50+ EHS Conferences to Attend (Virtually) in 2021
***UPDATE: Our list of 2023 EHS Conferences is now available.***
Each year we publish a list of the best EHS conferences to attend. Due to Covid, this year, many in-person events have been canceled or postponed. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to attend conferences virtually. This will help you stay on top of what’s happening in your field. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of over 50 EHS conferences and events. These cover topics like climate change, sustainability, occupational hygiene, leadership, and more.
January EHS Conferences
AGC Safety & Health Conference
Date: January 13-15, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “AGC’s Construction Safety & Health Conference is the industry’s foremost annual conference to hone in on the most critical safety and health compliance and risk issues impacting the business of construction. If your goal is protecting the safety and health of the men and women working in construction, this is the conference for you. The conference provides educational options for attendees through a mixture of plenary and breakout sessions which cover issues in three broad categories:
- Managing safety & health requirements and risk
- Factoring safety & health concerns into phases of a project
- Expanding your knowledge and skills”
WASTECON
Date: January 26-28, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “SWANA’s WASTECON® helps public sector solid waste directors and their management teams plan for sustainable futures for their communities.”
February EHS Conferences
ICWMET 2021: International Conference on Waste Management and Environmental Technology
Date: February 1-2, 2021
Location: Melbourne, Australia (Virtual)
Website description: “ICWMET 2021: 15. International Conference on Waste Management and Environmental Technology aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Waste Management and Environmental Technology. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Waste Management and Environmental Technology.”
GreenBiz 21
Date: February 9-11, 2021
Location: Online
Website description: “The sustainability profession is evolving, with new concerns and concepts emerging faster than ever. To keep up, you need to know the latest trends, tools and insights shaping your job and company today — and tomorrow. GreenBiz 21, the premier annual event for sustainable business leaders, will convene more than 1,500 professionals online — February 9-11. By joining this invitation-only event, you’ll form valuable connections with the GreenBiz community and gain access to more than 80 sessions — leaving you feeling inspired and prepared for a successful year ahead.”
SafetyFOCUS 2021
Date: February 8-19, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “SafetyFOCUS 2021 event is a multi-day, immersive learning experience that is unparalleled in the safety industry. It features more than 95 occupational safety and health courses designed to help you find solutions you can apply immediately at your organization.”
EUEC 2021: 24th Annual Energy, Utility & Environment Conference
Date: February 11-12, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “EUEC facilitates information exchange and fosters cooperation between industry, government, and regulatory stake-holders for the protection of our environment and energy security.”
25th Annual Ohio Energy Management Conference & Virtual Institute
Date: February 16-18, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “At the 25th Annual Ohio Energy Management Conference & Virtual Institute, you will obtain valuable information on the ‘market transformation, the rapid pace of change’ and how to better manage your energy costs. Among the features of the 2021 event is, again, a plethora of best practices and case studies from Ohio companies and their awarding-winning, leading-edge initiatives in energy reduction & efficiency.”
World Class SIF And HiPo Prevention
Date: February 17, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “Preventing serious injuries and fatalities (SIF) and high potential events (HiPo’s) is the core responsibility of all EHS professionals. Managing SIF and HiPo events is a complex and challenging task to accomplish when operating across borders and in contractor-heavy industries. Growing digitisation of the EHS function is offering new opportunities for SIF and HiPo prevention as new toolkits for data collection are driving deeper insights. Successful strategies will integrate new EHS technologies and be driven by shifting mindsets in SIF and HiPo causality. By attending the Verdantix event you will get wide-ranging insights from safety leaders, technology experts and Verdantix analysts on the next and best practices to preventing SIF and HiPo events.”
North Dakota Safety Council’s 48th Annual Safety & Health Conference
Date: February 22-25, 2021
Location: Bismarck, ND / Virtual
Website description: “For those of you who attended the event in the past, you might not recognize it! The 2021 event will be a unique hybrid event, meaning it will include IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL training options plus a VIRTUAL VENDOR SHOW… Though the event will look and feel completely different, the one thing that will stay the same is the exceptional training opportunities! In fact, we’re bringing back some of the most requested speakers from the past 5 years, including Bob McCall, Ron Gantt and Roco Rescue. New speakers will include some of the most sought-after speakers in the safety network, including Regina McMichael, Camille Oakes and Tom Cecich.”
March EHS Conferences
2021 Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo
Date: March 1-3, 2021
Location: Indianapolis, IN / Virtual
Website description: “The 2021 Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo is filled with need-to-know training to keep your employees and colleagues safe on the job site.”
