Want To Sponsor Us? 3rd Edition of International Conference
Get your brand in front of 1,000+ Maternity Health Professionals:
Midwives, doctors, educators, doulas, lactation consultants, dietitians, nutritionists & other health practitioners
➡️ 15+ World
Class Speakers
Featuring world-leading scientists, academics, obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, hospital leaders, educators and other maternity "thought-leaders" and experts.
The conference is hosted by the award-winning team behind the documenty MICROBIRTH: Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford.
➡️Affordable Learning
Premium Ticket
(Super Early Bird Price)
USD $97:
>>> BUY NOW <<<
With 10 Hours CPD/CE and 1 YEAR ACCESS
Standard Ticket
(Super Early Bird Price)
USD $67:
>>> BUY NOW <<<
No CPD/CE and 30 Day ACCESS
Bursary Ticket - For Students/Unemployed / Low-Income Countries
(Super Early Bird Price)
USD $27:
>>> BUY NOW <<<
No CPD/CE and 30 Day ACCESS
➡️ 100% Virtual Conference
Learn from anywhere. No special equipment needed.
Can't attend live? No problem. You have 30 day access to replays with Standard/Bursary Tickets, and 1 year access (plus 10 Hours CPD/CE) with Premium Ticket.
Watch the 2026 Conference Trailer
The Microbiome Plan Virtual Conference 2026 brings together 1,000+ global leaders in maternal, perinatal, and infant health to explore the science and clinical application of the early life microbiome.
From pregnancy to the first thousand days, we’ll examine how microbes shape future health - bridging research, nutrition, and holistic care.
About Microbiome Plan 2026
Virtual International Conference April 25/26 2026
The event combines keynote presentations, clinical workshops, and interactive sessions, designed to empower health professionals who support families every day.
- The Maternal Microbiome: Setting the Stage Before Birth
- Probiotic and Prebiotic Strategies in Early Life
- Cesarean vs Vaginal Birth: Microbial Transfer and Recovery
- The Role of Breast Milk in Gut Colonization
- The Microbiome and Neurodevelopment
- Feeding the Future: Nutrition and Infant Gut Health
- Testing and Translating the Microbiome: What’s Useful for Clinicians?
- The Future of Personalized Infant Microbiome Care
WHAT IS IT?
An international virtual conference for maternity health professionals.
WHEN IS IT?
Pre-conference Sponsor Showcase Day:
Fri 24th April 2026 9-5.30p, (US Pacific Time)
2 Main Conference (Speaker Days):
Sat 25 April 2026 9-5.30pm (US Pacific Time)
Sun 26 April 2026 9-5.30pm (US Pacific Time)
WHO IS IN IT?
Featuring 15+ world-leading scientists, academics, midwives, doctors, breastfeeding experts and maternity leaders.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
How and why the science of the infant microbiome can be applied to maternity care, to improve health outcomes. And how YOU can play a part!
WHO IS IT FOR?
Clinicians, educators and maternity health professionals including:
- ✅ Midwives
- ✅ Nurses
- ✅ Doctors
- ✅ Lactation Consultants
- ✅ Other Breastfeeding/Lactation Professionals
- ✅ Childbirth Educators
- ✅ New Parent Educators
- ✅ Birth Doulas
- ✅ Postpartum Doulas
- ✅ Newborn Care Specialists
- ✅ Baby Massage Instructors
- ✅ Nutritionists
- ✅ Dietitians
- ✅ Naturopaths
- ✅ Osteopaths
- ✅ Chiropractors
- ✅ Students
- ✅ Researchers
- ✅ Other Maternity Health Practitioners
- ✅ Pharmacists
WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Virtual. No travel needed. Join from your computer, laptop, ipad/tablet or mobile device!
WHO IS RUNNING IT?
This event is independently funded, and hosted, by the filmmakers behind MICROBIRTH.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
We are looking to partner with ethical educational and commercial sponsors.
We can offer exciting opportunities to promote your brand, service or product.
