Thank you to everyone who attended the ICEA Circle of Care Conference! We had such a great time and we hope you did too. We asked the ICEA Board to recap their favorite moments and thoughts on attending the first in-person conference in SIX YEARS. Here is what they had to say:
Debbie Young – ICEA President
This was one of the finest conferences I’ve ever attended. Thanks in large part to our excellent Director of Conferences, Miram McKinney’s leadership and ability to coordinate her team.
I will always remember this wonderful conference!
Attending the ICEA Circle of Care 2024 Conference in San Antonio as a first-time attendee and board member was an unforgettable experience! The energy was contagious, and the opportunity to hear fresh perspectives from childbirth educators across the country—and even around the world—was both inspiring and invigorating. The chance to connect in person, exchange ideas, and build relationships felt like a breath of fresh air. I left feeling more motivated and energized than ever, ready to dive into my work with a renewed sense of purpose and passion!
ICEA did it again! Another wonderful conference!
I’ve attended many conferences since becoming and ICCE in the early 90s and have never been disappointed. It is so good to be reminded that there are other professionals out there who agree that birth is normal and what a great way to get all the continuing education credits that I need to maintain my certification. I laughed a lot and I even cried (when Penny’s picture appeared on the screen). Looking forward to the next conference!
Stephanie Sosnowski- Director of Lactation
What a fantastic and inspiring few days! Every presenter was top notch, with evidence-based information that will be so useful in my practice as both a childbirth educator and lactation consultant.
The hotel was beautiful, the food and service were excellent, and it was really special to be in a room full of like-minded, passionate birth enthusiasts!
I know it was a lot of work behind the scenes, but it all came together amazingly! Looking forward to the next one already! Thank you to everyone who helped put this together and to everyone who attended – their energy was so powerful!
Kelly Townsend – Director of Public Policy
The conference was a successful gathering of dedicated birth workers who are committed to providing top notch care to families. The participants came ready to learn and left with a sense of camaraderie and love. I am looking forward to the next time we are together again!
Amy Nevland – Director of Birth Doula Education
I absolutely loved the in-person ICEA conference this year! Was it the gorgeous weather making it perfect for taking a stroll around the River Walk while getting to know like-minded birth professionals? Was it the 4 to 12 oxytocin inducing hugs a day from lavender scented doulas roaming the halls of the hotel? Or was it the top-notch, professional and useful info from each of the speakers? Honestly, don’t make me choose one. This conference was the total package. Thanks, ICEA, for putting on an awesome conference this year!
Miriam McKinney – Director of Conferences
The ICEA 2024 Circle of Care Conference was the culmination of over a year of planning and, truthfully, worrying. As the Conference chair, I was worried that we wouldn’t get interested, qualified speakers and/or that folks might not want to travel for an in-person conference. Boy were we wrong. We had 60 speaker proposals submitted and over 100 people register and travel to the conference. Our original goal was 85 (though we *hoped* for 100). The enthusiasm the minute I got to the hotel was palpable. Everyone I met was excited and smiling and ready. I really enjoyed watching people make new acquaintance and reconnect with old friends or realize that they were sitting next to someone that they follow on Instagram. I kept thinking that there would be a “low” point of the conference and it never came. Great speakers, great discussions, great participation! I really just want to thank everyone again who came to the conference (attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors). I was blown away by how it all came together and was received.
Jacqueline Abbott – Director of Childbirth Education
The conference stayed true to the mission of Circle of Care. It included all aspects of comprehensive and collaborative care that is pivotal to evidence-based criteria that uses best practice and compassion for all birthing people and their families. It was also a Circle of Care with the attendees. It was wonderful to see people of all ages in the circle of life who are still devoted to this field.
Have your own story to share about the conference? Email us at info@icea.org!