United Scientific Group 5th International Conference on Fossil & Renewable Energy
Date: March 1-3, 2021
Location: Houston, TX
Website description: “F&R Energy-2021 will feature a blend of engaging speakers to discuss new trends, stay up to date with the latest advancements in energy, to share your challenges and to hear about solutions from industry leaders. It is a three-day event which features energy experts, academicians, business executives and engineers to showcase recent trends, strategies and challenges of energy systems. It creates a platform to focus on advancing new energy paradigms for energy systems and global energy issues. F&R Energy-2021 program is an assemblage of inspirational Plenary and keynote addresses, top-notch educational sessions, interactive panels and networking events.”
NSC Congress & Expo
Date: March 1-5, 2021 (Rescheduled from 2020)
Location: Virtual
Website description: “The NSC Congress & Expo is the world’s largest annual “must attend” event for safety, health and environmental professionals. For more than 100 years, professionals have turned to this safety conference for industry-leading technology, education, networking opportunities and the tried and true products and services needed to stay at the forefront and remain competitive within the industry.”
AWWA Sustainable Water Management Conference
Date: March 7-10, 2021
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website description: “The 2021 Sustainable Water Management Conference will bring together water sector organizations and professionals to discuss all aspects of resilient and efficient water management. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for managing water resources, source water protection, sustainable utility planning, analyzing the costs and benefits of water conservation, and exploring alternative water sources including stormwater and reuse.”
WM2021: Reducing Risk Through Sound Technical Solutions
Date: March 7-11, 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Website description: “WM2021 will feature topics that speak to the challenges and key actions of 2020 with discussions of lessons learned during the pandemic and resuming operations post-pandemic. A comprehensive and dynamic program is being developed surrounding the theme Reducing Risk through Sound Technical Solutions as we explore hot topics from around the world.”
NAEM EHS Operational Excellence Conference
Date: March 10, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “Learn how to sustain EHS during times of business interruption. There has never been a more important time to connect with other EHS&S professionals and hear from industry leaders how they are sustaining operational excellence. Attend NAEM’s one-day virtual conference for strategies on how to meet management objectives and reduce risk during a time of crisis.”
Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2021
Date: March 10-11, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “The 2021 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC21), sponsored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, helps businesses keep their workforce safe, healthy and productive. This year we’re offering online learning sessions and a digital expo, allowing participants to learn remotely and chat virtually with presenters and exhibitors. Individuals with an interest in occupational safety and health, wellness, rehabilitation and workers’ compensation are encouraged to attend.”
36th International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management
Date: March 14-27, 2021
Location: Annapolis, MD / Virtual
Website description: “The International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management is an annual conference where researchers, educators, government officials, consultants, managers, community leaders and others meet to present and discuss topics related to all aspects of solid waste technology and management.”
Florida Chamber Safety Council Annual Conference & Expo
Date: March 29-31, 2021
Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL
Website description: “Join us March 29-31, 2021 as Safety, Health, and Sustainability leaders convene to share the latest data/research, industry benchmarks and best practices for the EHS industry. Take advantage of professional development opportunities and network with peers across industries who share a passion for safety, health, and sustainability as a competitive business advantage. Registration will open soon!”
The Responsible Business Summit New York 2021
Date: March 2021 (TBD)
Location: New York, NY
Website description: “The Responsible Business Summit New York 2021 is dedicated to best practices, ideas and strategies on sustainable business issues as well as business sustainability commitments on the environment, climate change and supply chains. The Responsible Business Summit New York 2021 brings together attendees from sustainability, communications, procurement and innovation departments as well as investors, NGOs, Governmental bodies and academics.”
April EHS Conferences
50th Annual New Hampshire Safety & Health Conference
Date: April 6-7, 2021
Location: Nashua, NH
Website description: ”It’s the 50th year of the New Hampshire Safety & Health Conference! Join us as we celebrate this milestone with motivating keynote speakers, over 20 different breakout sessions, a huge vendor hall with the latest in safety products and services, peer networking, sponsorship opportunities and Continuing Education Credits!”
91st Annual Michigan Safety Conference
Date: April 13-14, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: ”The Michigan Safety Conference is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the improvement of workplace safety and health practices in the State of Michigan. It provides participants with quality workplace health and safety education through an annual conference that attracts one of the highest attendance ratings, by safety professionals, in the nation.”