Click >>> HERE <<< to download our 2026 Conference Sponsor Pack.
Click >>> HERE <<< to contact us.
Join us for a unique virtual 3-d experience
To join the conference, you'll be entering an amazing 3-D virtual world.
Step through the doors, and you'll have a choice of 3 rooms to enter - the Exhibit Hall (to visit the virtual exhibitor booths), the Auditorium (to watch the LIVE keynote presentations on the main conference days) and the Lounge (for networking)
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS:
🌿 Why Attend Microbiome Plan Conference 2026?
Discover Probiotic, Prebiotic & Microbiome Strategies For Maternal & Infant Health
📅 25–26 April 2026 | 100% Virtual | Global Access
Advance Your Knowledge
✅Gain the latest insights in pregnancy, birth, infant feeding, and nutrition.
Apply Evidence In Practice
✅Gain actionable tools for improving early-life outcomes.
Connect Globally
✅Engage with over 1000+ peers from 40+ countries using the live chat feature. (*Based on last year’s figures)
Discover Innovations
✅Discover the science behind probiotics, prebiotics and microbiome testing solutions, plus other strategies to support the infant microbiome.
Earn 10 Hours CE/CPD
✅Enhance your professional credentials (if you buy the PREMIUM ticket)
Attend From Anywhere
✅Join LIVE from desktop, tablet, or phone - anywhere in the world!
STANDARD Ticket gives access to replays for 30 DAYS.
PREMIUM ticket gives access to replays for ONE YEAR
PLUS Immersive 3d Platform & Gamified Engagement!
Extended Access
Win Prizes!
Take part in the interactive microbiome-themed interactive Scavenger Hunt to win prizes!
Includes:
- 2 Day access to LIVE conference (on April 25/26 2026)
- Access to Sponsor Showcase Day (on April 24 2026)
- VIP Access to Speaker Roundtables
- 1 Year Access to replays
- 10 Hours CPD/CE (*Applied For)
- Downloadable Certificate
- Downloadable Transcripts
- Downloadable Audio
Includes:
- 2 Day access to LIVE conference (on April 25/26 2026)
- Access to Sponsor Showcase Day (on April 24 2026)
- 30 Day Access to replays
- No CPD/CE
- No Certificate
Includes:
- 2 Day access to LIVE conference (on April 25/26 2026)]
- Access to Sponsor Showcase Day (on April 24 2026)
- 30 Day Access to replays
- No CPD/CE
- No Certificate
Bursary Tickets may only be purchased by full-time students, the unemployed or those from a low and middle income country. The full list of low and middle income countries is available at the bottom of this page.
Proof may be requested for purchase of Bursary Tickets. Any questions, please CONTACT US.
* EXTENDED DUE TO DEMAND - FAST ACTING BONUS *
Register before midnight PT on Sat 31 January 2026 and receive a SPECIAL FAST-ACTING BONUS GIFT!
A Microbiome-Informed Birth Practice Cheat Sheet PDF:
A 9 page evidence-informed reference guide designed for real-world birth care.
EXTENDED DUE TO DEMAND:
Fast-Acting Bonus Gift!
Buy A Conference Ticket before Sat 31st January 2026, and you get: A Microbiome-Informed Birth Practice Cheat Sheet PDF — a 9 page evidence-informed reference guide designed for real-world birth care.
This resource distils current microbiome science into practical considerations for pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum care, without rigid rules or fear-based messaging.
It’s designed to support clear clinical conversations and reflective practice across hospital, birth centre, home birth, and education settings.
SPEAKER PREVIEW
🌿 18 Speakers Confirmed So Far...
More speakers and full list of presentations to be announced soon!
