What is the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute^TM (BMHC)?
Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute^TM(BMHC26) is the official, global assembly for Black Maternal health, equity, scholarship, innovation, policy, and advocacy work, projects, practice, and initiatives. BMHC26 centers Black people, clinicians, professionals, practitioners, and advocates; and welcomes ALL maternal, perinatal, and reproductive health equity stakeholders who are seeking to develop professionally, learn, and network. The BMHC26 conference showcases work that operationalizes birth and reproductive justice, respectful maternal care, Black feminists and womanists’ wellness practices, and human rights frameworks across sexual, maternal, perinatal, and reproductive health services, programs, and initiatives. This year’s conference will be hybrid (virtual and in-person) and will offer a global space for learning, rich discussions, and mobilization to transform Black Maternal Health, rights, and justice.  

What is the Black Mamas Matter Alliance?
Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) is a global network of Black women-led organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals who work to ensure that all Black Mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy. BMMA honors the work and historical contributions of Black women’s leadership within their communities and values the need to amplify this work on a national scale. For this reason, BMMA does not have chapters. The Alliance is composed of organizations and individuals (Midwives, OB/GYNs, Nurses, Doulas, Researchers, Public Health Professionals, Perinatal Support Workers, Attorneys, Lactation Consultants, and Artists) whose work is deeply rooted in the Reproductive Justice, Birth Justice, and Human Rights frameworks. Please visit our website for additional information about Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. and our work.  

Who is the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute^TM for?
This Conference is open to ALL stakeholders with lived experience and those who are working to, and/or seeking to advance maternal and reproductive health equity nationally and globally.  

What is the theme for the 2026 Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute^TM (BMHC26)?
The BMHC26 theme is “Rooted in Justice & Joy: 10 Years of Building the Black Maternal Health Movement!” This theme will be showcased through the content offered during the Conference with topics focused on addressing systemic inequities in Black maternal health and amplifying the work, studies, policies, research, and initiatives happening in communities and across health systems that are working towards equitable change.  

What can attendees expect?
The Goals of BMHC26 are to: 

• Build capacity of Black leaders in maternal health to shape programs, policy, and care, and to engage in evidence-based advocacy; 

• Disseminate best practices to address critical issues in Black maternal health from different sectors, including research, care, policy, and culture shift;  

• Grow a community and network of stakeholders committed to improving Black Maternal Health; 

• Cultivate a space of love, respect, and listening that centers the voices and experiences of Black Mamas, Black Birth workers, Black scholars, and Black women leaders; and to 

Equip health care professionals, public and health care systems, care providers, practitioners, learners, and ALL maternal and reproductive health equity stakeholders, funders, and decision-makers seeking knowledge and professional development to build their skills and capacity. 

Where can I find the Conference agenda? 
The BMHC26 tentative agenda will be made available as the Conference dates near. 

What is the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute^TM tentative schedule?

Thursday, September 10 

• Training Institute, 8:00AM-4:30PM  

Friday, September 11 

• Conference Day 1, 8:00AM-5:30PM 

Saturday, September 12 

• Conference Day 2, 8:00AM-5:30PM  
• BMHC26 Awards Dinner, 7:30PM  

What content will be available for the 2 Day Conference Virtual attendees?
BMHC26 virtual content will be available to Virtual and In-Person Conference attendees.
Virtual content will include:

• Live streamed content and recordings of the BMHC26 
  • Welcome Ceremony  
  • Keynote and Guest Speakers 
  • All Plenaries  
  • 6 live breakout sessions (3 per day) 
• Existing recorded BMMA content 

What is the Training Institute, and what trainings are available?
The BMHC26 Training Institute will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026. This dedicated learning day offers in-depth, skills-based training through a combination of half-day workshops and full-day sessions. Due to this structure, attendees may register for one full-day session or two half-day workshops (one morning and one afternoon). Participation in the Training Institute is optional and separate from the BMHC26 two-day Conference. You may attend either, both, or only one—based on your interests and needs. Training Institute content will be available exclusively to registrants for those specific sessions. Session topics and trainers will be announced when BMHC26 registration opens.