Safety in Action 2021
Date: April 14-16, 2021
Location: Orlando, FL
Website description: Not available
2021 Wisconsin Safety Council Annual Conference
Date: April 19-21, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “The 2021 Wisconsin Safety Council Annual Conference will take place Monday – Wednesday, April 19-21, 2021. Monday will consist of day-long Professional Development Courses. Tuesday and Wednesday, April 20-21, will be broken into approximately 56+ technical sessions. Our conference consistently draws over 1,200 professionals, 200+ exhibitors and 500+ vendor reps.”
NSC Northeast Safety Conference & Expo
Date: April 28-30, 2021
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Website description: “The 2021 NSC Northeast Safety Conference & Expo is a three day regional where you can connect with other safety professionals from your area, explore new products and services from over 100 exhibiting companies and learn from leading industry experts.”
May EHS Conferences
Iowa-Illinois Safety Council 68th Annual Professional Development Conference & Expo
Date: May 5-7, 2021
Location: Coralville, IA
Website description: “Iowa-Illinois Safety Council’s Annual Professional Development Conference and Expo (PDC) brings together Safety, Health, and Environmental professionals from Illinois, Iowa, and even nationwide! IISC’s PDC is unique to Illinois and Iowa and continues to meet the needs of SHE professionals.”
A&WMA Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology Conference
Date: May 11-13, 2021
Location: San Diego, CA
Website description: “One of our most popular specialty conferences, the Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology Conference, returns in 2021 with its extensive coverage of all aspects of air measurement methodologies including associated quality assurance protocols and how to use and interpret data. Sessions will also focus on current hot topics including emerging contaminants such as PFAS, low-cost sensors, next generation emissions monitoring (NGEM), and airborne measurements to assess impacts from wildfires. This conference features a vendor exhibit with 30 booths, courses, a reception, and plenty of networking opportunities. Make your plans to be a part of the premier conference on this evolving topic.”
11th International Conference on Sustainable Water Resources Management: Effective Approaches for River Basins and Urban Catchments
Date: May 18-20, 2021
Location: Milan, Italy
Website description: “The 11th International Conference on Sustainable Water Resources Management will present recent technological and scientific developments, associated with the management of surface and sub-surface water resources and also the river basin management methodologies.”
2021 NSC Southern Safety Conference & Expo
Date: May 19-21, 2021
Location: New Orleans, LA
Website description: “The 2021 NSC Southern Safety Conference & Expo is a three day event for safety professionals in the Southern Gulf Coast looking to improve safety in their organization. Whether you are new to the field of safety or an experienced safety professional, you’ll find plenty of educational and networking opportunities as well as a chance to explore new products on the Expo floor.”
6th International Conference on Water and Society
Date: May 19-21, 2021
Location: Milan, Italy
Website description: “The Water and Society Conference is to be reconvened in 2021 following the success of the previous meetings, the first of which was held in Las Vegas in 2011, followed by a meeting in 2013 in the New Forest, UK, home to the Wessex Institute; La Coruna, Spain (2015), Seville, Spain (2017) and Valencia, Spain (2019).”
EWRI Congress: Planning a Resilient Future Along America’s Freshwaters
Date: May 23-26, 2021
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Website description: “Attendees at the EWRI Congress in Milwaukee will have the opportunity to share their research on issues affecting the environment and the policies relating to water resources. As a water community, we will focus on using our existing knowledge, combined with fresh ideas to maximize resources and develop best practices as we strive for a healthy future environment.”
NECA Safety Professionals Conference
Date: May 23-26, 2021
Location: Nashville, TN
Website description: “NECA Safety Professionals Conference will offer new presentations based on current trends along with important regulatory and code updates. As always, this event is a great time to network with other safety professionals in the electrical industry.”
AIHceEXP 2021
Date: May 24-26, 2021
Location: Dallas, TX
Website description: “The American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHce EXP) is the premier destination for IH/OH professionals to share new ideas and learn strategies needed to protect worker health.”
NAEM Software, Innovation & Technology Showcase
Date: May 25-27, 2021
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Website description: “Explore EHS and sustainability software systems and see the latest EHS&S technology and innovations. Please note: We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. As of now, we are planning on hosting this conference in person, but will only do so if it is safe for our attendees, speakers and staff.”
June EHS Conferences
ASSP Safety 2021
Date: June 6-9, 2021
Location: Denver, CO
Website description: “For more than 50 years, the ASSP’s Professional Development Conference has been and will continue to be the direct reflection of what is taking place in the occupational, safety and health industry.”
