We are very excited about the conference format this year. We are changing things up a bit!

On Tuesday, you will have an opportunity to choose from one of the 7 PEG Talk Deeper Dives and 11 Roundtable Discussions for a hands-on interactive session on a very focused topic, led by experts in their field.

On Wednesday and Thursday, you have the option to choose either to attend a variety of workshops offered both on Wednesday and Thursday (3 each day) OR you can register to attend In-Depth Trainings. This allows for a wide variety of both topics and experiences to be allotted for within the 2020 Annual Conference. 

To best prepare, we ask that those who are interested in attending an In-Depth Training to register ⁠— Wednesday, Thursday, or both! ⁠— so we can ensure that we will have the necessary materials on hand for you. Space is limited! (Attendees planning to attend the workshop tracks do not need to register ahead of time.) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available throughout the conference.

Wednesday's In-Depth Trainings:

1. Implementing STD/STI Testing In Your Center - Karolyn Schrage
2. The Importance of Abortion Recovery for Women, Men, and Families - ARC
3. How to Effectively Reach the Abortion-Minded Caller - Brad Imler
4. Teaching Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) to Empower the Next Generation - Mary Anne Mosack
   This workshop will increase an understanding of the developing adolescent in the context of sexual risk avoidance (SRA) education. Participants will be able to identify the crucial psychosocial needs of the developing adolescent and will be able to recognize research-based theories that support the needs of adolescent development in the context of SRA education.
5. Ultrasound (Basic): Beyond What the Eye Can See - Tammy & Bryan
   We are given a short moment in time in order to help our client garner the information she needs to make such an important decision. In order to make the most of the time that we have been given, we must be able to image and explain the images in such a way that she and her support system in the room, if present, will be able to clearly see and identify with the images that we are gathering. They are
   not just different shades of gray but rather the first photograph of her baby.
6. Producing Effective Consultants through the LOVE Approach - Sara Littlefield
7. Maternity Homes: Fixing Staffing Issues - National Maternity Housing Coalition
8. The ABCs of APRN - Christa Brown

Thursday's In-Depth Trainings:

1. The Case for Life: Pro-Life Apologetics 101 - Mike Spencer
   Come and learn how to speak intelligently and graciously to the issue of abortion and to answer tough objections from opponents without the use of vitriol. Become a pro-life ambassador and engage the conversation of abortion with confidence and skill. 
2. Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking in Your Centers - Cindy Collins & Dr. Laura
3. Giving God your Worst - Dinah Monahan 
4. ???Trauma Informed???"
5. Ultrasound: Beyond the Basics - Tammy & Bryan
6. Legal Essentials/HR: What You Need to Know to Run a Pregnancy Center - Danielle White & Betsy Wetherby
7. Getting the best ROI from Your Fundraising Efforts - Kirk Walden
8. Your Online Presence for Clients - Bri Laycock

As we near Conference time, there are several things that you can do today to prepare for a successful conference!

1 - Note Key Deadlines

• Register Exhibit Staff - March 10, 2025
• Program Book Ad - March 12, 2025
• Commercial Link - March 31, 2025
• Literature Packet Insert - Shipments should arrive between April 11 - April 21, 2025

2 - Make Your Travel Arrangements

Conference Location

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)
2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N,
Birmingham, AL 35203

Next step: Single nights may still be available at the Sheraton and Westin through the room block. Rooms outside of our block may be available at a higher rate. Book your hotel room using our room block link for either hotel location. Book by April 13th to receive the discounted rate. Both locations are attached to the BJCC.

For a full week stay, there are several hotel options within a short 15-minute walk of the BJCC. Please use your favorite travel search engine (e.g., Expedia, Trivago, Google Maps) to locate a hotel near the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC).

3 - Download the Conference App and Set up Your Virtual Exhibit

We will use our event app Whova again this year to allow you to collect attendee contact information incredibly swiftly! Using the app allows you to scan the QR code on an attendee's name badge and increase your leads with ease! In addition, the Conference Passport will be done via the Whova App. Access to the app will be provided via a link to your email in mid-March.

Exhibitors will have access to all Virtual Conference workshops which will be hosted within the event app.

For the best Virtual Exhibit experience to maximize your reach to both in-person AND virtual attendees, make sure to utilize all the Lead Generating tools made for exhibitors within the app. Click here to learn how.

4 - Send Us Your Program Book Ad

If you ordered a program ad, make sure you send it to us!  This will be noted in your exhibitor registration confirmation email.

