2023 AEC
July 31–August 3, 2023
Raising the Voice of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Workforce
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s (NEHA) 86th Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition continued our longstanding tradition of providing innovative content to meet the varying needs of attendees with in-person and virtual options. The 2023 AEC took place July 31–August 3 in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana, and virtually. Over 1,300 environmental health professionals participated in the AEC, with nearly 1,200 people gathering in New Orleans and 150 people engaging virtually. Attendees gathered to amplify best practices, innovations, solutions, and research to share the voice of our often-unseen profession.
Dr. Maureen Lichtveld, dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, opened up the conference on Monday, July 31, with an impactful presentation on the integral role of environmental health in multiple facets of public health and health systems. Dr. Lichtveld specifically addressed some of the biggest concerns in public health today including infectious disease, extreme heat, food and water security, poor air quality, and the role environmental health professionals must play in raising awareness and increasing knowledge to create impactful solutions. She closed out her presentation with a call to action for environmental health professionals to work together with various partners to use data and research to create meaningful changes in our communities.
The second day of the conference on Tuesday, August 1, began with the first Grand Educational Session Kickoff—A Rodent Symposium: Effective Communications, Control Practices, and Utilizing Resources. The session was led by Dr. Claudia Riegel, director of the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board. Dr. Riegel stressed the importance of breaking down silos between departments and organizations to improve cooperation and generate new ideas.
During the lunch hour, Dr. Umair Shah, secretary of health for the Washington State Board of Health, joined Dr. David Dyjack, our executive director, for the first Sound Check—An Honest Discussion on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Workforce and Leadership During Times of Change. The second day of the conference ended with Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, U.S. Army (Ret.), who delivered a powerful and engaging keynote address on leadership. He spoke candidly with attendees about effective leadership and communication, particularly during emergencies.
Day three of the conference on Wednesday, August 2, began with the second Grand Educational Session Kickoff—The Conundrum of Food Safety Culture: Breaking Through Barriers to Drive Improvement. Dr. Dyjack moderated the panel discussion on the food safety culture in the private sector with executive leadership from Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Topgolf. During the lunch hour, Dr. Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, led an emotional conversation about his 30-year journey of educating and advocating for food safety after the devastating loss of his young son, Riley. This journey is featured in the Netflix documentary, Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food.
Finally, the 2023 AEC came to an end on Thursday, August 3, with an exciting presentation from Frank Yiannas, founder of FY Smarter Solutions and prior deputy commissioner of Food Safety and Response at the Food and Drug Administration. The presentation focused on creating a safer, smarter, and more transparent food system.
Over 250 educational sessions, preconference workshops, and meetings were held at the 2023 AEC. Of these events, over 80 were available to the virtual audience. More than 350 speakers shared their expertise to full rooms and virtual attendees throughout the conference. The Exhibit Hall was filled with exhibitors from various industries or organizations who showcased their innovative products and services designed to improve the job functions and performance of environmental health professionals.
During a time when many organizations have moved away from offering virtual conference options, we decided to continue the hybrid conference format. This format enables attendees with budget, travel, or staffing limitations the option to participate virtually. In total, 150 attendees participated virtually from 35 different states. Each virtual attendee was able to view live streamed sessions and network in real time within the virtual platform.
The Raising Your Voice Networking Event proved to be a highlight for many in-person attendees with live music, local tarot card readings, Mardi Gras characters, and Cajun cuisine. The event brought together 800 attendees who reconnected with old friends and made new connections.
We thank our attendees, members, board, technical advisors, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and staff who participated and contributed to the success of the 2023 AEC. We hope to see you next year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the 2024 AEC.
NEHA 2023 AEC Wrap-Up | PDF
NEHA 2023 AEC Video Montage |