American Society of Safety Professionals' Safety 2024 Conference & Expo Heads to Denver in August

ASSP’s annual event unites safety professionals from across the world.

• By David Kopf, Robert Yaniz Jr.
• Aug 01, 2024

They say two heads are better than one. To that end, imagine the potential workplace health and safety professionals have when they unite and exchange ideas. That’s the premise behind the industry’s most anticipated events, one of which is the American Society of Safety Professionals’ (ASSP) Safety 2024 Professional Development Conference and Exposition.

Celebrating its 63rd year, the event brings together safety experts and exhibitors from around the world to engage in educational and networking opportunities. Safety 2024 takes place from August 7 to 9, 2024, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. But in the lead-up to this annual event, let’s take a closer look at the sessions, expo highlights and networking opportunities attendees can expect.

Educational Sessions at Safety 2024

Featuring over 200 continuing education sessions, Safety 2024 highlights best practices, industry trends and the latest innovations in safety products. The heart of the conference lies in its continuing education sessions, designed to provide safety and health professionals with practical, actionable information they can immediately apply within their organizations. These one-hour sessions are led by safety experts who bring real-world experience to the table, ensuring the content is relevant and impactful.

Participants can look forward to a wide range of sessions, with topics including risk management, workplace violence, artificial intelligence, safety and health management systems, infectious disease exposure, heat stress, ergonomic assessments, emergency preparedness, prevention through design, fall protection and the safety aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion. This diversity of subjects ensures that every attendee can find sessions that meet their specific needs and interests.

ASSP's annual conference attracts thousands of safety and health professionals from around the globe. These professionals attend not only to advance their careers through knowledge acquisition but also to leverage the networking opportunities that can significantly enhance safety practices at their companies. Though the event offers educational sessions, expert insights and networking opportunities galore, the sessions are particularly popular, offering inspiration, entertainment and valuable insights.

Moreover, attendees of Safety 2024 can earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs), contributing to their professional development and career advancement. This opportunity to gain CEUs underscores the conference's commitment to fostering continuous improvement and excellence in the field of occupational safety and health. Safety 2024 promises to be a key opportunity for safety professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Safety 2024’s Opening Session

Safety 2024 kicks off with an impactful opening session designed to inspire and energize attendees. Taking place on Wednesday, August 7, at 8 a.m. in the Mile High Ballroom, "Empower Your Teams With Positive Accountability," will set the tone for the three-day conference ahead, fostering a spirit of learning, sharing and connection among safety professionals gathered from around the world.

In the session, Dr. Jessica Kriegel—the chief scientist of workplace culture at Culture Partners—will unveil four data-driven steps designed to enhance personal and professional accountability within organizations. By empowering teams to take ownership of their actions and the organization's overall success, Dr. Kriegel believes businesses can foster a culture of shared ownership and purpose.

Dr. Kriegel is renowned for her innovative approach to workplace culture and accountability. With a background in data science and a mission to "quantify culture," she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her role. Her doctoral research and subsequent consulting work have culminated in the Culture Equation, a model that combines strategy with culture to deliver consistent results.

Participants will learn how to activate their teams by adopting powerful habits based on proven accountability methods. Dr. Kriegel's two-part strategy focuses on fostering shared ownership, infusing daily work with purpose and meaning. This approach helps individuals recognize their contributions to achieving business goals while encouraging them to take an active role in the organization's impact.

Attendees of this session can expect to leave empowered with a toolkit of practical tools and actionable insights. By implementing these strategies, safety professionals can improve team morale, enhance performance and meet their organization’s financial goals. The opening general session is, of course, just the beginning of a packed agenda at Safety 2024, which offers extensive educational opportunities.

Safety 2024 Expo Hall

The Safety 2024 expo features more than 550 exhibitors spanning various fields, including safety and risk management, engineering, fire protection, industrial hygiene, construction and training. Attendees can discover the latest advancements, meet with companies and attend educational sessions on the show floor. Planning and utilizing the designated "expo only" times will help maximize the expo experience. Expo hours are Wednesday, August 7 from 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, August 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday, August 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The expo also offers a number of special features and activities:

The ASSP Marketplace and ASSP Foundation Booth lets attendees browse the latest titles from ASSP technical publications and books, learn about new and revised ANSI/ASSP Standards, and purchase ASSP gear. Visitors can connect by picking up ASSP Community badge ribbons for Practice Specialties and Common Interest Groups, and meet the authors of some of ASSP’s newest publications. Additionally, the booth offers opportunities to give back by making a donation to the ASSP Foundation, checking out the ASSP Foundation Donor Wall, and learning how to get more involved with ASSP communities.