Full-color image files may be sent in PDF or compressed JPG, PNG, TIF, or EPS file.

• Quarter Page Ad: 4.25" w x 5.5" h
• Half Page Ad: 8.5" w  x 5.5" h
• Full Page Ad: 8.5" w  x 11" h

Please email artwork by March 12, 2025 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if they are not received by that time. Failure to submit ads by March 12, 2025, may result in omission from the program book.

5 - Prepare Your Literature Packet Insert

If you purchased the literature pack insert, be prepared to send 1,250 copies of one piece of literature to be included in the packets for attendees. 

Literature may include ONE brochure, a handout, or a small catalog no larger than 8½” x 14”.

Please send items to our local pregnancy center affiliate. Shipments should arrive between April 11 - April 21, 2025 to the following address:

Alabama Pregnancy Test Center
Attn: Lisa Hogan (2 story bldg)
1480 McGuire Road
Birmingham, AL 35216-3634

6 - Send Your Commercial Link

If your sponsorship includes a commercial or you purchased one, please send your commercial file or link by March 31, 2025, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

7 - Plan Your Schedule

It is essential for all Exhibitors to check in at the Exhibitor Registration Desk to receive name badges and your exhibitor packet for your organization. We request that you make every effort to have your exhibit booth set up by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29; (if you cannot come until later, you must make arrangements ahead of time with Heartbeat International).

The Exhibit Hall will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, and 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Friday. Please note that exhibits must close during Keynote sessions. Exhibitors are welcome to join us for the Keynote speakers after the meals.

If you would like to view the full conference schedule, you can find that here!

Tuesday, April 29

• 1:00-5:00 p.m. - Exhibitor Check-In and Set-Up

Wednesday, April 30

• 8:00 a.m. - Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens (peak traffic time!)
• 11:30 a.m. - Opening Lunch & Keynote
• 2:00-3:15 p.m. - Workshop Session A
• 3:45-5:00 p.m. - Workshop Session B
• 6:00 p.m. - Dinner & Keynote

Thursday, May 1

• 8:00 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Opens
• 9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. - Workshop Session C
• 10:30 a.m. - Worship & Keynote
• Afternoon Break, Receptions & Prayer Ministry

Friday, May 2

• 8:00 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Opens
• 9:00 a.m. - Morning Keynote
• 10:30-11:45 a.m. - Workshop Session D
• 12:00 p.m. - Lunch & Keynote
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Closes | Tear Down
• 2:00-3:15 p.m. - Workshop Session E
• 3:45-5:00 p.m. - Workshop Session F
• 6:00 p.m. - Closing Banquet

Conference meals are available to those who purchased Meal Packages. There are many places in the hotel and within walking distance for meals.

The Conference attendee registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The Conference opens at 11:30 a.m. and runs through the closing banquet on Friday, May 2, 2025. Heartbeat encourages you to be present at your exhibit booth to take advantage of this exciting peak time and during all exhibit hall hours. Failure to occupy the exhibition space does not release exhibitors from the obligation to pay the full exhibitor fee.

Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before arriving if special arrangements for late arrival are needed.

8 - Plan Your Exhibit

We are working with Veal Conventions this year and should be receiving a copy of the Exhibitor Kit directly from them. (We have included it here for easy viewing.) This kit includes all shipping information and details on how to order electric and internet through the BJCC. 

Shipping: Heartbeat International will be using a drayage company for all shipping and exhibit setups. All exhibitors will receive an email directly from the company closer to Conference. All orders placed through the drayage company are the sole responsibility of the exhibitor. Please be certain to read all materials contained within the Kit which will include shipping instructions. Keep in mind that if you choose not to use the drayage company for your shipping needs, all packages sent to the hotel may be charged additional fees. Special arrangements must be made with the hotel for receiving any equipment, goods, displays, or other materials, which will be sent, delivered, or brought into the hotel. Failure to do this may result in deliveries being refused or materials being unavailable when required. All shipments must include the name of the organization exhibiting, with "c/o Heartbeat International Conference" below it.

All booth locations will be made by Heartbeat International.

Each Standard in-person exhibit space will have the following included:

• 10' x 10' draped exhibit booth (Heartbeat will determine the location)
• 8' high background and 3' high side-rail divider 
• One 6’ covered and skirted table
• Two chairs
• One wastebasket
• 7" x 44" booth identification sign

Every exhibitor also has access to their virtual exhibit on our Conference App, Whova. This space allows you to:

• Host videos, brochures, and giveaways
• Access to both In-Person and Virtual attendees

9 - Register Your Exhibit Staff

Fill out the form here with each of your exhibit staff names and email addresses. Please note that each organization is limited to no more than 4 exhibit staff, if you wish to add more you can add that to your registration for $199 per person. The deadline for staff registration is March 31, 2025.

