Innovation and Collaboration Drive the NSC Safety Congress & Expo

From emerging technologies to peer-to-peer learning, attendees are discovering practical ideas they can take home to strengthen workplace safety.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Aug 12, 2026

The Indiana Convention Center is once again the gathering place for thousands of workplace safety professionals as the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo brings together more than 1,000 exhibitors, industry experts and safety leaders to explore the latest products, technologies and strategies aimed at preventing injuries and strengthening workplace safety.

Whether attendees are searching for a new connected safety solution, looking to better understand emerging regulations or simply hoping to learn how peers are solving similar challenges, the conference offers opportunities to explore ideas that extend well beyond the Expo floor.

According to Necoya Tyson, senior director of conventions at the National Safety Council, one of the event's greatest strengths is bringing together research, technology and practical experience in one place.

"Every year, the Expo floor allows attendees to experience the latest developments and innovations in safety," Tyson said. "With more than 1,000 exhibitors, safety professionals have the opportunity to see how advancements in research, technology and solutions are translating into practice and helping organizations identify risks, prevent injuries and champion employee safety."

One of the featured attractions is the Safety Technology Pavilion, where attendees can experience the Work to Zero Safety Innovation Challenge. The competition showcases emerging technologies designed to identify, secure and communicate hazardous energy risks while giving attendees the opportunity to vote for the innovation they believe has the greatest potential to improve workplace safety.

Artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, connected worker systems and data-driven safety solutions are among the innovations drawing significant attention throughout the Expo. Tyson said many attendees are increasingly focused on technologies that help organizations move beyond reacting to incidents and toward identifying hazards before they result in injuries.

"Many attendees are learning more about ways to help predict possible hazards, effectively integrate data analytics, champion employee engagement and ultimately prevent incidents before they happen," she said.

The educational program complements the exhibit hall with more than 130 technical sessions covering topics such as leadership, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, human and organizational performance, risk management and emerging workplace technologies. Learning Labs and Safety Huddles provide additional opportunities for attendees to participate in interactive discussions and demonstrations without leaving the Expo floor.

Among the conference's signature educational offerings is OSHA's Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards, an annual presentation that consistently draws one of the largest audiences of the week. OSHA officials review the standards receiving the greatest number of citations nationwide while discussing enforcement trends and recurring compliance challenges facing employers. More than simply a countdown, the session provides practical insight into where organizations should focus their compliance efforts and highlights common deficiencies inspectors continue to encounter across industries.

Beyond technical education, the conference emphasizes one of the profession's most valuable resources—its people.

The conference's Connect and Collaborate events are designed to help attendees build relationships and exchange ideas with safety professionals from across industries. First-time attendee meetups offer newcomers an opportunity to become familiar with the conference while connecting with other first-time participants. Throughout the week, Safety Huddles encourage informal discussions on current workplace challenges, while networking events create opportunities for attendees to compare best practices and discuss practical solutions they can adapt within their own organizations.

Those conversations, Tyson said, often become some of the most valuable experiences attendees take home.

"A safety professional may come into this week looking for something specific and come back to their organization with an impactful idea or solution," she said.

The conference also reflects the increasingly global nature of workplace safety. Attendees interested in international collaboration can connect with Messe Düsseldorf, which is highlighting its worldwide portfolio of occupational safety and health trade fairs, including A+A 2027, one of the world's largest events dedicated to occupational safety, health and worker protection.

While new technologies often generate the most attention, Tyson believes the conference's lasting value comes from helping attendees identify practical improvements that fit their organization’s specific needs.

"I hope every attendee leaves Indianapolis with at least one idea they're excited to explore and share with their team to strengthen their organization's safety culture," she said. "Whether it's a new process, a fresh perspective or a promising technology, even a single meaningful improvement can make a difference."

She also encourages attendees to make time for conversations outside the classroom and exhibit hall.

"Talk to people," Tyson said. "Ask what's working for them, what they're interested in and what they're struggling with. The Safety Congress & Expo is not just about what you learn during the conference; it's also about having the chance to build a network that remains long after you leave Indianapolis."