VPPPA Ends 40th Anniversary of Safety+ Symposium

The VPPPA Safety+ 2024 Symposium was held for the 40th time and brought together security professionals from various industries.

• By David Kopf
• Sep 3, 2024

The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) concluded its 40th annual Safety+ Symposium, held August 25-28 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. The groundbreaking event brought together safety professionals from across industries with a shared mission to create safer workplaces.

This year’s symposium built on a forty-year tradition and included a comprehensive programme of workshops, sessions and networking events designed to equip occupational health and safety professionals with the tools they need to protect their workplaces.

Workshops at the symposium covered a wide range of security topics, offering both basic and advanced insights. Sessions included in-depth analyses of incident investigations, storytelling in a culture of safety, and the impact of evolving marijuana laws on workplace safety. Educational content was tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by security professionals, providing participants with actionable strategies to implement in their own organizations.

The exhibition hall, which officially opened with a grand reception on Sunday, August 25, brought together more than 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), safety technologies and ergonomic solutions. The exhibition provided attendees with the opportunity to experience new products and solutions, as well as network with industry leaders and peers.

The keynote presentations were the highlight of the event, with speakers providing inspiration and insight into workplace safety. On Monday, August 26, Ben Nemtin, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, gave the keynote address on overcoming challenges and pursuing personal and professional goals. The symposium concluded with a keynote from six-time Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken Rouen, who shared her story of pushing boundaries, encouraging security professionals to do the same in their work.

Networking was a key focus at the 2024 VPPPA Security+ Symposium, with many opportunities for attendees to network and build lasting relationships. Events such as the Grand Opening Reception in the Expo Hall, the Regional Annual Meeting of the Membership, and the Closing Night Reception provided a relaxed atmosphere for security professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate to improve security practices.

Attendees of this year’s Safety+ Symposium left the 40th edition enriched with new insights, contacts and a renewed commitment to safety in the workplace.