2024 NSC Congress & Expo Is Heading to Orlando
The National Safety Council’s annual event will feature an exciting mix of networking, activities and educational opportunities.
- By David Kopf, Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Sep 10, 2024
The 2024 edition of the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo is heading to Orlando, Florida. This year’s event—which offers a glimpse at the latest safety trends and innovations—takes place at the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees will have access to over 100 educational and technical sessions, 20 Professional Development Seminars and an expansive expo floor.
According to the NSC website, specialized seminars will run from Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 18-19, while the main congress and expo takes place from September 16-18. As always, attendees at this year’s event can expect to leave with all the tools they need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of occupational health and safety.
NSC Safety Congress & Expo will feature a wide range of opportunities for participants to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and update their safety certifications. This includes training and educational sessions focused on mental health, Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into safety protocols.
With new additions, NSC Safety Congress & Expo is perhaps more relevant than ever. The event aims to reflect the latest developments within the safety industry while prioritizing the practical needs of safety professionals. As always, the NSC promises an event that empowers attendees to make impactful changes within their organizations.
Let’s take a closer look at what attendees can expect to experience this year:
Keynote Speakers
With keynote sessions scheduled across three days, the event promises to inspire and challenge safety professionals with engaging presentations from compelling leaders and experts.
The opening session on Monday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will feature Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer known for his feats in the outdoors, such as summiting Mt. Everest and kayaking the Grand Canyon. Weihenmayer will present “The ‘No Barriers’ Life,” sharing his insights on overcoming obstacles and developing what he calls the “No Barriers Mindset.” His presentation will challenge attendees to turn challenges into opportunities and push beyond their perceived limits.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the day will begin with “A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP” from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., featuring Tim Page-Bottorff and Corrie Pitzer. They will explore two distinct safety models, Safety I and Safety II, and how integrating both approaches can lead to better safety outcomes.
Following this, at 10 a.m., Scott Hoesman and Nakia Green from InQUEST Consulting will present “What Can We Agree On? Psychologically Safe Workplaces,” addressing strategies to create psychologically safe environments that foster diversity, equity and inclusion.
Later that afternoon, at 2 p.m., Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, will discuss “Safety as a Core Value,” focusing on current safety challenges and opportunities to improve workplace safety in the United States.
The event will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 18, with a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Kate Darling, a leading expert in social robotics and a research scientist at MIT. In her presentation, “The Future of Human-Robot Interaction,” Dr. Darling will explore how robots are entering shared human spaces, raising ethical, legal, and social questions. She will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by human-robot interaction and the broader implications for society as these machines become more advanced.
Conference Highlights
Traditionally, a key highlight of the NSC Safety Congress & Expo is the exclusive reveal of OSHA’s annual Top 10 Safety Violations, which provides critical insights into the most common and pressing safety concerns facing workplaces today. But the 2024 edition of the NSC’s signature event also features several other can’t-miss conference highlights.
A standout attraction at the event will be the 10th annual New Product Showcase, where attendees can explore cutting-edge safety products and solutions. Additionally, the First Look Exhibitor Pavilion introduces innovations from companies making their debut at the Congress & Expo, giving participants a look at the latest advancements.
The event will also place a strong emphasis on the role of mental health in workplace safety. With more educational sessions dedicated to psychological risks than in previous years, the expo aims to help safety professionals gain a deeper understanding of this critical area. And the redesigned Wellness Lounge offers a space for mindful reflection.
Networking remains a major component of the event, with the introduction of the Safety Huddle area. This new space will facilitate direct discussions with industry leaders, while tailored networking sessions and on-site meetings organized by NSC Divisions cater to categories such as construction, young professionals and women in safety.
Networking Opportunities
This year’s event offers a wide range of networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with safety professionals, learn from industry leaders and celebrate safety excellence.
The NSC Division/Section Meetings—which run from Sunday, Sept. 15, through Wednesday, Sept. 18—provide a forum for NSC member company employees to share best practices, discuss industry trends, receive regulatory updates and enhance safety leadership skills. Attendees not employed by an NSC member company can join the meetings for an additional fee.
The meetings will cover topics such as emerging safety issues and regulatory changes, making them a prime opportunity for networking and professional development. The schedule for the meetings is available on the NSC Safety Congress & Expo website, congress.nsc.org.
One of the marquee events of the week is the Green Cross Celebration, presented by U.S. Steel, taking place on Monday, Sept. 16, at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. The event starts with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment and the Green Cross for Safety awards presentation. After dinner, attendees will enjoy a dessert reception and fireworks show. The celebration helps raise funds to support NSC’s safety advocacy work. This event requires separate registration, with tickets priced at $325 per person.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the National Awards Celebration will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees can toast to the achievements of 2024’s NSC award winners while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. This event offers a chance to mingle with industry colleagues and recognize safety leaders for their outstanding contributions. Pre-registration is required, with tickets available for $85 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.