Insightful Keyote Speakers...
All Keynotes take place at the Orange County Convention Center - Valencia Ballroom.

Monday, September 16

Opening Session: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The "No Barriers" Life 

As a blind adventurer who climbed Mt. Everest and kayaked the Grand Canyon, Erik understands better than most that barriers are real, not merely perceived, and that obstacles encountered can either stop us in our tracks, or we can figure out a way to harness them and propel ourselves to new places.

He will take audiences on a journey to discover the tools and insights to develop what he calls the “No Barriers Mindset,” what it takes for individuals, teams, and organizations to turn into the storm, convert challenges into greatness, and reach for nearly impossible goals.

Campbell Institute Forum: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Driving Change: SIF Model in Action

Join us for a dynamic forum where industry experts will showcase NSC's Serious Incident and Fatality (SIF) prevention model. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into the practical application of this innovative approach. Learn how NSC collaborated with an organization to develop and implement a tailored strategy, measure its impact, and incorporate feedback for continuous improvement. This forum is a must-attend for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic planning and execution capabilities, and for those interested in exploring new methodologies for driving organizational change and success.

Christopher Petrouski
Director Safety and Security
United States Steel

Tuesday, September 17

Occupational Keynote: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP 

Safety I and Safety II both focus on safety but they do so in opposite ways. Safety I looks to reduce and eliminate accidents by focusing on what goes wrong and minimizing those instances. In contrast, Safety II emphasizes what goes right and seeks to maximize those successes. The two models seem mutually exclusive. In this presentation, Tim and Corrie explore the differences, misunderstandings, and quarrels between these two schools of thought. They offer a way out and a way forward, where Safety I and Safety II are better together.

Keynote: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

What Can We Agree On? Psychologically Safe Workplaces

What can we agree on when it comes to work environments in which everyone can succeed and thrive? Which approaches increase the likelihood of keeping employees, customers and partners psychologically safe? How can we navigate the charged environment that surrounds the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion? These are some of the questions we’ll explore during this dynamic, interactive session. First, you’ll hear from Scott Hoesman and Nakia J. Green of inQUEST Consulting. Together, they have more than 25 years of experience creating impactful and results-oriented “workplaces that work … for everyone.” Next, a panel of representatives from NSC member employers will discuss the current landscape and how their organizations are progressing. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to formulate and share actions you can take back to your workplace to enhance psychological safety.

Keynote: 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Safety as a Core Value

Hear from about the safety challenges currently facing American workplaces and the opportunities for employers and safety professionals to work together to increase the culture of safety in the United States. When safety is understood as a core business value, needed stakeholders come together to brainstorm and implement occupational safety solutions to eliminate injuries and fatalities in workplaces. Following the keynote, there will be press available for members of the media in attendance. 

Wednesday, September 18

Closing Keynote: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The Future of Human-Robot Interaction

Robots are coming and they’re getting smarter, evolving from single-task devices (think Roomba) into machines that can make their own decisions and autonomously navigate public spaces. From transportation systems, hospitals, and the military, to the robotization of our workplaces and households, robots will be everywhere and will increasingly interact with people. Whether you find it exhilarating or terrifying (or both), progress in robotics and related fields like AI raises new ethical quandaries and challenges legal codes created for a world in which a sharp line separates man from machine. Drawing from her recent work exploring humans’ emotional responses to robots, Dr. Kate Darling answers questions like:

• What happens when robots move from behind factory walls into shared spaces and begin interacting with humans?
• What opportunities and challenges should we anticipate in the future of human-robot interaction?
• Where does the true potential of AI and robotics lie, and will robots supplement human ability, or replace it?
• Why do people treat robots like living things, and why does that matter?
• What can and can’t robots and AI do? What societal challenges will we face in a future with robots (ethical, legal, and social)?

Dr. Darling examines why people fear some robots and empathize with others, while also prompting—and answering—questions about what society’s relationship with these robots could look like in the future. What follows is in part an examination of the technology itself, but ultimately, offers a window into how it’s poised to change the way we relate to each other and our own humanity—and why it matters.