Are continuing education credits offered for BMHC26?
CE credits may be available for BMHC26 attendees for some sessions. Updates will be communicated via the BMHC26 FAQs and the BMMA newsletter. 

Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, a certificate of attendance will be available to conference attendees through the Conference platform at the conclusion of the Conference. 

Are children allowed to attend the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute ^TM? 
The content and environment of BMHC26 is suitable for those of high school age and older. We encourage parents and caregivers to plan accordingly. 

Will childcare be available?

BMMA is committed to offering childcare services at a discounted rate. In-person childcare will be available for pre-registered children aged 1-7, while spots remain available.  

If you are uncertain of your need for childcare at the time of registration, you may add childcare to your registration by logging into your Attendee Service Center. You may select up to 4 slots for 4 children. You must add childcare to your registration by August 1^st. Space is limited and available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. On-site childcare registration will NOT be available. 

On-site childcare is offered at a discounted price of $50.00 per child during the Training Institute and $50.00 per child, per day for the 2-Day Conference. Lunch is included in the price for each day. The childcare provider will be insured and have sitters that are background and fingerprint screened with thoroughly checked references.

Tentative Childcare Hours: 

• Training Institute: September 10^th, 8:00AM – 5:00PM  
• Conference Days 1 and 2: September 11^th  – 12^th, 8:00AM – 6:00PM 

What vending opportunities are available at BMHC26?
To sell products or vend at BMHC26, you/your business must be an official BMHC26 Merchant. Vending at BMHC26 requires pre-approval by BMMA, Inc. To apply to vend at BMHC26 please fill out our Merchant Application. Submitting the Merchant Application does not guarantee that you or your business will be selected as official merchants of BMHC26. Only official merchants of BMHC26 will be permitted to vend (sell merchandise) at BMHC26. 

Are there exhibitor opportunities available at BMHC26?
Exhibitor booths are currently available for organizations/individuals interested in sharing information about their business, organization, group, entity, or program. Exhibitors are not permitted to sell products. If you have products you would like to sell at the Conference, please see the vending section of our FAQ’s. Exhibiting at BMHC26 requires pre-approval by BMMA, Inc. Our Exhibitor application is now available here. Submitting the Exhibitor Application does not guarantee that you or your business will be approved as official exhibitors of BMHC26. Only official exhibitors of BMHC26 will be permitted to exhibit at BMHC26.  

Are there sponsorship opportunities available at BMHC26?
There are sponsorship packages currently available. Organizations/Companies should express their interest by completing this form to indicate their interest. The BMMA team will respond to your inquiry within 10 business days.  

Do you accept donations to provide funds to those unable to pay the BMHC26 registration fee? 

Yes,  

• If you or your organization would like to donate funds to BMHC26 for the purpose of BMHC26 scholarships, you may do so by July 15, 2026 at: BMHC26 Scholarship Donation. In the “designate your gift section”, select “Invest in Black Maternal Health Workforce”. Donations made via this link will not be treated as sponsorships:  

• If you are seeking a sponsor opportunity and wish to donate funds to our scholarship program as a sponsor, please send an email to giving@bmmainc.org for more information.  

• If you would like to pay for your own group of attendees, please see the instructions for “Group Registration” on our FAQs 

Who should members of the media contact to request press credentials to attend/cover the Conference?
All journalists and media-makers interested in attending virtually or in-person must contact comms@blackmamasmatter.org. A member of our communications team will be in touch regarding your request.