Make sure to provide unique emails for each staff member. These emails will allow the staff to access the virtual platform where they can update your virtual exhibit or view the virtual workshops.

At the conference, we will be providing name tags for each staff member registered. These name tags will be required to enter any workshops or keynotes.

10 - Gain Extra Exposure

There are additional ways your company can gain exposure to attendees through branding. Consider donating 1,250 of the following:

• Lanyards - CLAIMED
• Plastic Literature Bags - CLAIMED
• Tote Bags
• Books to Give Away at General Sessions
• Other Items You Might Suggest

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested.

 *All items subject to approval by Heartbeat International

11 - Review the Terms and Conditions

CANCELLATION: If written notification of cancellation is received by March 29, 2025, all exhibitor monies, less a $75 processing fee, will be refunded. No refunds will be given after midnight ET March 29, 2025. All refund requests must be made in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

USE OF SPACE: Exhibitor shall not assign, sublet, or share the space allotted without the knowledge and written consent of Heartbeat International.

HEARTBEAT GUIDELINES: All exhibitors must abide by the Heartbeat Principles. Heartbeat International reserves the right to accept or deny, at its sole discretion, sponsors and exhibit space to organizations that it deems inconsistent with or contrary to Heartbeat’s Principles. 

For more information, visit the Annual Conference web page.

We are happy you have chosen to be a part of our Annual Conference. If you have questions at any time, please feel free to contact Andrea Trudden at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please complete the following survey for each session (workshop or In-Depth training) attended at the 2020 Heartbeat Annual conference.

— Session Begins May 12, 2021 —

An exclusive opportunity to U.S. Heartbeat affiliates in good standing, Heartbeat International is partnering with WiLD Leaders to provide this professional training for pregnancy help leaders to advance their leadership skills. Working with WiLD Leaders, Heartbeat affiliates can delve deep to grow as individuals and lead intentionally. 

What is WiLD? 

WHOLE + iNTENTIONAL LEADER DEVELOPMENT (WiLD) is about seeing leaders as whole people, never shying away from the mistakes that create opportunities to learn, and intentionally crossing the superficial boundaries between our work as leaders in our families, workplaces, and communities. Leaders don’t always feel whole because they live so close to their insecurities and mistakes. Seeing leaders as whole people is not about erasing their past, minimizing their mistakes, or blindly elevating their successes, but about seeing and learning from it all. This is the focus of every tool, coaching conversation, and learning opportunity we offer – walking the line between resourcing and the heart, progress and process, and success and failure. Heartbeat has invested significantly into the development of existing and emerging leaders and this initiative serves as a next step to equip leaders in the movement who need intentional development to support and stretch them.

"I wasn't sure what to expect when I joined the WiLD Experience but WOW, the time was more than I could have even imagined!" - Carol L., a Pregnancy Help Director after going through the WiLD process.

The WiLD Toolkit: Leader Development Program + Research Insights

The WiLD Toolkit is a research-based online process built around 10 sequential developmental tools and personalized feedback reports. Unlike processes that oversimplify leadership into platitudes and one-dimensional categories of personality, skills, or behaviors, the WiLD Toolkit scaffolds the real and critical conversations regarding a leader’s experiences, successes and failures, learning, skills, purpose, conviction, character, and their investment in the learning of others.

Leader Development Program
This exclusive program for the Heartbeat community is built as a 10-week virtual course where participants can join from any geographic region. Each week, affiliates will:

1. Take an assessment tool in the WiLD Toolkit
2. Join an expert-led web session for insights and peer discussions on the assessments
3. Set goals in the WiLD Toolkit and share them with cohort members for accountability

The 10-Week Program - Starting January 27, 2021 
(Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT)

• Session 1: WiLD Kickoff Session – WiLD Tool: The WiLD Profile
• Session 2: Calling & Purpose – WiLD Tool: Calling & Purpose Inventory
• Session 3: Motivation & Goals – WiLD Tool: Purposeful Goals Assessment
• Session 4: Leading Under Pressure – WiLD Tool: Leading Under Pressure Inventory
• Session 5: Transformational Experiences – WiLD Tool: Transformational Experience Audit
• Session 6: Leadership Competence – WiLD Tool: Skills & Knowledge Inventory
• Session 7: Motivation & Learning – WiLD Tool: Motivation & Learning Inventory
• Session 8: Developing Others – WiLD Tool: People Investment Plan
• Session 9: Strategic Support – WiLD Tool: Strategic Networking Audit & Guide
• Session 10: WiLD Development Plan – WiLD Tool: The WiLD Plan

