The Bucket List
by Betty McDowell, Director of Ministry Services
I think almost everyone has a bucket list—things you want to do before you “kick the bucket”. It may be in the back of our mind, it may be written in a journal, or it may be an app on your iPhone.
Some of the things I’ve been blessed to check off my bucket list are dreams like going on an African Safari, visiting Paris, leading a women's retreat, and writing something from my heart that’s worthy of publishing. As fun as it is to dream, it’s even more fun to see those dreams fulfilled.
No matter our age, our health, or our resources, all of us can dream up a bucket list. And, as followers of Christ, our bucket list should be influenced and shaped—even inspired—by God Himself. Trust me, I would never have imagined becoming a writer or speaker without the influence of the Holy Spirit.
We serve a God who wants us to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Our God created an incredibly beautiful world, and He longs to show it off to you. Our God also created amazing, beautiful people that He wants you to meet. And, our God created you with a unique set of gifts and talents that He longs for you to use for the good of others.
A God-inspired bucket list will always be headlined by ways you hope to be used for the glory of God and the good of others.
Seeing an end to abortion is at the top of my bucket list. God inspired? I think so. God continues to amaze me, as I see the Heartbeat International network grow, and as I read the testimonies of lives changed and babies saved through ministries across our nation and God’s world.
Serving with Heartbeat and playing a small part in the fulfillment of our mission and vision is both humbling and rewarding. It may not have been on my childhood bucket list, but the list God has given me along the way has brought so much more joy and satisfaction than I could have imagined.
So what are you waiting for? Maybe it’s time for you to dream, and add to your God-inspired bucket list. Dream big, and add seeing an end to abortion to your bucket list.
Our God reigns, and in His name, “all oppression shall cease.” Let’s pray that He will bring about an end to the oppression of abortion this Christmas season.
Jesus Unwrapped, the Blessing of Emanuel
by Debra Neybert,Training Specialist
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14
Out of a heart of perfect love, the Father gave us His greatest blessing, his beloved Son, Jesus. He was with Father from all eternity; then the time came for him to step out of eternity and into time.
The Lord of all Glory, the King of Kings, The Eternal Word, who spoke the worlds into being, descended, laying aside His glorious crown, His royal robes. He stepped into a servant’s garment and became Emanuel—God with us!
One word that is commonly translated as “blessing” in the original Hebrew means "to kneel or cause to kneel.” It’s the word that’s used in Psalm 95:6, “Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker!”
Jesus, essentially one with God and in the form of God willingly bowed so low; born in Bethlehem considered “little among the thousands of Judah.” (Micah 5:2) There He was, born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, taking on flesh and dwelling among us.
The practice of swaddling was typically done two times in life; at birth and at death. Jesus once wrapped in Kingly apparel, came in complete humility, even to the point of obscurity, and then again “humbled Himself to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)
As we unwrap our gifts this Christmas, let us remember the greatest gift, the greatest blessing…. Jesus Himself, unwrapped, the gift of Salvation! Because he bowed low, we are lifted high, seated with Him in Heavenly places, crowned with love and compassion, and clothed in heavenly apparel. Oh what a Savior, Emanuel, God with us!
Hotel Information
As of today, the Hyatt Regency is completely sold out. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Heartbeat has compiled a list of hotels to make your travel planning a little easier.
Explore Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) – The DART contains stops at area hotels and should help make your travel. The Hyatt Regency is located on the DART line and has a stop within the hotel.
Hyatt Regency - SOLD OUT
300 Reunion Boulevard,
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 651-1234
Hyatt Uptown - SOLD OUT
2914 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-965-9990
SpringHill Suites Dallas Downtown/West End - on the DART line OR 4 minute drive
1907 N Lamar St
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 999-0500
marriott.com
Rates starting at $135.00 (plus tax)
Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown - on the DART line OR 4 minute drive
1015 Elm St
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 742-5678
crowneplaza.com
Rates starting at $132.00 (plus tax)
Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center - 1 block from the Marketplace DART OR 8 minute drive
4500 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 219-3333
holidayinn.com
Rates starting at $106.00 (plus tax)
LOVE Unleashes Life
This five week apologetics class will give you the tools you need to answer and defend your pro-life position compellingly, compassionately, and with love.