BMMA is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. All BMHC26 participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and alert BMMA staff or security of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress.  All persons present in BMHC26 spaces must be registered. All virtual and/or in-person attendees, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, presenters, merchants, or invited guests of BMHC26, must AGREE TO COMPLY WITH ALL BMHC26 policies, codes of conduct and any directives of BMHC26 BMMA staff, volunteers, and security personnel. BMMA, Inc. holds the discretion and reserves the right to enforce and adjust all policies, guidelines, and protocols at BMHC26. Failure to comply with any BMHC26 guidelines, policies, procedures, or agreements including but not limited to infection control policies, masking and badging policies, code of conduct, bullying or harassment policies, commercial videography and photography policies, or any directives from BMHC26’s BMMA staff, volunteers, or security team, may result in being denied entry and/or removal from BMHC26 events and spaces and may result in an attendance ban from future BMMA programming. Refunds will not be issued in any such case.  

INFECTION CONTROL

The health, wellness, and safety of all attendees is BMMA’s priority. We expect that all attendees will conduct themselves with an abundance of caution to limit exposure to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses before and during BMHC26.  

Before BMHC26: 

• All in-person attendees (including staff, volunteers, presenters, speakers, vendors, etc.) are STRONGLY encouraged to take a PCR or rapid home covid test prior to arriving at BMHC26. If you receive a positive test result within a week prior to the Conference, please do not attend any in-person Conference activities. Refunds will not be issued, however; you will maintain access to all the Virtual BMHC26 content. 
• In-person participants should limit unmasked exposure to people outside their household within one (1) week of attending BMHC26. 
• It is recommended that all in-person attendees are fully vaccinated with the most updated COVID vaccine. CDC recommends a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 6 months and older based on individual-based decision-making. Vaccines received prior to this date are not as effective at lowering your chances of COVID-19 transmission or decreasing the severity of symptoms if infection occurs. You can find a COVID vaccination site by contacting your health care provider or local health department. 
• If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms within 1 week of BMHC26, please do not attend any in-person conference activities: 
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

During BMHC26: 

• All in-person attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks while indoors, throughout the duration of the Conference, unless actively eating or drinking. We recommend high-filtration masks like KN95s or N95s instead of surgical or cloth masks. 
• All attendees are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Antigen test each day before attending in-person conference activities. If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result at any time during BMHC26, please:
  • Stay in or return to your room/home
  • Do NOT attend any in-person activities or sessions. Refunds will not be issued, however; you will maintain access to all the Virtual BMHC26 content.
  • Do NOT seek out any staff or volunteers to notify them of your positive COVID-19 status in person
  • Alert BMMA staff by emailing conference@bmmainc.org with the subject line “INFECTION CONTROL COMPLIANCE”

Attendees should use heightened discretion if they decide to take on more risky behaviors (e.g., going to places indoors and unmasked, going to crowded public venues, etc.) while in Atlanta, and are strongly encouraged to disclose this information with other attendees who are sharing their living space. 

After BMHC26:
All in-person attendees (including staff, volunteers, presenters, speakers, vendors, etc.) are STRONGLY encouraged to take PCR or rapid home covid test after leaving BMHC26. If you receive a positive test result within a week after the Conference, please reach out to alert BMMA of your possible exposure to Covid-19 at BMHC26 by emailing Conference@bmmainc.org with the subject line “INFECTION CONTROL COMPLIANCE” 

CODE OF CONDUCT

The following code of conduct outlines expectations for all who attend BMHC26 in person and virtual events, including but not limited to: attendees, speakers, presenters, merchants, exhibitors, staff, volunteers, and invited guests.  

BMMA strictly prohibits harassment or bullying. Harassment or bullying based on age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, body size, disability, health conditions, socioeconomic status, marital or domestic status, political affiliation, or parental status is prohibited. Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome attention or other conduct that creates an environment where a reasonable person would feel unwelcome, intimidated, excluded, or abused. Bullying is defined as the activity of aggressive behavior intended to hurt another individual, physically, mentally, or emotionally. 

