Register using the QR code above or follow this link

Safety-7 Conference and Expo

Are you looking to be part of a community of like-minded safety practitioners? 

Then, come to the 2026 Region 7 VPPPA Conference!  

The annual Region VII VPPPA Conference is the premier forum for occupational safety & health and environmental professionals, hourly workers and business leaders from sites seeking VPP approval and organizations striving to improve their safety and health management systems.

Here, you will network with a diverse range of industry experts and thought leaders for peer learning and mentoring opportunities. Find hands-on instruction, in-depth discussions and safety leaders interested in building a professional connection with you. 

Workshops and speakers on topics ranging from leadership, engagement and
culture, PSM, health management systems, artificial intelligence and more, you’ll make contacts and acquire knowledge to help you grow your career. Learn best practices, and get tips and tricks from other safety professionals to make your work-life easier!

The event will be held October 19th to 21st, at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. 

Use the QR code to the left to register or follow this link:

 Safety-7 Conference and Expo

 

Want to be an exhibitor?  More info here! 

Safety-7 Conference and Expo

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Our Breakout Sessions are SET!

We are pleased announce the line-up of breakout sessions to be held in conjunction with the VPPPA Region VII Safety Conference taking place on October 19th, 20th and 21st in Des Moines, Iowa.

Breakout sessions provide an opportunity for participants to engage deeply with emerging topics, share expertise, and foster collaboration within the community. They address timely and relevant themes in the field of plant or manufacturing safety across the VPP spectrum, offer interactive and participatory formats, and provide clear learning objectives and tangible takeaways. 

The exact schedule and room assignments are subject to change, but as of today, this is who we are proud to present at the Region 7 VPPPA Safety Conference!

DateDayTime RoomSpeakerTopic
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmCedar RapidsBrent MollenhauerHow do NFPA Electrical Standards affect worker safety? The Electrical Safety Triangle and
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmCouncil BluffErin Shannon/Dalene ShawCollaborative Innovation of Protective Equipment in industrial environments
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmDavenportTom WestPredict, Prevent, Protect: Leading Indicators From Wearables to Reduce Strain, Heat, and Forklift Risks
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmDubuqueRyan BoudaThe Goal Setting Blueprints: turning vision into results
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmIowa ARob  HunterWINNING SAFETY CULTURE: Benefit of Recognition for Safety
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmIowa BLaura KenistonSubstance Use Disorders, Recovery, and Safety in the Workplace
10/20/2026Tuesday1:00pm-2:00pmIowa CIan SmitHAZWOPER Response Essentials: PPE Selection and the 7-Step Spill Playbook
      
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmCedar RapidsPeggy Peterson Safety and Health is no Accident
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmCouncil BluffMichael MulherinWorkaround- Promoting Safety & Attaining Results
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmDavenportRyan BoudaCourageous Communicators: Why 90% of Difficult Conversations Fail
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmDubuqueGeorge ColeElectrical Safety in the Workplace
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmIowa ARob HunterStretch & Flex and Ergonomics (implemented Dynamic Stretching) 
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmIowa BMickey HannumRebuilding culture from the Inside Out
10/20/2026Tuesday2:30pm-3:30pmIowa CGaines/Wood/FrenchOSHA forum:  the good, the bad and the ugly
      
10/21/2026Wednesday10:30am-11:30amCedar RapidsDoug ThompsonSafe for the Right reasons
10/21/2026Wednesday10:30am-11:30amCouncil BluffTom westAI in Safety
10/21/2026Wednesday10:30am-11:30amDavenportMike BartschData-Driven VPP: Using AI Analytics to Surface Leading Indicators & Prevent Injuries.
10/21/2026Wednesday10:30am-11:30amDubuqueRyan BoudaThe Human Side of Change: The Neuroscience of Leading Teams through the Unknown
10/21/2026Wednesday10:30am-11:30amIowa AJoe MeltonBuild a Safety Leader
10/21/2026Wednesday10:30am-11:30amIowa BDan LesterBuilding Strong Foundations: Psychological Safety and Mental Health in Construction

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