A&WMA Annual Conference 2021
Date: June 14-17, 2021
Location: Orlando, FL
Website description: “Returning to Orlando after 10 years, ACE 2021 will unite professionals from major industry, private sector, consulting, government and education for an exciting event that will explore the ever-expanding environmental challenges and provide solutions to becoming and remaining resilient for tomorrow. This is an ideal opportunity for professionals to share their knowledge to advance the industry, and for environmental companies to showcase their products, services, and solutions with professionals motivated to build a more resilient and sustainable world.”
ICWMET 2021: International Conference on Waste Management and Environmental Technology
Date: June 24-25, 2021
Location: Paris, France (Virtual)
Website description: “ICWMET 2021: 15. International Conference on Waste Management and Environmental Technology aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Waste Management and Environmental Technology. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Waste Management and Environmental Technology.”
Tennessee Safety & Health Conference
Date: June 30-July 2, 2021
Location: Nashville, TN
Website description: “Since 1977, our conference has been a joint venture between the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), offering an agenda of knowledge and expertise that can be used for the promotion, increased awareness, and implementation of safety and health practices in the workplace.”
July EHS Conferences
Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) 2021
Date: July 12-14, 2021
Location: Boston, MA
Website description: “The Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) is the only organization focused entirely on serving EHS professionals in higher education. Our most vital function and overall purpose is to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas, methods, and information to improve the EHS profession in campus environments. Please join us for our 68th Annual Conference July 12-14, 2021 at The Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in Boston, MA.”
NAEM Women’s Leadership Roundtable
Date: July 13-15, 2021
Location: Denver, Colorado
Website description: “NAEM’s Women’s Leadership Roundtable is the only conference that helps women working in corporate EHS & Sustainability become better business leaders, excellent communicators and strong influencers in order to advance their EHS&S business initiatives and reach their career goals. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. As of now, we are planning on hosting this conference in person, but will only do so if it is safe for our attendees, speakers and staff.”
August EHS Conferences
AWWA/WEF The Utility Management Conference
Date: August 3-6, 2021
Location: Atlanta, GA
Website description: “Over the past three decades, members of AWWA and WEF have established The Utility Management Conference™ as one of the leading, most informative, and most prestigious management conferences available.”
NAEM Sustainability Impact Conference
Date: August 25, 2021
Location: Virtual
Website description: “This conference uniquely offers tools for business leaders who have the responsibility for overseeing and executing their organization’s sustainability strategies. Learn the most impactful practices from sustainability leaders who have successfully gotten buy-in from senior leaders, engaged internal stakeholders, and overcome key management challenges.”
2021 Safety+ Symposium
Date: August 30-September 3, 2021
Location: Nashville, TN
Website description: “An integrated health and safety management symposium presented by VPPPA.”
September EHS Conferences
29th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution 2021
Date: September 7-9, 2021
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Website description: “Air Pollution 2021 is the 29th Annual Meeting in the successful series of international conferences organised by the Wessex Institute dealing with Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution. The meetings in this series have discussed and considered many important air pollution issues and the international nature of the attendees has ensured that the conference findings and conclusions enjoy wide and rapid dissemination amongst the air pollution science and policy communities. Air pollution issues remain one of the most challenging problems facing the international community. The series has demonstrated the wide-spread nature of the air pollution phenomena and has explored in depth their impacts on human health and the environment.”
Great Plains Safety and Health Organization 18th Annual Safety and Wellness Summit
Date: September 30, 2021
Location: Kearney, NE
Website description: “Join us for the 18th Annual Safety & Wellness Summit – the region’s premier event for safety and wellness education. This year’s conference will be the best yet – the lineup of keynote and breakout sessions is outstanding with both local and national speakers providing information on all of the latest safety and wellness topics. The exhibit hall will also be packed with vendors, free stuff and chances to win prizes!”
October EHS Conferences
Atmospheric Optics: Aerosols, Visibility, and the Radiative Balance
Date: October 5-8, 2021
Location: Bryce Canyon, UT
Website description: “This international conference will provide a technical forum on advances in the scientific understanding of the effects of aerosols on urban, regional, continental, and global-scale haze and the radiative balance. The conference will take a multipronged approach by encouraging scientific dialogue (e.g., related to measurements, modeling) as well as including presentations addressing regulatory and policy issues.“
9th International Conference on Energy and Sustainability
Date: October 6-8, 2021
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Website description: “Energy and Sustainability 2021 is the 9th International Conference in a very successful series which started in the New Forest, UK, home of the Wessex Institute in 2007; followed by meetings in Bologna (2009); Alicante (2011); Budapest (2013); Kuala Lumpur (2014); Medellin, Colombia (2015); Seville (2017) and Coimbra (2019).”
