This Really Is My First (NSC) Rodeo
- By Amanda Smiley
- Sep 10, 2019
Yep, you heard right. I recently joined the OH&S team as Associate Content Editor, and that means that this year's NSC show in San Diego is indeed my very first one... ever.
When I found out the OH&S team would be spending almost four days in beautiful San Diego at a safety show, I was not sure what to expect. I imagined a big gym full of booths and people handing out flyers and little bowls of candy telling people to "Stay Safe" and "Wear Your Seatbelt." After being at the show now for three days, I can tell you my expectations were far off.
First, the show floor is massive. And I mean massive. It takes at least 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other, and at the end of the day my watch tells me I've walked 12,000 steps and almost five miles.
Beyond the physical size of the place, there are literally thousands of booths of all sizes. Ladders and high-vis vests, helmets and gas detectors—anything remotely related to safety is on a table or in a booth.
Not only is the space huge and the people everywhere, but there is constant activity. It's like the city that never sleeps: vendors buzz around their booths, visitors and buyers walk and talk, and dodging people in the aisle is as tricky as maintaining personal space on a NYC sidewalk.
While these aspects were not what I expected, one this was: everyone at this show is enthusiastic about the same thing. Safety - keeping employees happy, healthy, and out of harm - is an evident priority for every attendee. What a thrilling experience it has been for me to witness so many people in one place that truly care about the wellbeing of others.
My first NSC show was exciting, fun, tiring and busy. However, my first time around was a great—and surprising—experience. I'm excited to continue to work in the safety industry and attend my next NSC show!
About the Author
Amanda Smiley is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety Magazine and 1105 Media.