Safety+ 2025 in Action: Building Community and Energy Beyond the Classroom
From morning fun runs to evening ballpark socials, the VPPPA Safety+ Symposium creates spaces where safety professionals connect, collaborate, and build relationships that last long after the event ends.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Aug 01, 2025
At the VPPPA Safety+ Symposium, learning doesn’t just happen in the breakout rooms or workshops—it continues in the hallways, on the golf course, and even at the ballpark. The event’s community-building activities are designed to strengthen the connections that make the safety profession thrive.
Fun Run for Wellness and Networking
The Safety+ Fun Run is a tradition that blends wellness with networking. Attendees of all fitness levels lace up for a casual morning run or walk, creating a relaxed space for introductions and conversations outside the classroom. It’s not about speed—it’s about starting the day energized and building camaraderie with peers from across industries.
Scholarship Golf Tournament
The scholarship golf tournament offers another opportunity to connect. Teams of safety professionals, exhibitors, and sponsors come together on the greens for a day of friendly competition. Beyond the game, the tournament supports safety education scholarships, reinforcing the community’s commitment to growing the next generation of safety leaders.
Ballpark Village Tailgate and Stadium Night
Networking continues well into the evening at the Ballpark Village Tailgate, followed by a night at Busch Stadium. Attendees can unwind, cheer for the home team, and trade stories from the field in a casual, fun environment. It’s an ideal backdrop for deepening professional relationships in a way that formal meetings can’t match.
Regional Networking and Volunteer Opportunities
Safety+ also encourages regional engagement through organized networking sessions. These smaller gatherings allow attendees to:
- Connect with peers facing similar industry and regulatory challenges
- Learn about volunteer and mentoring opportunities in VPPPA’s regional structure
- Build relationships that last long after the symposium ends
Why These Activities Matter
Community-building events at Safety+ aren’t just social—they’re strategic. By fostering informal conversation and cross-industry exchange, these experiences:
- Strengthen professional networks
- Encourage peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
- Reinforce the idea that safety is a collaborative effort
In short, the Safety+ Symposium is as much about people as it is about programs. The fun run, golf tournament, and ballpark evening give safety professionals the chance to step out of the classroom, build authentic connections, and return to work energized with both new knowledge and new allies in safety.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.