10 Influential Speakers from the 2019 VPPPA Safety+ Symposium

Sept. 3, 2019
What Senior Editor Stefanie Valentic learned while reporting from the 35th annual conference in New Orleans.

The 2019 Safety+ Symposium in New Orleans hosted nearly 3,000 attendees for a week of celebration, education, networking and rejuvenation.

This year, the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) revamped its 35th annual conference, featuring a new logo, enhanced workshops and a 1980s-themed celebration. 

From mountain climbers to safety experts to OSHA educators, the well-rounded education offerings drove home the importance of safety management systems, leadership support and risk mitigation.

VPPPA utilized technology to spread its mission, including live streaming of workshops and broadcasting the symposium's entire opening session on Facebook Live. The SafetyPro podcast streamed live from the conference Media Center. In addition, this is the first year a professional general session production team has been on hand at the Safety+ Symposium.

"I may not be with you for the next 35 years, but let my vision of commitment, collaboration, diversity and inclusion and the uncompromised focus be the guiding light that illuminates the road ahead so that our children and their children's children get to live in a world that is a better place at work and at home," President J.A. Rodriguez told attendees in his opening address.

Here are quotes from 10 influential experts who spoke throughout the week in the Big Easy.

About the Author

Stefanie Valentic

Stefanie Valentic was formerly managing editor of EHS Today, and is currently editorial director of Waste360.

Sponsored Recommendations

Elevating Safety: Empowering Supervisors to Become Safety Advocates

Aug. 27, 2024
Explore the skills, knowledge and techniques that supervisors need to effectively manage the safety of their crew. This guide will examine the causes and symptoms of supervisory...

Top 10 Causes of Distracted Driving—and What They All Have in Common

Aug. 27, 2024
The results reveal the top ten causes of distracted driving, and make it clear that not all distractions are created equal.

Providing the Best PPE is No Guarantee

Aug. 27, 2024
Advancements in PPE are impressive—better protection, comfort and style. But even if you’ve provided the best PPE, there is no guarantee it will be worn.

6 Qualities That Make a Safety Leader

Aug. 27, 2024
A strong safety culture depends on dedicated leaders. They are the people who spearhead the fight for a safer work environment. A good safety leader isn’t shy about bringing concerns...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!