👉 Nils Bergman, Neuroscientist & Public Health Physician
👉 Jack Nerman, Pediatrician and Founder, International Breastfeeding Cente
👉 Rodney Dietert, Emeritus Professor of Immunotoxicology, Cornell University
👉 Debby Bogaert, Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh
👉Willem De Vos, Professor, Microbiology, Wageningen University & Finland Academy Professor at Helsinki University
👉Ariangela Kovic, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan, Microbiologist & Computational Biologist
👉Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research, Western Sydney University
👉Michelle Irving, Lecturer in Midwifery, Bournemouth University
👉James Kinross, Consultant Surgeon, Imperial College London
👉Raymond Kiu, Computational and experimental microbiologist, University of Birmingham
👉Jennifer Smilowitz, Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis
👉Bruce German, Professor and Director of the Foods for Health Institute at the University of California Davis
👉Rajinder Gulati, Pediatrician and national trainer for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
👉Martina Donaghy, Midwife & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
👉Molly O'Brien, Midwife and Educator, Biomechanics of Birth
👉Dawn Whitten, Naturopath, Herbalist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
👉Carol Phillips, DC, Chiropractor and craniosacral therapist
👉Kathryn Stagg, IBCLC, Responsive Parenting Twins
👉Rajinder Gulati, Pediatrician and National Trainer for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
WHAT DO PREVIOUS ATTENDEES THINK?
Your Conference Hosts
We are Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, parents and award-winning documentary filmmaking team from Brighton.
18 years ago, our daughter was born by emergency C-section. She was born unresponsive and floppy. We were terrified. There was no skin-to-skin and no support for breastfeeding. Within 48 hours, our daughter caught a serious infection and was given antibiotics.
So within 24 hours of our daughter coming into this world, she had been exposed to the 3 peturbations to the infant microbiome: C-section, antibiotics and formula.
Our personal story lead us to make the film MICROBIRTH and to create THE MICROBIRTH PLAN - our ambitious plan for information about the microbiome to reach one million parents.
This is our 3rd international virtual conference.
2023: Conference had 350 attendees.
2024: Conference had 3,500 attendees
2026: We would love to have 10,000 attendees!
We hope you decide to join us for the next stage of our journey and come to our 2026 conference!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
🌿 Microbiome Plan Virtual Conference 2026
📅 25–26 April 2026 | 100% Virtual | Global Access
Q. Who is hosting this conference?
A: This conference is hosted by Alto Films Ltd, the content creation company owned by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford. Toni and Alex are the filmmakers behind the award-winning documentary MICROBIRTH. Toni and Alex, and their company Alto Films Ltd, are completely independent. We have no affiliations with, and receive no income from, any other organisation or company.
Q. When is the conference?
Pre-conference Sponsor Showcase Day:
Fri 24th April 2026 9-5.30p, (US Pacific Time)
2 Main Conference (Speaker Days):
Sat 25 April 2026 9-5.30pm (US Pacific Time)
Sun 26 April 2026 9-5.30pm (US Pacific Time)
Q. I can't attend live. Can I access the replay?
STANDARD TICKET (or BURSARY TICKET Holders: You will have access to the replays of the Speaker Presentations for 30 days on the conference platform.
STANDARD TICKET USD $67 (Super Early Bird) >>> BUY NOW <<<
BURSARY TICKET for Students / Unemployed / Low Income Countries USD $27 (Super Early Bird) >>> BUY NOW
PREMIUM TICKET: You will have access to the replays of the Speaker Presentations for 30 days on the conference platform. You will also have access to all presentations for 1 year on our Teachable platform, and CPD/CE credits can be claimed anytime within that year.
PREMIUM TICKET (Super Early Bird) USD $97 >>> BUY NOW <<<
Q. What CPD/CE credits will I receive?
A. PREMIUM TICKET holders only: We will be applying for 10 hours CPD/CE to be approved by the time of the conference. A downloadable printable certificate of completion will be provided.
PREMIUM TICKET Holders: The 10 Hours CPD/CE / Contact Hours will be from ACM and MEAC, and are acceptable by: ACM, MEAC, NMC, and many doula organisations. Please check with your CPD organisation. Sorry, no CERPs.