2021 NSC Congress & Expo
Date: October 11-13, 2021
Location: Orlando, FL
Website description: “For more than 100 years, safety, health and environmental professionals have turned to this safety event for industry-leading technology, education, networking opportunities and the tried and true products and services needed to stay at the forefront and remain competitive within the industry. We are excited to offer the NSC Safety Congress & Expo virtually while also prioritizing the safety of stakeholders during this pandemic environment.”
A&WMA MEGA Symposium
Date: October 19-20, 2021
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Website description: “The A&WMA MEGA Symposium will examine the various perspectives on electric power issues as the industry transitions to a cleaner footprint with advanced, cost-effective and reliable energy solutions. Challenges and opportunities will be discussed for new technologies such as renewables and batteries, traditional fossil-based power generation, and the intersection of new and existing energy sources.”
94th Annual Maine Safety Conference
Date: October 19-21, 2021
Location: Augusta, ME
Website description: “The Maine Safety & Health Conference features motivating keynote speakers, over 20 different breakout sessions on timely safety topics, a Virtual Vendor Hall with the latest in safety products and services, online peer networking, Sponsorship opportunities and Continuing Education Credits!”
NAEM 2021 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum
Date: October 19-22, 2021
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Website description: “NAEM’s EHS & Sustainability Management Forum is the must-attend EHS&S conference of the year, drawing 700+ EHS&S decision-makers. Join your peers from leading companies, get exposed to new ideas, and come away energized and ready to implement what you’ve learned.”
November EHS Conferences
NSC Southeast Conference & Expo
Date: November 10-12, 2021
Location: Charleston, SC
Website description: “The NSC Southeast Conference & Expo is a NEW regional event coming to Charleston, South Carolina. If you are a a safety professional from the Southeast looking for an affordable way to improve safety in your organization, you won’t want to miss this new event. The NSC Southeast Conference & Expo will offer a variety of educational and networking opportunities and a chance to view new products on the Expo floor. You are guaranteed to leave inspired with new ideas and insights to improve your company’s safety program.”
December EHS Conferences
2021 UTA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference
Date: December 14-15, 2021
Location: Houston, TX
Website description: “The purpose of the 2021 UTA Oil & Gas Conference is to foster the missions of both the Oil and Gas OSHA Safety and Health Conference and the Environmental Conference. The conference is a collaboration between UTA, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH and industry. The conference will bring together key decision makers within management and executive positions to cultivate a better understanding of how industry and regulators can work together.”
TBD
2021 EHS Congress
Date: TBD
2021 Safety Leadership Conference
Date: TBD
ASSP 2021 Leadership Conference
Date: TBD
Website description: “Volunteer leaders are critical to ASSP’s success, our many member communities and the occupational safety and health (OSH) industry in general. That’s why we invest in opportunities like this conference — complete with networking, leadership training, and team-building and problem-solving sessions — to enhance your success both with ASSP and in your careers.”
ASSP Future Safety Leaders Conference
Date: TBD
Location: Virtual
Website description: “Instead of the standard two-day live in-person event, we are hosting future safety leaders programming virtual events both students and emerging professionals beginning in November through March 2021. These events include mock interview with top companies like Amazon, Grainger and Liberty Mutuals, and sponsor-led roundtables, sessions about kickstarting your career, and more. Be sure to visit our page regularly for updates on our programming over the next few months.”
BLR Safety Virtual Event
Date: Self-paced
Location: Virtual
Website description: “Practicing social distancing is a must in the era of COVID-19. But education is more important than ever, so we’re offering Safety Virtual Event to provide the same great content you have come to expect from BLR. Safety Virtual Event provides the opportunity to earn valuable CEUs and receive the same great educational sessions—all from the comfort of home or your office with an easy-to-use digital platform!”
Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference
Date: TBD
Website description: “This event takes a fresh, regional approach to the increasingly difficult task of environmental compliance, permitting, enforcement, and other critical environmental issues that impact Midwest facilities and institutions. MECC is hosted by state business and manufacturing associations and supported by US EPA and state Agencies.”
Minnesota Safety & Health Conference
Date: TBD
Nebraska Safety & Health Summit
Date: TBD
Website description: “The National Safety Council, Nebraska Safety & Health Summit is one of the Midwest’s largest annual “must attend” events for safety, health, human resources, and environmental professionals.”
Utah Safety Conference & Expo
Date: TBD
Next Steps
Now that you have read this list, make sure to come back periodically to check for updates. Additionally, you can bookmark this page for easier access.