The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has unveiled a plenary session that will join two general sessions in a dynamic program designed to inspire, entertain and inform attendees of the Safety 2023 Professional Development Conference and Exposition in San Antonio. ASSP’s signature event will take place June 5-7 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center along the River Walk.

Thousands attend the occupational safety and health event each year to grow their knowledge and skills while meeting experts who can help them advance their careers and elevate safety at their companies. Safety 2023 will highlight best practices, industry trends and the latest product innovations.

“We are excited about what’s in store for attendees, knowing they will be energized and well-informed to better protect workers in all industries,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM.

Here is a summary of the three general and plenary sessions planned for Safety 2023:

●  Opening general session at 8 a.m. CT Monday, June 5: “5 Strategies to Songwriting: AKA Building Valuable Relationships.” Storyteller and songwriter Jimmy Yeary has spent 30 years writing No. 1 songs and performing as the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning country group Shenandoah. Yeary has realized the parallels between his songwriting and storytelling and successful communication. His message brings emotional awareness, connection and shared experiences to the forefront, helping attendees build effective relationships.

●  Plenary session at 1 p.m. CT Tuesday, June 6: “How We Can Lead Workplace Safety and Health in New Ways.” Many safety professionals have moved from playing the “safety cop” in their organizations to becoming invested partners in helping to create inclusive workplaces that embrace safety innovation and drive productivity. A moderated three-person panel of safety leaders will share how they increased their impact through a systems view and focus on building relationships as a foundation for change, rather than rules, control and discipline.

●  Closing general session at 2:30 p.m. CT Wednesday, June 7: “The Power of Choice.” Army veteran and Paralympic athlete Melissa Stockwell was deployed to Iraq after college. A roadside bomb made her the first American woman soldier to lose a limb in active combat. What followed was a story of resilience, perseverance and the indominable spirit of a woman who chose not only to survive, but to thrive. Now a medalist and world record holder, she will redefine common perceptions of disability and inspire attendees to rethink their own limits.

At the expo, nearly 500 companies will showcase innovative safety solutions that can help organizations reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities. An all-new Career Advancement Center will make its debut on the expo floor, designed to help safety professionals at every stage of their career.

Safety professionals should register online by May 4 to beat a rate increase. Groups of eight or more from the same company can save on the entire conference by contacting ASSP’s Nancy O’Toole at 847.768.3466 or notoole@assp.org. ASSP is also offering an expo-only pass for the third straight year.

Stay informed of the latest Safety 2023 news and current safety and health protocols at safety.assp.org.