It is my great honor to invite you to the 94th annual Michigan Safety Conference. For nearly a century, this Conference has been a vital gathering for those dedicated to advancing safety and well-being in the workplace. As professionals involved in safety, we are all too familiar with the challenges we face in today’s dynamic workplace environments. From managing the risks associated with emerging technologies, to advocating for safety in executive decision-making, to navigating the complexities of mental health in the workplace, the role of safety management has never been more critical.

When I think of the Michigan Safety Conference, I’m struck by the many different things the conference can be to each of us. With this year’s theme, “Find Your Safety,” I challenge you to find whatever you may need to launch, sustain, or advance your safety career.

Many people come to the conference to find their safety Knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned EHS professional, business or HR manager, front-line supervisor, safety committee member or have any other role in the workplace, there is expertise waiting to be shared. With 14 distinct training divisions and more than 120 courses to choose from, this conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your knowledge, enhance your skills, and gain practical insights that can be immediately applied in your workplace.

Others find their safety Network at the conference. At its heart, safety is about people – ensuring that everyone feels secure, supported, and valued. Together, we have the power to create lasting change, fostering safer workplaces and a stronger culture of safety. There is power in developing a network of peers, and with 2,000 safety leaders from Michigan and beyond meeting in-person, you’re bound to make meaningful connections.

A critical aspect of the Conference is an opportunity for us to find our safety Innovation. The workplace is changing, and so are the ways we approach safety. Emerging technologies, new products, and shifting regulations all present dynamics to which we must adjust. Meet with representatives from over 200 vendors who can show you the newest solutions on the market.

The Michigan Safety Conference also, quite literally, gives you a chance to find your safety Regulator. Our longstanding (and recently formalized) alliance with MIOSHA allows us to work together to navigate an evolving regulatory environment with clarity and certainty. Bring your questions and be sure to stop by to talk to a representative of the Consultation, Education, and Training Division (CET) on the expo floor.

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of over 170 volunteers and our 3 staff members, who give their time and expertise to make this event a success. They help me find my safety Inspiration each year. I am deeply grateful for their commitment and hard work in ensuring this conference continues to provide exceptional value to all who attend.

As for me, I come to find my safety Motivation. I always feel recharged and recommitted to this most honorable profession after attending the conference, taking in all that it has to offer. The collective power of the benefits I mention above serve to equip us with more tools and more knowledge, but more importantly, a greater sense of community and purpose.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I look forward to connecting with each of you throughout the conference as we find our safety Together and continue to make Michigan’s workplaces the safest they can be.