, community outreach programs and referrals, and public health linkages. A conservative estimate of community cost savings for these serves during 2010 is over $100 million, according to the FRC report.
The report also includes endorsements from public figures like this one from U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski, (D, IL-3):
“The success rates and national expansion of these pregnancy care centers are a testament to their invaluable work in the lives of communities and individuals over the years. These networks provide services that are often unavailable elsewhere to expectant mothers.”
The pregnancy help network is one of the greatest volunteer service movements in the history of our country with around 71,000 volunteers performing an estimated 5,705,000 uncompensated hours of work in 2010.
In 2009 the Virginia Assembly established Choose Life license plates to be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Heartbeat International agreed to the legislators’ request to serve the Virginia pregnancy help providers as the distributor of the proceeds collected and has continued to distribute the funds each year.
Eligibility is defined by the legislation as:
Pregnancy center that is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization
Officially committed to the Commitment of Care and Competence (Current affiliates of a national organization recognizing the Commitment as a condition of affiliation need only indicate affiliation(s). Others need to adopt a board resolution and forward a duly signed copy of the Commitment.)
Agree to use the funds specifically “to provide services to pregnant women and women who suspect that they may be pregnant in Virginia.”
For organizations that haven't participated but would like to, please complete and sign the attached form and provide the necessary documentation postmarked no later than December 5th. You may also complete this form online at HeartbeatServices.org under the Connections heading select “Choose Life.” Multiple location centers need only complete one form, indicating the primary/main location, but must include all additional location information requested.
We appreciate the work of all pregnancy help efforts in Virginia and are pleased to serve you in this role at our own expense. No Virginia Choose Life monies are retained by Heartbeat International or provided to any organization other than indicated by the legislation. Any monies refused or not distributed will be returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We intend to distribute proportional payments in December
If you have any questions regarding the confirmation of eligibility process please contact the Heartbeat International office at 614.885.7577.
VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- 2009 SESSION contains the criteria for distribution of Choose Life License Plate funds and is viewable in entirety here.
The following extract is from Section 3 Paragraph B:
These funds shall be paid annually to Heartbeat International, Inc., to be distributed in equal grants to pregnancy center locations in Virginia that are tax-exempt organizations under § 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and officially committed to Heartbeat International's "Our Commitment of Care" standards. Choose Life Virginia Fund distributed funds are to be used to provide services to pregnant women and women who suspect that they may be pregnant in Virginia and may be refused within 60 days by return to the Choose Life Virginia Fund.
Options available as add-ons to your in-person registration for your team at home:
Unable to attend in person? We have Virtual Conference-Only available as well:
