National Diabetes Prevention Program

Lifestyle Coach Convening

July 8-9, 2025

Emory Conference Center Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia

REGISTER TODAY

Connect, learn, and refine your skills as a Lifestyle Coach. Share and learn strategies in recruitment, delivery, and retention for the National DPP lifestyle change program.

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About the Convening

The National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Convening is designed to share best practices for engaging, enrolling, retaining, and supporting populations at greatest risk for diabetes and its complications in the National DPP lifestyle change program.

Join us at the campsite to learn and explore as we embark on an adventure! Following our first day of camp, we will share stories around the campfire and reflect on the day’s journey. Be prepared to share your favorite camp memory!

Registration

Attending the National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Convening is free; however, travel and lodging costs are not covered. Registration is limited to a maximum of two (2) individuals per organization.

To attend, complete the registration form to reserve your spot.

  • Need help with your Lifestyle Coach ID and/or Organization Code on the registration form? If you are not sure of your code, please contact your supervisor or program coordinator before completing the form.

Travel scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Goals
  • Share: Identify best practices from Lifestyle Coaches by sharing experiences, capturing effective strategies, and celebrating success stories.
  • Enhance Skills: Enhance coaching skills and competencies by sampling the Group Coaching Certificate Program and participating in skills-based sessions around the five Lifestyle Coach competencies and assessment tools.
  • Address Common Challenges: Improve confidence in addressing common challenges, including participant recruitment and retention, understanding flexibility within fidelity, and supporting Lifestyle Coach self-care and retention.
  • Update on Key Program Guidelines and Resources: Stay informed on the Diabetes Prevention Program Recognition Standards, program guidelines, and resources to enhance program delivery.
Objectives
  • Network with at least one organization or coach serving similar populations for future collaboration.
  • Name three of the five Lifestyle Coach Competencies.
  • Describe two facilitation skills that help build rapport with participants.
  • Give one example of adapting session delivery to meet participant needs.
  • Describe effective strategies for addressing common challenges to recruitment and retention.
  • Describe where to find CDC resources for recruiting participants into the lifestyle change program.
Sponsors

The Lifestyle Coach Convening is hosted by the Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center (DTTAC), a subcenter of the Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance located in the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Planning and Advisory Committee

Lifestyle Coach Convening Planning Team from DTTAC and Emory Centers

  • Sarah Piper
  • Alicia Jackson
  • Erica Hsu
  • Zelda Ray
  • Tara Poole
  • Reyna Sparks
  • Rachel Marquez
  • Linelle Blais

Lifestyle Coach Convening Advisory Team

  • Donald Kain – DTTAC National Master Trainer
  • Sheila Heuschkel – DTTAC National Master Trainer
  • Nikki Johnson – DTTAC National Master Trainer and DTTAC Master Trainer Select
  • Tamika Powe – DTTAC Master Trainer Select
  • Angela Forfia – ADCES Director, Prevention and Public Health Initiatives
  • Paula Green Smith – Urban Health Resource
  • The Division of Diabetes Translation Team of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Back to TopSchedule

Schedule

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Registration: 7:30 – 8:30 am
General Sessions: 8:30 am – 12 pm
Lunch: 12 – 1 pm
General Sessions: 1 – 2 pm
Breakout Sessions: 2 – 4 pm
Campfire Talk: 4 – 5 pm

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Morning Activity (Optional): 7 – 8 am
General Sessions: 8 – 9:30 am
Breakout Sessions: 9:45 am – 12 pm
Lunch: 12 – 1 pm
Breakout Sessions: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Closing Keynote & Wrap Out: 3:30 – 4 pm
Back to TopSpeakers

Speakers

Tom Willner

Featured Speaker

Tom Willner is a keynote speaker, musician, and cancer survivor who inspires audiences through the powerful combination of story and song. After surviving a life-threatening illness, Tom turned his personal journey into a musical and a mission — helping people reconnect with their purpose, live more intentionally, and thrive through adversity.

His presentations blend moving storytelling, original music, humor, and heartfelt moments to entertain, uplift, and energize audiences across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors.

At the 2025 Lifestyle Coach Convening, Tom will deliver a keynote that draws from his own experiences and family history with diabetes. Through music and story, he’ll offer lifestyle coaches encouragement, insight, and renewed inspiration for the vital work they do.

