Once Upon A Preemie, Inc. 5th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity: Meeting the Moment-Reimagining Our Future
November 17, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST
LOCATION:
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
About the Conference
Once Upon A Preemie, Inc. invites you to join us in 2026 as we celebrate a major milestone—our 5th Annual Black Maternal and Neonatal Equity Conference. Guided by the theme Meeting the Moment, this powerful two-day event will unite healthcare professionals, leaders, parents, and advocates around a shared purpose and commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that improve birth and neonatal outcomes for Black birthing mothers, infants, and families amid an evolving healthcare landscape.
Day 1 begins with our Pre-Conference Party For A Cause: A Party For Preemies Fundraiser—an evening of cocktails, dancing, entertainment, networking, and silent auctions in support of OUAP’s mission.
Day 2 features the Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity: Meeting The Moment: Reimagining Our Future. The conference will explore advancements in quality, maternal and infant health policy, health equity, and respectful maternity care while centering the lived experiences, resilience, and solutions to improve outcomes for Black birthing and preemie families.
This conference is presented in partnership with the Perinatal Advisory Council: Leadership, Advocacy, and Consultation (PAC/LAC) and offers continuing education credits for eligible healthcare professionals.
Who is the Conference for?
The conference is designed for healthcare professionals, organizational leaders, parents, and advocates committed to improved Black maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Center lived experiences of families following NICU discharge to drive equitable neonatal care, early childhood development, and clinical outcomes.
- Ground clinical and community practices in maternal mental health, quality, equity, and respectful care amid an evolving healthcare landscape.
- Explore strategies for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes through health plan, hospital, and trade association solutions.
- Implement solutions that hold healthcare systems accountable for equitable perinatal care and improved patient experiences.
- Partner with and elevate Black fathers as leaders in improving maternal, paternal, and family mental health outcomes.
Schedule At A Glance
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
7:00–8:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast
8:00–11:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks and Panel Presentations
11:00–12:00 p.m. Morning Keynote
12:00–12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch and Exhibitor Showcase
12:30–1:30 p.m.Breakout Workshops
1:30–2:30 p.m.Panel Presentation
2:30–3:30 p.m. Fireside Chat
3:30–4:30 p.m. Closing Keynote
4:30–5:00 p.m.Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourn
This year's conference will feature the following three breakout workshops highlighting innovative practices shared by industry thought leaders, advocates, and parents:
- Meeting The Moment: Respectful Maternal and Neonatal Care
- Clinical Insights: Preemie Skin Health and Feeding
- Meeting The Moment: Caregiver Reset, Recharge, Reimagine
Speakers
Ashley O’Neil
Family Nurse Practitioner | Founder, It's a NICU World
It's a NICU World LLC
D. Joshua Parris
Senior Scientist - Microbiome and Bioinformatics
Kimberly-Clark Global R&D
Desiree “Dezzie” Neal
Radio Personality/ Media Consultant
She Cares Inc.
Endya Perry
Owner & CEO
Impact to Improve
Gina H. Curry
State Representative
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania / PA House
Jabina Coleman
DHSc(c), LCSW, IBCLC
BAE Culture
Joel Austin
President / CEO
Daddy University Inc.
Karen Dale
Market President/CEO
AmeriHealth Caritas DC
Kyra Harris
Deputy City Representative Speaker
City of Philadelphia
Leroy Miles
Associate Pastor/Business Consultant
The Miles Wellness Co
Monica McLemore
Professor
New York University
Omari Maynard
CEO
The ARIAH Foundation
Seun Ross
Founder & Principal
IMBUE Health Strategies Speaker
Stacey C. Penny, DrPH, MPH, MSW
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
National Institute for Children's Health Quality
Tanise Branche
Medical Director of Labor and Delivery
Temple Women's and Families Hospital
Tieast Leverett
Philanthropy, Corporate Volunteerism, and Business Resource Groups Manager North America
Stellantis
Vanessa I. Farrell
CEO & Founder
VI Health & Wellness Coaching, LLC
Fees & Lodging
November 16, 2026 - 4th Annual Party for Preemies and Pre-Conference Mixer
Fundraiser Fees:
Early Bird: $80
Regular: $100
November 17, 2026 - 5th Annual Conference
Conference Fees:
Early Bird: $400
Regular: $450
Group Rate: (4 People): $1,700
Group Rate: (5 People): $2,000
Group Rate: (10 People):$3,750
Student: $50
Bundle Rates:
Early Bird Pre-Conference Mixer + Conference: $ 500
Individual: Pre-Conference Mixer + Conference: $550
Group of 4: Pre-Conference Group Mixer + Group Conference: $ 2,000
Exhibitor Fees:
For Profit: $2,000
Non-Profit: $250
Electronic Ad Placement:
¼ Page (4.25 x 5.5): $250
½ Page (5.5 x 8.5): $500
Full Page (8.5 x 11): $750
Registrations Fees
Registration fees include breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and continuing education credits (if requested).
Please Note: Registration fees are non-refundable but can be transferred.
Lodging Information
Consider staying at our partner hotel or another nearby location. Use the links below to explore accommodations and booking information.
Partner Hotel: To reserve a room at The Loews Philadelphia Hotel using the Once Upon A Preemie room block, please use the link below. Reservations must be made by October 23, 2026.
Continuing Education Credits
This conference is in joint partnership with the Perinatal Advisory Council: Leadership, Advocacy, and Consultation (PAC/LAC) and offers continuing education credits for healthcare professionals.
For Nurses:
The Perinatal Advisory Council–Leadership, Advocacy, and Consultation (PAC/LAC) is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing as Continuing Education Provider No. CEP5862.
For LCSWs and LMFTs:
The Perinatal Advisory Council–Leadership, Advocacy, and Consultation (PAC/LAC) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs and LCSWs. CE Provider No. 128542. PAC/LAC maintains responsibility for this course and its content.
FAQs
Exhibitors & Ad Placement
We invite organizations supporting maternal health, neonatal care, and family empowerment to place electronic ads in our digital program and exhibit at our conference. Exhibitor space is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis until October 1, 2026.
Electronic Ads
Ads will be featured in our digital program, which will be accessible to attendees throughout the conference.
Electronic Ad Placement:
¼ Page (4.25 x 5.5): $250
½ Page (5.5 x 8.5): $500
Full Page (8.5 x 11): $750
Exhibitor Fees
For Profit: $2,000
Non-Profit: $250
1 Complimentary Conference Registration for November 17th Only
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