First Impressions: ASSP Safety 2021 Experience
- By Shereen Hashem
- Sep 13, 2021
After working for OH&S magazine for about six months, I’ve learned a lot about the safety and health industry through researching, reading, writing and editing. Now, I got to have my first hands-on experience at the ASSP Safety 2021 conference in Austin, Texas. It was interesting to see products I promoted and wrote about come to life and demonstrated with people intrigued and interested in making a big purchase. It went from my computer screen to a live professional setting.
Due to COVID-19, I know the conference was “smaller” than those in the past, but it felt large to me. Every booth had at least one or two people at it, and many people were walking around the entire time. I couldn’t imagine it being any bigger, but I know in the future I’ll compare it to what I know now, and I’m sure I’ll be amazed! I could tell vendors were refreshed and ready to go bright and early since it was a long time coming. I could tell they were eager to see and engage with others while still taking the proper safety precautions.
The passion was apparent with everyone I spoke with. I know they wanted to show off the product they wanted to sell because it promoted people’s safety and that they cared about other’s well-being. Especially during the lingering pandemic, it felt like no one was competing with one another but just excited to show you what products they have and how they can help in any way. No one was forceful.
I met so many intelligent and kind people. I attended two concurrent sessions that were both interesting and engaging, and I’m ready to go to more! It was a great experience, and I’m excited for day two!
If you are not attending ASSP Safety 2021 this year, you can virtually engage with the show. To find out ways to do so, visit assp.org. You can also follow OH&S’ online coverage of the event at ohsonline.com.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.