Registration

For Heartbeat-affiliated leaders, this exclusive leadership program will include 10 sessions as well as access to the WiLD Toolkit for a year for $299. Leaders who meet attendance requirements and complete all assessments will be eligible for 14 hours of credit toward their Life-Affirming Specialist Designation.

Cancellation Policy: Full refunds may be issued until 12:00 midnight EST January 20, 2021. A 50% refund is available from 12:01 AM EST January 20-January 24, 2021 11:59  EST. No refunds will be issued past 12:00 AM EST January 25, 2021. Method of payment may require additional transaction fees imposed by the credit card company. All cancellations will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee (per registration canceled) regardless of the situation. Should Heartbeat cancel the event for any reason, all monies minus a transaction fee will be returned automatically. If you do not cancel and do not attend the event, you are responsible for the full payment. Payments may not be applied toward future training or conferences. All refund requests must be submitted in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Expert Team

Dr. Rob McKenna, CEO
Named one of the top 30 I-O Psychologists alive today, Dr. McKenna is passionate about developing leaders and about transforming the way we see the people in our organizations. As he will tell you, we have the tools at our fingertips to invest in our people in ways that are meaningful to them and will get the results we need. Thirty years of research has taught us much how people learn and grow on the job. We have what it takes to create rich learning environments for the people we lead, and all we have to do is begin to act on what we know.

Dr. McKenna brings a combination of approachability, authenticity, expert knowledge, and humor to his talks. Whether you are interested in character development, dealing with conflict, creating engaging learning cultures, or developing the next generation of leaders, his approach of getting real about what’s going on in your life and work brings people alongside him in a way that inspires change. The models he uses in his talks are based on decades of research on leadership, team functioning, organizational health, and individual development.

He is the founder of WiLD Leaders, Inc. and creator of the WiLD Toolkit, a whole and intentional leader development process and set of tools that one leader described as “A whole approach that blurs the line between who we are as ‘workers’ and ‘human beings.” He is also the Chair of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. His research and coaching with thousands of leaders across corporate, not-for-profit and university settings has given him insight into the real and gritty experience of leaders. His clients have included the Boeing Company, Microsoft, Heineken, Foster Farms, the United Way, Alaska Airlines and Children’s Hospital. He is the author of numerous articles and chapters on leadership character, calling, effectiveness, and leadership under pressure. His latest book, Composed: The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure, focuses the specific strategies leaders can use to stay true to themselves and connected to others when it matters most.

Dr. Daniel Hallak, CCO
Nothing gets Dr. Daniel Hallak more excited than the opportunity to build authentic relationships and intentionally develop leaders. As the Chief Commercial Officer at WiLD Leaders, Daniel drives strategic commercial initiatives, and other operations, product development, and marketing efforts that support the development of whole leaders. He is known for bringing energy and thoughtful research-based practices that actually make a difference.

Before WiLD, he spent over 12 years developing whole leaders in business, academic, and not-for-profit settings. He’s run his own coaching practice and has had experiences as a recruiter at Microsoft, a Career Management Consultant at Right Management Consultants, and in a leadership development role at Slalom, an award-winning consulting firm. He’s also served as a coach, professor, and advisor at three higher education institutions including Seattle Pacific University where he helped build a new graduate business program from the ground up.

Daniel has spoken at countless events, conferences, and professional associations. His research and writing focus on how to develop people and build authentic relationships founded on generosity. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Seattle Pacific University, his B.A. in Psychology from Northwest University and achieved Eagle Scout Rank with the Boy Scouts of America. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Kristin, and their three children. 

Megan Lawrence
Megan is the Events and Communications Lead at WiLD Leaders. Taking her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for communication and event planning into a company that focuses on the development of leaders is a combination of all her experiences into one role. Before WiLD, Megan was a wedding and event planner and florist in LA and has had a variety of roles in higher education, as well as managerial roles in small businesses. Megan has a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, and cares deeply about women in leadership and helping small businesses become efficient and effective. She’s married to her husband Mark and they have a beautiful son, Silas, and an awesome dog named Truvy.