Unacceptable behaviors: 

• inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides) 

• deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following 

• harassing photography or recording 

• sustained disruption of talks or other events 

• unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact 

• physical or sexual assault (including unwelcome touch or groping) 

• real or implied threat of physical or sexual harm 

• real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm 

Reporting mistreatment, harassment, or bullying: 
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any safety concerns for yourself or others, please contact a BMMA staff member immediately, BMMA staff can be recognized by their badges. To report an incident, you can also speak with someone at the registration/help desk or email BMMA at  Conference@bmmainc.org with the subject line “URGENT Harassment violation”. If there is an emergency situation please dial 911 first, then reach out to a BMMA staff member or Security personnel.  

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY RELEASE:
Registered attendees are subject to the BMMA, Inc. Event Photography/Videography Disclaimer: By entering the premises and/or participating in BMHC26, you acknowledge and agree that you may be photographed, filmed, or otherwise recorded. Your presence constitutes your voluntary consent for the event organizers, their affiliates, and partners to use your image, voice, and likeness in any and all media, including but not limited to websites, social media, promotional materials, advertising, and print publications, without further notice, approval, or compensation.  

UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES:
Unapproved exhibitions, vending, selling, instruction, peddling, commercial videography, commercial photography, and other activities not expressly pre-authorized by BMHC26 BMMA, Inc. staff and/or at the discretion of BMMA staff, will NOT be allowed during the 2026 Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute(TM) events or programming nor within any BMHC26 official spaces, including virtually.

Where will BMHC26 be held?
The BMHC26 In-person conference will take place at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center : 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 

Is there a preferred hotel for in-person attendees?
Yes, the Renaissance Atlanta Wavely Hotel and Convention Center in Atlanta, GA is the host hotel for BMHC26. Registered attendees will be able to use the reservation link provided within their registration confirmation email to take advantage of the BMHC26 rate, which is $214 (plus taxes and fees) per night. 

The last day to reserve a room as part of the 2026 Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute block is August 19, 2026 (or until the hotel is sold out).  

What is the parking rate at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly? 

The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center offers the following parking rates for BMHC26 attendees: 

• Valet: Valet: 
  • $45.00 per day  
• Self-Parking:  
  • $20.00 per day for overnight parking 
  • $15.00 per day for day parking 

Transportation:
The 2026 Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute (TM) will take place in Atlanta, GA at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Convention Center. The closest airport to our Conference location is the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). 

Out of town attendees may find rideshare options (Lyft/Uber) the easiest way to get to the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel from the airport.  

MARTA is Atlanta’s public transportation authority. To plan your MARTA trip, please visit ItsMarta.com. 

The BMHC26 host hotel does not offer an airport shuttle. However, there may be 3^rd party ground transportation options available: 

• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport  

To make our conference as accessible and inclusive as possible for our attendees, the following will be available to attendees:

Virtual: Live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for the main and keynote sessions; Closed captioning capability for virtual sessions; downloadable presentation slides for virtual sessions (where provided/approved by presenters). 

In-Person: Live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for the general, keynote, and plenary sessions; breast/chestfeeding and pumping spaces; an ADA compliant conference venue (click on “See Accessibility Features”). For more information about the physical features of the host hotel’s accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 770-953-4500. Attendees will have the opportunity to inform BMMA of any additional accessibility concerns or accommodations on their registration form. If additional support is needed, please email conference@bmmainc.org with the subject: “Accessibility and Accommodations.”

How will I get updates for BMHC26? 
BMHC26 registration will open in Spring 2026. Stay connected with BMMA, Inc. by signing up for our newsletter to stay up to date with announcements regarding BMHC26. 

Will I be able to register for BMHC26 on-site? 
Currently on-site registration will be available for Conference Days 1 and 2 at a daily rate of $475.00 per day. In the event that the Conference sells out prior to the event dates, there will be no on-site registration for the in person 2- Day Conference. 

There will be NO on-site registration for the Training Institute. 
There will be NO on-site registration for childcare. 
There MAY be tickets available for purchase for the Awards Dinner on-site, however it is subject to sell out at any time. 
On-site check payments will NOT be accepted, under any circumstance.

