Everything You Need to Know about the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo

October 8, 2025 Monica Devlin Comments

NSC's annual flagship event that draws thousands of safety, health, and environmental professionals together just took place. The 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo happened in mid-September in Denver and is one of the most dynamic conferences in recent years. With hundreds of exhibitors, world-class keynote speakers, and over 150 educational sessions, it offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and explore the latest innovations in workplace safety. Whether you're attending for training, technology, or networking, this event is packed with value for professionals across every industry. Here's what you need to know.

Event Schedule and Format

The NSC Safety Congress & Expo stretches across nearly a full week, offering both professional development and expo experiences. Professional Development Seminars take place first, from September 12 through 14, providing in-depth training for safety leaders and professionals. The main Congress & Expo, held at the Colorado Convention Center, runs from September 15 to 17 and includes educational sessions, keynote addresses, and access to the expansive exhibit hall. A second round of seminars, scheduled for September 17 and 18, will conclude the event, offering attendees additional opportunities to delve deeper into core topics or earn continuing education credits in focused, hands-on formats.

Education Sessions and Credit Opportunities

This year's program includes more than 150 educational opportunities that earn Continuing Education Units. Options range from in-depth Professional Development Seminars to focused Technical Sessions, interactive Learning Labs, and small-group Safety Huddles on the show floor.

Topics encompass a wide range of safety concerns, including the prevention of serious injury and fatality, mental health in the workplace, risk assessment strategies, ergonomics, electrical safety, and the integration of AI and technology into EHS programs. Sessions are led by industry experts, researchers, and frontline professionals who bring real-world experience to the table. Many sessions are designed for immediate takeaways, offering tools and frameworks that attendees can apply to their own organizations right away.

The diversity of content ensures there's something for every level of experience, from new safety coordinators to veteran directors of EHS programs. Attendees can customize their learning path based on their role, interests, or certification goals, making the educational experience both practical and comprehensive.

Don't Miss These Keynotes

The keynote lineup spans from inspiration to strategy, offering a mix of personal storytelling, leadership insights, regulatory updates, and forward-thinking discussions on safety innovation, resilience, and organizational performance.

Chaunté Lowe, Olympian and breast cancer thriver, delivers an opening keynote on decision-making and resilience
At the Campbell Institute Forum, experts examine how protective standards can shift safety systems from reactive to proactive
Acting OSHA Assistant Secretary Amanda Wood Laihow takes on public safety accountability in a fireside chat with NSC leadership
Brian Fielkow, EVP of Risk Resources at Acrisure, asks how safety connects with business outcomes
The event closes with Chris Barton, inventor of Shazam, sharing how innovation is born from persistence

Explore the Expo Floor

The Expo will feature more than 1,000 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest in safety products and services. Additionally, the Safety Innovation Zone showcases new technology, and visitors can vote for their favorite booths as part of the “Best in Show” New Product Showcase. Winners are revealed during a keynote on September 16, 2025.

Stops worth noting:

NSC Central provides one-stop access to safety solutions and council resources
The Tech Pavilion brings tech-forward tools to the forefront
Safety+Health Magazine bears a booth where attendees can get an in-the-magazine experience
First Look Exhibitor Pavilion highlights first-time vendors and breakout innovations

Networking Opportunities & On-site Experiences

The congress is packed with ways to connect and take a break:

The Safety Huddle offers microlessons on the expo floor
The Wellness Lounge serves up quick wellness tools like oxygen bars and massage chairs
The Time Out Café blends meeting space with snacks and rest
Attendees can contribute to the Mosaic Wall, a communal art project that evolves over the course of the event

Pre- and Post-Conference Programs

Professional Development Seminars span September 12 through 14 and again after the Expo, from September 17 through 18. These sessions provide attendees with the opportunity to delve deeper into critical safety and health topics in a classroom-style setting, led by experienced instructors. The seminars encompass a diverse range of issues, including exam preparation for safety certifications, advanced risk assessment techniques, industrial hygiene fundamentals, leadership development, incident investigation methods, and compliance strategies for regulatory standards.

Many seminars are eligible for continuing education units and are designed to be interactive and solutions-focused. Whether you're new to safety or an experienced EHS leader, these seminars provide practical tools, frameworks, and templates that can be immediately applied on the job. Early registration is recommended as space is limited and many sessions fill quickly due to high demand from returning attendees looking to stay current and competitive in the field.