Can you tell that I love a good safety conference?
WISE is a safety-related group that I enjoy. For people who are you already familiar with WISE, here is some past history!
In June 2018, my annual safety conference (#Safety2018) of the American Society of Safety Professionals was underway in San Antonio, TX. The big news this year was that the final transition of the name change was approved and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) will become become the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).
Not to be outdone, Women in Safety Engineers (WISE), also changed their name to Women in Safety Excellence (WISE). #Safety 2018 kicked off with the WISE one-day retreat, which is open to any member. All attendees received a gift bag with the new WISE name and logo embroidered on the side filled with goodies and gifts from sponsors.
The meeting started off with breakfast and a welcome from Chairperson Kelly Bernish. Next, during attendee introductions each attendee was challenged to use one initial of their name to add an adjective to describe themselves. For example, Kelly was kind. Other attendees were jovial, knowledgeable, enthusiastic or learners.
There was a variety of speakers to fill the day and a yummy, healthy luncheon with extra time for networking. We were informed of the conference’s upcoming events and had a chance to meet with both the current and newly installed WISE officers. An opportunities to meet and then select a mentor was also provided.
During the next few days, who had attended the WISE retreat had a group of new friends to bump into at at the Conference and Exposition.
Later in the week, the members or any visitors could stop in at the WISE lounge to recharge their phones and themselves by networking, having refreshments, learn more about WISE, or obtaining reading material at the book swap. The lounge had a number of events scheduled including ever popular WISE personal protective equipment (PPE) fashion show.
WISE held an evening event at Howl at the Moon and featured singalongs and dancing. WISE members also wore special t-shirts and participated in the 5K walk/race. During #Safety 2018 many WISE members presented at sessions or acted as Ambassadors to guide attendees throughout the convention center.
and my advice is to aways sign up early!