Why is the early bird price not reflected in my total?
When registration opens, a limited amount of early bird tickets will be available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. They may sell out before you are able to purchase at the early bird rate. The early bird rate is only available for those who are paying online. Early bird pricing is not available for check payees. 

Can I register a group of attendees?
Yes, please see the instructions below: 

To register your group: 

• If you are NOT attending BMHC26, DO NOT CREATE AN ACCOUNT WITH YOUR OWN NAME OR YOUR INFORMATION via the eShow platform: HERE 
• Create an account for your first group member and complete the registration form for them.  
• If you ARE registering yourself, register yourself as the first group member.  
• After you have completed your first group member’s form and added their registration types, tickets, etc; click “CONTINUE” 
• On the “REVIEW” page, scroll down to find the “Add additional attendees” button and click it.  
• Clicking on “ADD ADDITIONAL ATTENDEES” will prompt you to create an account for your SECOND group member. Use their REAL email address and their REAL information, not your own. 
• Then you will complete their registration form and add their registration fees, add-ons, etc.  
• Continue this process until you have added all of your group members. 
• Group members will be emailed their confirmations and must log into their Attendee Service Center to agree to the BMHC26 Policies and Code of Conduct prior to attending BMHC26.  

May I transfer my registration to another individual? 

• Attendees may transfer their ENTIRE registration to another person. ALL registrations, tickets, and purchases made by an individual can be transferred to someone else via the Attendee Service Center. BMMA, Inc will not transfer or be responsible for accepting or managing private transfers of funds, registrations, tickets, or purchases. 

• Childcare Transfers: 

• If your original registration included childcare, the person you are transfering your registration to should reach out to us at Conference@bmmainc.org to inform us of the update to the child(ren)’s name OR to let us know that they no longer require childcare. No refunds will be made for childcare. 

Student priced Conference tickets are non-transferable.  

What is the cancellation and refund policy?  

ALL SALES ARE FINAL for BMHC26 Conference registrations including: early bird, student, virtual, regular, late, alliance, and one day rates. 
All tickets and fees are non-refundable including childcare, Training Institute sessions & workshops, Awards Dinner, Shuttle, T-shirts, and Childcare fees.   

No refunds will be issued for cancellations; however, all in-person and virtual registrants will retain access to the virtual conference platform content for 3 months following the Conference.  

If you decide to switch your attendance type from in-person to virtual, you will not be refunded for the difference in ticket pricing.    

Can I pay for my registration via check?
We strongly encourage electronic payments. Check payments will be accepted for BMHC26, however early bird pricing will not be available for check payees. 

I did not receive a receipt to my email address, what do I do? 

If you did not receive a receipt, check your spam folder. After your registration is completed, you can view any payments made on your invoice within your Attendee Service center account. If you need additional support, please contact conference@bmmainc.org with the subject line RECEIPT REQUEST. Please include your full name, email address, ID number, and amount paid in the body of the email. 

Will there be scholarships or discounted tickets available for BMHC26? 
A limited amount of Early Bird priced tickets will be available for the 2-day, In-person Conference when registration opens. Check payers are not eligible for early bird pricing. Early Bird priced tickets are subject to sell out at any time.

BMMA will offer a limited amount of scholarships. Please check back and stay connected with BMMA across social media and via our newsletter to receive updates about BMHC26 Scholarships. 

A limited amount of discounted, in-person student tickets will be available for those who qualify on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and can be accessed when registration opens. 

Full time students should select “Full time student” as their occupation and upload supporting documentation of their status. Student priced tickets are subject to sell out at any time. Student pricing is reserved for individual student registrants- not organizations, corporations, or groups. All documentation will be reviewed by BMMA; inauthentic or inadequate documentation will result in your student registration being revoked, however you will have the opportunity to register at the early bird OR regular rate IF they have not sold out.