They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) plans to find out. Registration is now open for ASSE’s Safety 2018 Professional Development Conference & Exposition in San Antonio. The nation's largest conference for occupational safety and health professionals – expected to draw more than 8,000 people from 40 countries – takes place June 3-6 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk.

The 57^th annual event is a primary resource for occupational safety and health professionals who face increasing demands from their companies to know about best practices, industry trends and the latest product innovations. Networking opportunities are limitless. A survey of past attendees found that 98 percent would recommend the global conference to a colleague.

“The popularity of our last conference was off the charts, so we’re using that as a blueprint for even greater success this time around,” said Mary Silva, the new chair of the ASSE Professional Development Conference Planning Committee. “ASSE’s 37,000-plus members span the globe in protecting workers in every industry, so this dynamic event goes a long way in supporting their professional mission.”

ASSE’s signature event will offer more than 220 concurrent educational sessions categorized by experience level and taught by some of the greatest minds in safety. More than 600 exhibitors will present the latest products, technologies and techniques in the field. And attendees will experience a mix of engaging general sessions and a spirited plenary town hall.

For the first time, the conference schedule will include a community service networking event, a 5K fun run, and a chance to practice safety pitches on senior operational executives. In addition, all paid attendees will receive free access to recordings of every concurrent session that ASSE is allowed to record.

Safety 2018 will serve as the launch of the Society’s new name and brand, with ASSE becoming the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). The new name and refreshed logo will better reflect the organization’s diverse membership while positioning the Society for growth.

ASSE last visited San Antonio for Safety 2009, but much has changed in nearly a decade. The convention center was recently transformed through a $325 million capital improvement project, the largest in the city’s history. This past October, San Antonio was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, making the city an international culinary destination. And founded in 1718, San Antonio will be in the midst of its 300^th anniversary celebration during Safety 2018.

Safety and health professionals can register online for Safety 2018. To learn about group rates, please contact ASSE group coordinators Nancy O’Toole at notoole@asse.org and Tom Kerschner at tkerschner@asse.org.

About ASSE – Working together for a safer, stronger future

For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Engineers has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of over 37,000 professionals covers every industry, developing safety and health management plans that prevent deaths, injuries and illnesses. ASSE advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards development and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.asse.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.