About
ABOUT SAFETY CONFERENCE + EXPO
ASSP’s Premier Education Event for Safety Professionals
For more than 60 years, the ASSP Professional Development Conference (PDC) has been and will continue to be the direct reflection of what is taking place in the occupational, safety and health industry. Each year, safety professionals gather to learn from both experts in the field and each other. The conference is a tradition for many, but the community is always ready to welcome those who are new to the experience. Now known as Safety Conference and Expo, the annual event presents an unparalleled opportunity for education, networking and community.
- Who? Occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals from around the globe
- What? Three days of education sessions and an industry-leading, education-focused exhibit hall
- Where? Each year, we select a new location. See below for past and future locations.
- When? Traditionally the event is held in the summer months.
- Why? To bring innovation, education and connection to the safety profession, with the goal improving workplace safety
The Conference That’s By Safety Professionals, For Safety Professionals
Members of ASSP volunteer their time and expertise to evaluate every session that’s eligible for the program. The PDC Planning Committee is made up of safety professionals from a variety of industries and backgrounds who ensure that the sessions are relevant, structured and present a wide range of topics.
The Committee typically begins work on the conference more than a year in advance. They start by identifying key topics and themes that are relevant to the safety profession and surveying members to gather feedback on what they would like to see at the conference. Based on this feedback, the committee develops a program of educational sessions, keynote presentations and workshops that address the most important issues and trends in the field. Topics include safety compliance and regulations, risk assessment and management, fall protection, safety management systems, business and leadership, and worker well-being.
The PDC Planning Committee is a vital part of Safety Conference and Expo, and we appreciate their hard work and dedication.
PDC Planning Committee 2023-24
Stephanie Gurnari, CSP
ChubbChair, PDC Planning Committee
Zachary Aviles Presley, CSP, CHMM, CIT, CDGP, CDGT
Global Energy Infrastructure Solutions, Eaton
Alejandro (Alex) Ruiz, CSP, CIH, CHMM, CHST
Rutgers University
Rosa Antonia Carrillo, MSOD
Carrillo & Associates Inc.
Van Moore, CSP
RHI Magnesita
Jon Cordoba, CHST, CIT
P3 Safety Solutions LLC
Anita Muller
Compass Group
Ashley Oulds, CSP
Legrand
Patricia Reed, Ph.D., CSP
Kraton Innovation Center - HoustonThe History of the ASSP Safety Conference and Expo
The conference has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1960s.
The first conference was held in Chicago in 1962, and was attended by over 100 people. At the time, the conference was called the "Annual Conference of Industrial Safety Engineers," and it focused primarily on technical aspects of safety engineering.
Over the years, the conference grew in size and scope and became an important venue for safety professionals to learn about new developments in their field, network with their peers, and stay up to date on regulatory changes and best practices. In 1984, the conference was renamed the "Professional Development Conference," and it began to emphasize professional development and continuing education. This is why you’ll hear many attendees refer to it as the “PDC.” That year was also the first time the conference included an exposition, and the number of participating companies has grown to more than 500 in recent years.
In 2000, the event marked the turn of the century with an updated name, “Safety Conference and Expo,” to acknowledge the expansion of the learning that takes place both within sessions and in the exhibit hall.
We celebrated the 100-year anniversary of our Society’s founding at the conference in 2011 with a history pavilion, gala and the inaugural appearance at Robert R. McCormick Place in Chicago.
In 2020, the conference was held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting our mission of delivering education to OSH professionals when they need it most.
Past and Future Safety Conference and Expo Locations
| 2025 Orlando | 2010 Baltimore | 1995 Orlando | 1980 Houston |
| 2024 Denver | 2009 San Antonio | 1994 Las Vegas | 1979 San Francisco |
| 2023 San Antonio | 2008 Las Vegas | 1993 Dallas | 1978 Washington, D.C. |
| 2022 Chicago | 2007 Orlando | 1992 Minneapolis | 1977 Kansas City, MO |
| 2021 Austin | 2006 Seattle | 1991 Denver | 1976 Atlanta |
| 2020 Online | 2005 New Orleans | 1990 Washington, D.C. | 1975 Denver |
| 2019 New Orleans | 2004 Las Vegas | 1989 Detroit | 1974 Pittsburgh |
| 2018 San Antonio | 2003 Denver | 1988 Las Vegas | 1973 Dallas |
| 2017 Denver | 2002 Nashville, TN | 1987 Baltimore | 1972 Louisville, KY |
| 2016 Atlanta | 2001 Anaheim, CA | 1986 New Orleans | 1971 Tampa, FL |
| 2015 Dallas | 2000 Orlando | 1985 San Diego | 1970 San Diego |
| 2014 Orlando | 1999 Baltimore | 1984 Boston | 1969 College Park, MD |
| 2013 Las Vegas | 1998 Seattle | 1983 Orlando | 1968 East Lansing, MI |
| 2012 Denver | 1997 New Orleans | 1982 St. Louis | 1962 – 1967 Chicago |
| 2011 Chicago | 1996 San Diego | 1981 Salt Lake City |