PREMIUM TICKET USD $97 (Super Early Bird) >>> BUY NOW <<<
STANDARD TICKET and BURSARY TICKET Holders: Sorry, no CPD/CE credits and no certificate with this type of ticket.
STANDARD TICKET USD $67 (Super Early Bird) >>> BUY NOW <<<
BURSARY TICKET for Students / Unemployed / Low Income Countries USD $27 (Super Early Bird) >>> BUY NOW
Q. Can I sponsor this event?
Absolutely! We are looking for individuals and organisations connected to the birth world who are looking to sponsor this event. We offer tiered pricing to suit all budgets.
Prices start from USD $1000 for being a sponsor, including the chance to add something to the SWAG BAG (digital product, a digital sample or flyer) to be distributed to all attendees.
Platinum and Gold level sponsors have a virtual booth in the Exhibit Hall plus other branding opportunities.
Click this link to download the 2026 Conference Sponsor Pack >>> https://form.jotform.com/253452780416357
Q. Do I need to install any special software?
A. NO. You do not need to download or install any software to participate in our conference. You only need to have access to the Internet.
Q. How do I get a Bursary Ticket?
You click the Bursary Ticket button! If you are a student, unemployed, or if you are from a country that faces economic challenges (see the list of countries at the bottom of this page), you can buy a Bursary Ticket. If you are unsure if you qualify for a Bursary Ticket, please Contact Us HERE
Q. Can I get a Group Discount?
A: For groups of 10 or more, a 20% discount is available.
Contact us HERE
Q. How do I access the LIVE conference?
A. Full instructions for virtual conference access will be available a week before the conference starts. Tech support will be available inside the conference.
Q. What if I have another question?
A. A: For any other questions or inquiries, contact: Toni Harman, Producer/ Director, MICROBIRTH contact us here
“BE PART OF THE global conversation on the infant microbiome.
TOGETHER, we can help shape the future of maternal and infant wellbeing.”
Includes:
- 2 Day access to LIVE conference (on April 25/26 2026)
- Access to Sponsor Showcase Day (on April 24 2026)
- VIP Access to Speaker Roundtables
- 1 Year Access to replays
- 10 Hours CPD/CE (*Applied For)
- Downloadable Certificate
- Downloadable Transcripts
- Downloadable Audio
Includes:
- 2 Day access to LIVE conference (on April 25/26 2026)
- Access to Sponsor Showcase Day (on April 24 2026)
- 30 Day Access to replays
- No CPD/CE
- No Certificate
Includes:
- 2 Day access to LIVE conference (on April 25/26 2026)]
- Access to Sponsor Showcase Day (on April 24 2026)
- 30 Day Access to replays
- No CPD/CE
- No Certificate
Bursary Tickets may only be purchased by full-time students, the unemployed or those from a low and middle income country. The full list of low and middle income countries is available at the bottom of this page.
Proof may be requested for purchase of Bursary Tickets. Any questions, please CONTACT US.
* EXTENDED DUE TO DEMAND - EXCLUSIVE FAST ACTING BONUS *
Register before midnight PT on 31 January 2026 and receive a SPECIAL FAST-ACTING BONUS GIFT!
A Microbiome-Informed Birth Practice Cheat Sheet PDF:
A 9 page evidence-informed reference guide designed for real-world birth care.
EXTENDED DUE TO DEMAND:
Fast-Acting Bonus Gift!
Buy A Conference Ticket before Sat 31st January 2026 (end of early bird pricing), and you get: A Microbiome-Informed Birth Practice Cheat Sheet PDF — a 9 page evidence-informed reference guide designed for real-world birth care.
This resource distils current microbiome science into practical considerations for pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum care, without rigid rules or fear-based messaging.
It’s designed to support clear clinical conversations and reflective practice across hospital, birth centre, home birth, and education settings.
BURSARY TICKET: Full List of Countries
You can claim a Bursary Ticket if you are a student, unemployed or if you are from one of the countries listed below:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dem.Rep.of the Congo, Dem. People’s Rep. of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Samoa,
São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka. State of Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe