NBHWC was one of the proud sponsors of the third annual Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference, held in person in scenic Point Loma, San Diego, during a beautiful weekend that brought together health and wellness coaches, aspiring coaches, and professionals from across the field to learn, connect, and elevate the profession. The conference is co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Jessica Matthews DBH, NBC-HWC, DipACLM, FACLM and Jay Petterson, who designed the event to foster community, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Attending on behalf of NBHWC were Nicole Pope, Director of Certification, and Cindy Romero, Certification Specialist, who had the opportunity to engage with our vibrant community, celebrate accomplishments, and share the value of the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential with attendees.
Friday Evening Welcome
The conference kicked off on Friday evening during the registration hour, where NBHWC hosted a welcome table featuring delicious Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding. This gathering provided a warm, inviting space to connect with familiar faces, meet new coaches, and welcome those interested in earning the NBC-HWC credential.
NBHWC Meet-and-Greet
On Saturday evening, NBHWC continued the conference experience with a special meet-and-greet. This gathering allowed current NBC-HWCs to connect with one another, while Nicole and Cindy engaged in meaningful conversations with coaches, celebrating accomplishments and congratulating award winners face-to-face. Over 30 coaches flooded the hotel lounge, creating a lively space for networking and camaraderie.
As the conference unfolded, attendees experienced a weekend full of insightful sessions, meaningful connections, and celebrations of achievement. From inspiring presentations to engaging discussions and opportunities to connect with peers, there were numerous moments that highlighted the growth, impact, and future direction of the health and wellness coaching profession. Below are three key takeaways from the event that stood out and exemplify why this gathering continues to be such a valuable experience for NBC-HWCs and aspiring coaches alike.
Key Takeaway 1: Opening Session – Leading Through Change
The opening session, led by Jessica Matthews and Laura Timbrook, both NBC-HWCs, set the tone for the weekend. Their canderous discussion highlighted the growth and challenges the field and profession are facing in an ever evolving landscape and left the room with a uniting message: It is the responsibility of all coaches to educate and create resources on what health and wellness coaching is and why coaches are needed in society.
As the program notes: “In a world that is rapidly changing, the need for health and wellness coaches has never been more vital or visible… This session invites you to think deeper about your personal work and how to best prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.” Attendees left inspired to not only adapt to change but to actively lead within the field.
Key Takeaway 2: Professional Growth Through Knowledge Sharing
Throughout the weekend, sessions and panel discussions emphasized the rapid evolution of health coaching and the importance of staying informed about best practices. Attendees explored innovative coaching techniques, evidence-based strategies, and tools to enhance client outcomes. This reinforced the idea that professional growth thrives on continuous learning and collaboration, a hallmark of NBC-HWCs who share insights and support one another across the field.
Key Takeaway 3: Recognition and Inspiration Drive Community Momentum
The conference also celebrated the incredible achievements of a few of our NBC-HWCs. The award winners highlighted how individual accomplishments inspire the broader coaching community. Recognizing these leaders not only underscores the impact that certified coaches have on the profession but also encourages others to pursue excellence, engage actively in the community, and continue advancing the field. You can read more about the awards and this year’s winners here.
Looking Ahead
The Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference served as a reminder that our profession is defined by connection, shared resources, and dedication to advancing health and wellness. NBHWC was honored to be part of this thriving community and looks forward to continuing to support coaches in their journey by celebrating their successes, fostering learning, and advancing the future of the profession together.
The profession grows when we show up collectively, not in isolation. Elevating our voices together, sharing what’s working, advocating for our role, and supporting one another. This is how we move health and wellbeing coaching forward with real impact. ~ Laura Timbrook~
Being surrounded by coaches who care the way I do—and diving into the neuroscience behind how habits truly form—reminded me that coaching is where embodiment meets empowerment. I left more committed than ever to helping people build the neural pathways that transform their lives… one intention, one habit, one moment of awareness at a time.” ~Danica Collins~