At the ASSP Career Advancement Center attendees can connect, collaborate and cultivate relationships through discussions on topics such as leadership, mentorship, lifelong learning and professional growth. Attendees looking to advance their careers can check in with hiring managers, explore options for higher learning or even refresh their LinkedIn photos. Also, the center offers snack breaks, campfire side chats, and fun photo opportunities. With engaging discussions and casual meetups, there’s something for everyone at every career stage in the Career Advancement Center. Attendees can check the Safety 2024 app for program details.

Flash Sessions, held during expo hours in the expo hall, offer a quick and engaging way to tackle safety challenges in just 15 minutes. Presented by Safety 2024 exhibitors and sponsors, these fast-paced sessions will cover research, best practices and include audience participation. A full schedule of Flash Sessions will be available prior to the event, with all sessions listed in the Safety 2024 app. These sessions provide a concise yet impactful opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights and solutions to safety challenges.

The Runway: Safety Apparel and PPE Fashion Show, presented by ASSP WISE (Women in Safety Excellence), addresses the critical issue of PPE noncompliance due to discomfort or improper fit, a problem that affects all workers, regardless of gender. Many injuries occur because workers either forego or modify their PPE, compromising their safety. This fashion show will showcase the latest products designed to ensure proper fit and comfort, particularly for women and other workers who struggle with PPE. The show will be held on the Expo Hall Stage on Thursday, August 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by networking from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. and on Friday, August 9 from 9:50 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. 

Last but not least, at the start of the event, attendees will receive a Parade to Prizes game card. They can visit each participating exhibitor’s booth to get their card stamped and drop their completed cards at the designated booth on the expo floor for a chance to win prizes.

Networking Events

Safety 2024 is not just about sessions, workshops and the expo; it also offers a broad range of networking and social events designed to help safety professionals connect, exchange ideas, advance their careers and even enjoy a taste of the local culture. Here’s a rundown of what’s scheduled:

Early Badge Pickup, Tuesday, August 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Convention Center — Attendees can pick up their badges on Tuesday to avoid the rush on Wednesday morning, while enjoying a chance to meet fellow attendees, familiarize themselves with the convention center, and join guided tours led by local ASSP volunteer leaders and staff approximately every 30 minutes. Light refreshments, live music and activities will be available as participants prepare for the conference.

Leaders in Safety Tech Demos, Tuesday, August 6 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Lobby F — After picking up badges, participants can join short demos showcasing the latest advancements in safety technology. This is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and stay ahead of the curve in safety innovation.

Mile-High Mixer: Wednesday Night Social, Wednesday, August 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Bluebird Ballroom at Colorado Convention Center — Attendees can unwind from the first day of the conference and meet up with fellow safety professionals. The event will feature local libations, appetizers and live entertainment that captures the spirit of Denver. Tickets can be purchased for $25 during the registration process, with proceeds supporting the ASSP Foundation Career Development Grant Program and aiding OSH professionals and students.

Career Advancement Center, Open during expo hours at Expo Hall, Booth no. 784 — The center helps attendees connect, collaborate and cultivate relationships through discussions on leadership, mentorship, lifelong learning and professional growth. Whether looking for the next career step, exploring higher learning options or refreshing LinkedIn photos, the center offers something for everyone. Additionally, there will be snack breaks, campfire side chats and photo opportunities.

Board Walk & Talk: Explore the Convention Center with ASSP’s Board of Directors, Wednesday, August 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Meeting in Lobby F at 3:00 p.m. — New for the Safety show, attendees have a unique opportunity to stroll through the Convention Center in the company of ASSP's Board of Directors. This event allows for engaging in insightful conversations, asking questions and gaining valuable perspectives from leaders shaping the future of safety.

Rise & Shine: Speedy Stroll/Fun Run with ASSP Leaders, Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 a.m., Meeting at the entrance to the Convention Center by the Blue Bear — Attendees can start their day with energy and enthusiasm by participating in the Speedy Stroll/Fun Run event, led by ASSP leaders. Whether seasoned runners or those who prefer a leisurely stroll, all are welcome to join this one-mile route around the convention center for a memorable morning of fun, fitness, and camaraderie.

Lunchtime Meetups with ASSP Communities, Dates and times to be announced in the Expo Hall dining area — During each lunch break of the conference, ASSP common interest groups and practice specialties will host meetups. Attendees can connect with ASSP communities, learn about their programs and get involved. Bringing lunch to the designated tables provides a great opportunity to make new friends and network.

Key Issue Collaboration Sessions, August 7 to 9 during concurrent session periods, Locations to be referred to in the Safety 2024 app — Key Issue Collaboration Sessions are roundtable discussions facilitated by volunteers, welcoming all levels of experience. These sessions let safety professionals meet others who are equally curious or passionate about various topics, providing actionable insights and new perspectives.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.