Heartbeat International convened its 54th Annual Pregnancy help Conference last week, the largest Heartbeat Conference ever on several fronts.
Numbers continued to role in at press time with the total number of registrants over 1,600. Factoring in virtual registrants, along with presenters, Heartbeat staff, and a record number of exhibitors, the attendance figure exceeds 2,000. Pregnancy help personnel gathered for the Conference from 44 U.S. states and 20 countries worldwide.
Heartbeat International is the largest network of pregnancy help organizations in the U.S. and the world, and its annual conference is the largest event in the pregnancy help movement.
In addition to keynote sessions, full-day in-depth training sessions, more than 70 in-person and 40-plus virtual workshop presentations, the Conference also gave the opportunity for medical professionals to earn continuing education hours.
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Heartbeat hosted its largest LOVE Approach Ultrasound Clinical class as well. Heartbeat’s innovative method of ultrasound training connects the technical and spiritual needs of individuals who work in pregnancy help.
The Pregnancy Help Conference was again held simultaneously in person and virtually, the events running April 30 - May 2. The in-person event took place in Birmingham, Ala.
The 2025 Conference theme was, “Together Towards Tomorrow,” based on Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Heartbeat International President Jor-El Godsey remarked on attendees’ eagerness for education, fellowship, and encouragement.
"There is such an anticipation for each conference, and Birmingham was no exception,” Godsey said. “We saw so many smiling faces connecting, networking, learning, being encouraged, and encouraging others.”
“Even with the largest conference, ever spilling out of two hotels and utilizing a convention center, we felt close in proximity, in heart, and in purpose," he said.
Heartbeat Vice President Cindi Boston underscored that Conference participants gain more than temporal benefit.
“The Together Towards Tomorrow Conference brought relevant tools and training to pregnancy help leaders from across the globe,” she said. “Whether they received spiritual encouragement, learned about new trends in the movement, or networked with others, attendees left Birmingham with full hearts and meaningful lessons that will help them grow their reach to more clients and change their communities.”
Andrea Trudden, vice president of Communications & Marketing for Heartbeat, noted the many new pregnancy help workers who were in attendance for the 2025 Conference.
“It was such a blessing to welcome so many first-time attendees and teams this year,” Trudden said. “Their presence reflects a deep commitment to growth and learning—something we truly admire and encourage.”
She also made note of the need to prepare for serving in pregnancy help.
“As culture and technology continue to change, it’s important that we equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge needed to remain both relevant and effective,” said Trudden. “Our attendees embraced that challenge with enthusiasm and joy.”
Heartbeat International Vice President of Ministry Services Tracie Shellhouse said that the Birmingham Conference was an intersection of unity and intentionality.
“We came together, in Birmingham, not just in proximity, but in heart and purpose,” she said.
Tweet This: We came together, in Birmingham, not just in proximity, but in heart and purpose.
“Through shared experiences, meals, prayer, and training, the conference was much more than an event,” Shellhouse said. “Iron sharpened iron as we equipped one another for the lifesaving, culture-shaping work ahead. We are moving towards tomorrow with conviction and clarity, united in mission and anchored in truth.”
She added, “This conference reminded us that our work is sacred, our unity is powerful, and our God is faithful.”
Heartbeat International’s 2026 Annual Pregnancy Help Conference will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the theme, "Power of Love."
Editor's note: Heartbeat International manages Pregnancy Help News.