Together as a class, each week we will walk through a chapter of Stephanie Gray's, Love Unleashes Life, review supplemental material, and participate in exercises and discussion applying the chapter specifically to our role in Pregnancy Help Organizations. You'll also have the opportunity to join Stephanie Gray for a live Q&A session on January 27th at 1 PM EST.
If you're looking to build your confidence in discussing abortion or sharing your pro-life position, this class is for you.
Cost: $59.95 (or $49.95 for affiliates!) A copy of the book LOVE Unleashes Life is required for this course and will need to be purchased separately. You can find the book here.
Next Session: The next session of LOVE Unleashes Life is January 10 - February 13
ConCERT: Consultant Continuing Education, Renewal, & Training
"I had no idea what to expect. I have never taken a course online before and from the experience of this one, would definitely do it again... It was wonderful to share with so many like-minded individuals who live their faith each day and see God's hand at work. I was uplifted by this experience."
- ConCERT Graduate
ConCERT is an advanced, eight-week distance learning course created by Heartbeat International. ConCERT is appropriate for any individual currently involved in a pregnancy help ministry who wants to gain confidence and take their current skills and knowledge to an even higher level. The next session of ConCERT will cover consulting considerations, fertility, conception, fetal development, sexual integrity, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion risks, and much more. By the end of this training, you will earn enough CEUs to apply for or renew your Life Affirming Specialist Designation.
To participate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have reliable access to a computer with an internet connection.
- Be able to devote three to five hours per week to the training.
- Be self-motivated and comfortable participating in online discussions, completing reading assignments, and weekly activities on your own.
Please note, participants of this training will be able to communicate with the instructors via e-mail and phone. A downloadable student manual is also provided to help students prepare for assessments.
Next Session: The next session of ConCERT Fall 2025, registration will open in July 2025.
Fundraising 101 & 102
Fundraising is the fuel that keeps the ministry moving toward it's mission. While it's true that fundraising experiences have been wide and varied among life-affirming organizations, all leverage the same basics of charitable activities.
Join Heartbeat Vice President Jor-El Godsey for this two-part series on fundraising essentials!
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Fundraising 101 In Fundraising 101, participants will learn the following:
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Fundraising 102 In Fundraising 102, participants will learn the following:
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| Register for Fundraising 101! | Register for Fundraising 102! |
Register for either session using the links above, or, click here to register for both and get a $10.00 discount!
Learning Together . . . without the Travel!
by Jennifer Minor, Editor/Writer
Somewhere between Pregnancy Help Institute and the Heartbeat International Annual Conference every year, there's a training gap. Individuals continue to take courses online at Heartbeat Academy, but that communal learning experience is missing.
That's why Heartbeat International developed ConCERT.
ConCERT is an advanced distance learning course to equip volunteer consultants with the information, skills, and perspectives that take them to the next level for providing effective consultation to individuals making choices in regard to sexual integrity, pregnancy, and parenting.
Deb Neybert, MA, LAS says, "As a trainer, I enjoy getting to know the students, and reading their comments posted on our online forum. Often they have great insights to share with each other, and it enhances the learning experience."
Since The LOVE Approach training is a pre-requisite to ConCERT, students interact with peers that have had similar experiences. According to Neybert, "Students say the most exciting part of ConCERT is the practical application as they have the opportunity to respond to verbatim assignments and the on-line forum communication."
Besides all of these benefits, by the end of ConCERT, students earn 14 CEU's toward the Life Affirming Specialist Designation. That's enough to apply for or renew your LAS!
Tweet this! The next session of ConCERT begins on January 11, 2015, and registration is open now.
The next session of ConCERT begins on January 11, 2015, and registration is open now. Information on pricing, registration, and other important dates can be found here.
Learn more and sign up today!
Thank You for Celebrating Heroes with Us in 2016!
We had a year of records and celebration with over 1,100 pregnancy help leaders in attendance at the 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference. If you missed anything, recordings of Workshops and Keynotes are now available for purchase here. Check out this video recap and review below!
