Shebin Abraham, a seasoned Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professional, marks an impressive 20+ year career filled with multinational exposure and a diverse range of industry experience. He has worked with world’s major OHS Management systems.
October 16, 2023
If you’re an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professional, attending an OHS conference can be a game-changer for your career. These conferences, also known as OHSE seminars, OHS forums, OHS meetings, OHS conventions, or OHS conferences, offer a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions that can help you excel in your field. We will explore how you can make the most of your attendance at a health and safety conference, ensuring that you return home with valuable insights and connections.
Before you even step into the conference venue, it’s essential to define your objectives. What do you want to achieve from attending? Is it gaining expertise in specific OHS technologies, broadening your professional network across various industries, or finding solutions to workplace challenges and or new technologies? Having a clear purpose will help you make the most of your time at the event.
Familiarize yourself with the OHS conference agenda, speakers, and exhibitors. Identify sessions and speakers that align with your objectives. This preparation will enable you to prioritize your time, ensuring that you attend the most relevant sessions.
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Building connections is a significant part of any conference experience. Network with fellow attendees, including speakers, exhibitors, and peers. Exchange contact information and follow up after the event to nurture these connections, which could lead to collaborations or mentorship opportunities.
Explore the exhibition area to discover new products, technologies, and services that can enhance your OHS efforts. Engage with exhibitors to learn about innovations and potential solutions. The exhibition area is a treasure trove of practical information.
During sessions, keep detailed notes. Record key takeaways, actionable insights, and ideas for implementing what you’ve learned. These notes will be invaluable when you return to your workplace.
If the conference offers workshops or training sessions, consider participating. Hands-on learning can provide you with practical skills and knowledge that you can apply immediately.
Sharing valuable information or innovative solutions with your organization or colleagues can demonstrate the ROI of attending conferences. If your organization sponsors your attendance, this is an excellent way to showcase the value of your participation.
Make use of conference apps and social media to connect with other attendees, share insights, and stay updated on any schedule changes or updates. Technology can help you stay connected and informed throughout the event.
Conferences can be intense, so allocate time for breaks to recharge and reflect on what you’ve learned. Taking time to process information can help you better absorb and apply it.
After the conference, follow up with the new contacts you’ve made. Continued conversations can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or mentorship opportunities, which can significantly benefit your career.
Put the knowledge you’ve gained into practice. Develop action plans to apply new strategies, techniques, or insights in your workplace. This practical application is where the true value of conference attendance shines.
Continue to stay updated in your field by subscribing to industry publications, joining professional associations, and attending future OHS conferences.
Consider presenting at future conferences. Sharing your own experiences and expertise can establish you as a thought leader in the OHS field, further enhancing your professional reputation. Take the learning to your organisation to implement or educate your team members.
Finally, provide feedback to the conference organizers. Your input can help improve future events and make them even more valuable for OHS professionals like yourself.
Attending Occupational Health and Safety conferences is an opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with industry experts, and contribute to the OHS field. By setting clear objectives, actively engaging, and following the tips outlined in this blog, you can maximize your conference experience and return home with a wealth of knowledge and connections that will benefit both you and your organization. So, are you attending a Health and Safety Conference in the future? Make sure you make the most of it to propel your career in Occupational Health and Safety.
