The field of environmental health and safety (EHS), workplace safety, and industrial risk management continues to evolve rapidly. Attending safety conferences is one of the best ways to stay informed on industry trends, explore emerging technologies, and connect with other safety professionals. In 2026, North America will host a variety of conferences covering everything from construction safety to industrial hygiene. To help you plan ahead, here’s a curated list of the top 10 safety conferences to consider attending, from SlateSafety.
Top 10 Safety Conferences
1. Construction Safety & Health Conference
Date: January 21-23, 2026
Location: Glendale, Arizona
This annual event by AGC of America gathers safety leaders and construction professionals to advance workplace safety. Attendees can expect in-depth sessions on safety innovations, risk management strategies, and hands-on learning opportunities. The conference also provides a platform to engage with peers and stay updated on emerging regulations and industry standards.
2. Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference
Date: March 4-6, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
This event focuses on practical strategies for operational safety in energy and industrial sectors. Attendees can join panels, hands-on workshops, and town hall discussions covering topics such as equipment maintenance, energy storage, cybersecurity in operations, and technician training. The program is designed to equip professionals with actionable insights for safer, more efficient operations.
3. DEKRA Safety in Action Conference
Date: May 5-7, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
DEKRA’s annual Safety in Action Conference remains one of the largest events for front-line safety professionals. It features leadership sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen safety culture and operational practices.
4. Utility Safety Conference & Expo
Date: May 5-7, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
This conference is tailored for utility safety and operations professionals seeking advanced insights into safety trends, regulatory updates, and operational best practices. Networking sessions and interactive workshops provide practical strategies to enhance safety protocols while maintaining operational efficiency.
5. NSC Safety Summit
Date: May 6-8, 2026
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
This newly unified event brings together three leading safety gatherings: the Future of EHS, the HOP (Human & Organizational Performance) Summit, and the NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo into one powerful forum. Attendees will access high‑impact educational sessions, leadership insights, technology demos, and peer networks all within one setting. Whether you’re focused on the evolving role of safety technology, leadership in safety culture, or organizational performance, this summit offers the chance to deepen your practice and drive change.
6. AIHA Connect
Date: June 1-3, 2026
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Hosted by the American Industrial Hygiene Association, AIHA Connect is a comprehensive event for industrial hygiene and occupational health professionals. Attendees gain access to expert-led sessions, workshops, and opportunities to explore the latest research, technology, and industry standards in workplace health and safety.
7. ASSP Safety Conference
Date: June 15-17, 2026
Location: Anaheim, California
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety Conference offers a wide variety of sessions covering traditional and emerging safety topics. The conference encourages collaboration, learning, and networking, making it an ideal opportunity for EHS professionals seeking to expand their expertise.
8. Global DPS (Damage Prevention Summit)
Date: August 18-20, 2026
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
DPS is a must-attend for professionals focused on excavation and utility safety. Industry experts, including SUE and GPR specialists, lead discussions on prevention strategies, collaborative problem-solving, and emerging best practices to reduce incidents in excavation and construction operations.
9. VPPPA Safety+ Symposium
Date: August 30- September 2, 2026
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
This symposium is designed for safety professionals across industries who are committed to continuous improvement and collaborative safety practices. It emphasizes best practices, leadership, and employee engagement to drive measurable improvements in safety culture.
10. National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo
Date: September 14-16, 2026
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
NSC’s Safety Congress & Expo is a leading event for safety professionals seeking to learn about cutting-edge technology, regulatory updates, and innovative safety programs. With over 15,000 attendees, this event offers unmatched networking opportunities and exposure to industry leaders.
Other Notable Safety Conference in 2026
These events may not be as widely cited as the Top 10, but they offer valuable insights and exposure to specialized safety challenges in the energy and industrial sectors:
HSE Learning Summit North America
Date: April 28-29, 2026
Location: Dallas, Texas
The HSE Learning Summit North America brings together health, safety, and environmental leaders from across industries to share best practices, discuss emerging risks, and explore new strategies for building resilient safety cultures. With sessions led by senior EHS executives, thought leaders, and regulatory experts, the summit emphasizes leadership-driven safety, digital transformation, and continuous improvement. Attendees gain practical insights into managing risk, fostering innovation, and improving performance across their organizations.
Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026
Date: May 5‑8, 2026
Location: Houston, Texas
The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is a premier event for the global energy sector, bringing together professionals from oil, gas, wind, hydrogen, and other marine energy industries. Attendees can explore cutting-edge technologies, safety innovations, and environmental solutions while participating in technical sessions, workshops, and interactive exhibits. The conference addresses the unique safety challenges of offshore and marine operations, including high-risk environments, emergency preparedness, and new energy technologies.
American Foundry Society EHS Conference 2026
Date: October 6‑8, 2026
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
The AFS Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Conference returns for its 38th year as the premier event for foundry industry EHS professionals, bringing together experts and peers to discuss the latest developments, innovations, and best practices in foundry safety and environmental management. Attendees can explore case studies, hear updates from Washington D.C., network with other professionals, and gain practical insights from speakers presenting novel approaches to EHS management, vendors highlighting cutting-edge products, and members-only sessions addressing pressing EHS challenges.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, safety professionals have a broad array of conferences to expand their knowledge, connect with peers, and stay ahead of emerging safety trends. From technology-driven discussions to leadership and operational excellence, attending the right events can strengthen both individual and organizational safety programs. Consider diversifying your conference calendar to include both large national events and more niche or specialized gatherings to maximize your learning opportunities.