45th Annual Heartbeat International Conference
Atlanta, Georgia | March 29 - March 31, 2016
Conference Schedule | Exhibitor Information
Prayer and Worship | Keynotes | Workshops | In-Depth Day | Conference Brochure
Schedule at a Glance for 2016 Conference
Monday, March 28
5-7pm - Registration for Pre-Conference In-Depth Day
Tuesday, March 29
Pre-Conference In Depth Day (paid registration is separate)
8:00am - Registration
9:00 to 5:00pm - In Depth Day training
2:00pm - Conference Attendee Registration Opens
2:00pm - Exhibit Hall Opens
6:00pm - Annual Conference Opening Session (Dinner & Keynote)
Wednesday, March 30
8:30am - Morning Session & Keynote
Workshop Session A
12:00pm - Lunch & Keynote
Workshop Session B
Break & Prayer Time
Thursday, March 31
8:30am - Morning Session & Keynote
Workshop Session C
12:00pm - Lunch & Keynote
Workshop Session D
Workshop Session E
6:00pm - Closing Banquet (Dinner & Keynote)
| Early Bird Pricing ends Feb 17 |
Regular Pricing Feb 18 - March 4 |
Late Pricing after March 5 |
|
| In-Depth Day Only | $145 | $155 | $165 |
|
In-Depth Day and Opening Dinner |
$220 | $240 | $260 |
| 2016 Annual Conference | $389 | $489 | $589 |
| Conference Bundle | $499 | $599 | $699 |
Keynotes
We are glad to welcome Keynote speakers for the 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference, who are key leaders in the pregnancy help movement, as well as prolife leaders from around the United States.
Workshops
The 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference offered a rich lineup of workshops, with a total of 75 workshops organized in 15 distinct tracks. Two tracks (Medical Advancement and Ultrasound Advancement) were tailored for nurses and medical professionals in the pregnancy help community, and offered Continuing Education Nursing Contact Hours provided through Heartbeat International. Two additional workshops (Helping Mom and Baby Bond and Fertility Awareness and the New Feminism) were also available for Continuing Education Nursing Contact Hours. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 16061 for 1.25 contact hours each workshop. All courses are eligible for Life-Affirming Specialist credit hours.
In-Depth Day (March 29)
The 2016 Annual Conference experience started with 15 different In-Depth Day opportunities. This exclusive all-day training went from 9 am to 5 pm with an inspirational keynote at lunch.
Prayer Team and Worship
Thank you to our worship team and on-site prayer team for the 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference.
Aaron Keyes and Taylor Breen from 10,000 Fathers Worship School opened our Wednesday and Thursday morning general sessions with worship in song, setting the stage for a power-packed week of growth, enrichment and encouragement with fellow front-line lifesavers.
Pray 1-on-1 (or with your staff) alongside prayer warriors who have volunteered their time to encourage you and lift you up at our Conference. You can sign up for this great opportunity on site at our registration table.
Order Recordings from the 2016 Conference here!
Download the LAS Application
We apologize for the inconvenience. The online LAS application is undergoing maintenance and is currently unavailable.
Please download and print the form and return it via mail or fax at your earliest convenience to become a Life Affirming Specialist or to maintain your status as a Life Affirming Specialist.
More...
In-Depth Training Day Information
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:
- Implementing STD/STI Testing In Your Center - Karolyn Schrage
- The Importance of Abortion Recovery for Women, Men, and Families - ARC
- How to Effectively Reach the Abortion-Minded Caller - Brad Imler
- 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. - 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. - Producing Effective Consultants through the LOVE Approach - Sara Littlefield
- Maternity Homes: Fixing Staffing Issues - National Maternity Housing Coalition
- The ABCs of APRN - Christa Brown
Thursday's In-Depth Trainings:
- 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. - Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking in Your Centers - Cindy Collins & Dr. Laura
- Giving God your Worst - Dinah Monahan
- ???Trauma Informed???"
- Ultrasound: Beyond the Basics - Tammy & Bryan
- Legal Essentials/HR: What You Need to Know to Run a Pregnancy Center - Danielle White & Betsy Wetherby
- Getting the best ROI from Your Fundraising Efforts - Kirk Walden
- Your Online Presence for Clients - Bri Laycock
Exhibitor To-Do List
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.
Conference Location
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)
2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N,
Birmingham, AL 35203
Hotel Information (Group code will be in your Conference Registration Confirmation)
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Westin Birmingham