Learn More About Tom
Back to TopVenue and Travel Info

Venue and Travel Information

Emory Conference Center Hotel
1615 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329

Reserve a Room
Attendance

Attendance for the National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Convening is free, but travel and lodging costs are not covered. To attend, complete the registration form to reserve your spot. Registration is limited to a maximum of two (2) individuals per organization.

Travel scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Hotel Information

The Lifestyle Coach Convening will be held at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. A block of rooms is reserved for attendees. The deadline to reserve a room is June 15, 2025.

If the room block closes, we suggest contacting other area hotels listed below:

Airport Information

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the closest major airport serving the Atlanta area.

  • Distance to Emory Conference Center Hotel: Approximately 17 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 25-35 minutes by car, depending on traffic

Transportation Options from ATL to the Hotel

  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available from the airport.
  • Taxi: Flat-rate taxi service to the Emory area is typically around $40-$50.
  • Shuttle Services: [More info coming]

For more information, visit the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website.

Local Attractions and Dining Options

Information coming soon!

Back to TopFAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Convening FAQS

What is the Purpose of this Convening?

The purpose of the convening is to provide Lifestyle Coaches with the opportunity to connect with one another and share best practices for engaging, enrolling, retaining, and supporting populations at greatest risk for diabetes and its complications in the National DPP lifestyle change program. 

Who Should Attend?

Lifestyle Coaches who have completed at least one (1) cohort of the National DPP and/or National DPP Program Coordinators.

Can Multiple People From the Same Organization Attend?

Yes! We welcome team participation; however, registration is limited to a maximum of two (2) individuals per organization.

How Do I Register?

To attend, complete the registration form to reserve your spot.

  • Need help with your Lifestyle Coach ID and/or Organization Code on the registration form? If you are not sure of your code, please contact your supervisor or program coordinator before completing the form.
When is the Deadline to Register?

There are limited spots available. We recommend registering no later than June 20, 2025. 

Is There Hotel Accommodation Available?

Yes, we have a room block reserved at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.

If the room block closes, we suggest contacting other area hotels listed below:

How Do I Book a Room in the Hotel Block?

Please call the Emory Conference Center Hotel and indicate that you are registering for the National DPP Lifestyle Coach Convening. We have a room block reserved for attendees.

Is There a Deadline to Book My Room?

Yes, you must book your room by June 15, 2025, to secure a spot in the room block at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.

Is Parking Available at the Hotel?

Yes, the Emory Conference Center Hotel provides parking at an overnight rate of $15 per night.

What Meals are Provided During the Convening?

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days of the convening. Light snacks and refreshments will also be provided during breaks.

Is There a Dress Code?

There is no specific dress code for the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire in which they feel most comfortable. Please be aware that conference center temperatures may vary, so it is advisable to dress in layers.

I Registered, But I Can No Longer Attend. What Should I Do?

If you registered, but for whatever reason are no longer able to attend, please contact us at dttac@emory.edu as soon as possible. Due to limited seats, we want to open up the opportunity for another person to attend.  

Travel Scholarship FAQS

Are Travel Scholarships Available?

Yes, twenty (20) travel scholarships are available to support attendees who may not otherwise be able to participate. 

What are the Criteria to Qualify for a Travel Scholarship?

We are considering those who meet the following conditions to receive the travel scholarship: 

  • Trained as a Lifestyle Coach at a training entity that has a current signed MOU with CDC
  • Has completed at least one (1) cohort of the National DPP.
  • Has experience working with populations at greatest risk for type 2 diabetes, including lived experiences and lifestyle interventions 
  • Has organizational support to attend the convening in full 
  • Has plans to implement new strategies learned into their Lifestyle Coach role  
  • Has a financial need for travel and lodging support  
What Does the Travel Scholarship Cover?

The travel scholarship covers roundtrip airfare, ground transportation to and from the airport, and hotel accommodations during the event. 

    What is Excluded from the Travel Scholarship?

    The Travel Scholarship does not cover the following:

    • Airline seat upgrades
    • Extra baggage fees beyond standard airline allowances
    • Charges for flight changes or cancellations made by the traveler
    • Travel insurance or trip protection plans
    • Car rentals or ride share beyond traveling to and from the airport
    Back to Top

    Registration

    Don’t miss your chance to attend the National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Convening in Atlanta, GA, July 8-9, 2025!

    Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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