The evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation has caused thousands of events to cancel or move to virtual settings.
After assessing the global environment, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has announced its Safety 2020 Professional Development Conference will be hosted exclusively online.
ASSP President Diana Stegall addressed the shift in a media statement, saying: “It’s important we adapt to our environment and support the safety and health profession in new ways, recognizing the vast potential and reach of a virtual conference. We’ve been closely tracking coronavirus developments and examining all risk factors. The progression of the pandemic has made it clear that the most prudent course of action for the safety and health of everyone involved is to present a virtual event.”
The organization's event, which is the nations' largest annual conference for occupational safety and health professionals, originally was scheduled to be held June 23-25 in Orlando, Fla.
ASSP's virtual edition will embody the educational opportunities present at the in-person event, highlighting best practices, industry trends and product innovations in the same three-day period.
According to the event announcement:
Plans call for 60 sessions on various workplace safety topics, each including a Q&A with the speaker. Three keynote presentations will include one on pandemic response, and two plenary sessions will have panelists discussing emerging tech trends and analyzing how diversity and inclusion impacts productivity, profitability and safety.
Each day will include an interactive virtual exposition and networking opportunities. Participants can earn up to 6.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for their career advancement – nearly four times as many as the in-person event. All sessions presented during Safety 2020: Virtual will be accessible to attendees for 60 days post-event.
Those who have already registered for the in-person event can transfer their registration to the web-based experience; cancel and receive credit for a future ASSP educational offering including Safety 2021; or receive a full refund.
“ASSP has stood for safety for more than 100 years and has overcome many significant challenges along the way,” Stegall said. “Our 40,000 global members understand the value of being nimble, resourceful and open to shifting gears when situations call for it.”
Additional updates and information for interested registrants can be found at ASSP's Safety 2020: Virtual event site.
Next year, ASSP’s traditional Professional Development Conference and Exposition is expected to return in Denver as Safety 2021 takes place June 6-9 at the Colorado Convention Center.
