AIHA Connect 2025: Shaping the Future of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
This year’s AIHA Connect will bring together OEHS professionals for expert-led sessions, hands-on training, safety innovations, and keynotes on neurodiversity and resilience—all aimed at building safer, stronger workplaces.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- May 01, 2025
Safety professionals from around the world will gather at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO, from May 19 to 21 for AIHA Connect 2025 (aihaconnect.org). The event will focus on professional development, networking, and advancements in occupational and environmental health and safety.
Attendees will participate in educational sessions, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. They will gain practical insights through expert-led sessions and explore new technologies and services on the expo floor. More than 150 exhibitor booths will showcase products aimed at improving safety practices, including new exhibitors presenting solutions to common industry challenges.
CONFERNCE AND EXPO
The conference will begin with Professional Development Courses (PDCs) from May 16 to 18, with additional sessions following on May 22. These courses, led by industry experts, will help attendees build technical knowledge and practical skills for the modern workplace.
From May 19 to 21, attendees will have access to a variety of Education Sessions, including lectures, problem-solving workshops, and interactive activities. Sessions will address niche topics in industrial hygiene and occupational health. Research Roundups will pair case studies with scientific presentations to provide insights into real-world applications and new research findings.
General Sessions will take place on Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon, featuring keynote speakers and recognizing the achievements of professionals within the field. Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in interactive learning activities such as demonstrations, mock interviews, speed networking, and presentations on the AIHA Main Stage. Pop-Up Education Sessions will offer practical insights and wellness activities in open areas of the convention center.
Students and early-career professionals will be actively involved, with Student Presentations highlighting academic research and Poster Sessions showcasing innovative projects from OEHS professionals. Learning Pavilion Sessions, hosted by industry partners, will focus on research, technology, and case studies relevant to current challenges.
On the expo floor, Exhibitor Innovation Station Sessions will give exhibitors a platform to present their latest products and solutions. These brief presentations will directly address the needs of industrial hygienists and EHS professionals.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
AIHA Connect 2025 is set to feature two keynote speakers who will address critical aspects of diversity in the workplace. David Finch and Evy Poumpoura will share their insights, aiming to inspire industrial hygiene and safety professionals to take innovative approaches to their work.
On Monday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET David Finch will present Harnessing the Power of a Neurodiverse Workforce. Finch is an accomplished , author, engineer, and neurodiversity advocate He will discuss the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, not only as an inclusion effort but as a strategic advantage.
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2008, Finch has firsthand experience navigating both personal and professional challenges associated with neurodivergence. His journey began after recognizing the impact of ASD traits on his marriage, leading to a process of self-discovery that transformed his relationships and approach to work.
Drawing on his professional background in semiconductor engineering, software development, and Fortune 500 marketing, Finch will present practical strategies for managing neurodiverse teams. He will discuss how to leverage the unique talents of neurodivergent employees and create supportive environments that maximize their contributions.
According to Finch, virtually every workplace with more than two employees could be considered neurodiverse. His keynote will explore how to effectively manage this diversity and unlock the potential of gifted employees who may approach tasks differently.
Wednesday, May 21 | 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. The closing keynote speaker is Evy Poumpoura and her presentation will focus on Bulletproof Strategies for Leading FearlesslyShe is the law enforcement contributor for NBC and an adjunct professor at the City University of New York—two roles in which communication skills are obviously important. However, her ability to communicate effectively was just as necessary in her previous careers as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent.
As someone who broke glass ceilings in a male-dominated field, former Secret Service special agent Evy Poumpouras demonstrates how anyone can move beyond self-doubt to a mindset of strength and resilience. In this talk, she shares valuable methods for harnessing solution-based thinking at work and every day and filtering out the noise to lead and solve problems effectively.
Evy Poumpouras wrote in an email to AIHA’ blog SynergistNOW (www.aiha.org/blog) that her AIHA Connect 2025 closing keynote will not be “centered solely on the job” but “focused on people.” That is, although being an OEHS professional requires a great deal of technical skill, it is still ultimately based on interpersonal relationships. “Regardless of the task at hand, it is people you need to learn, understand, and deal with so that you can make things happen,” Poumpouras wrote. “You are in the business of people. Period. If you can master that, you can master anything.”
Poumpouras stresses how important it is for leaders to master emotional intelligence, enhance mental fortitude, and break through diminishing thought patterns and self-doubt, while providing audience members powerful tools to add to their arsenal as they look to lead themselves and their people to conquering short- and long-term challenges.
Both keynotes aim to provide attendees with new perspectives that will help them foster work environments that not only prioritize diversity in the workforce but also embrace leadership and continuous improvement.
ACTIVITIES & WELLNESS
In addition to educational programming, AIHA Connect 2025 will promote wellness and community engagement. The AIHF Fun Run/Walk will be held both in-person and virtually, allowing attendees to support OEHS professionals while staying active. Health and Wellness Pop-Ups will include morning yoga sessions and an evening session on Tuesday.
The Nexus Lounge will be available from May 19 to 20, offering Lessons in Leadership sessions designed for students and early-career professionals. This space will provide opportunities to connect with mentors and learn from industry leaders.
Attendees can also take advantage of the Dine and Dash option, which allows them to pre-purchase lunch and enjoy a quick meal without missing networking opportunities. Options will include dishes like Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Alfredo, and Jackfruit Plates.
With sessions ranging from technical training to wellness activities, and offerings tailored to students, early-career professionals, and industry veterans alike, AIHA Connect 2025 reflects the diverse needs of today’s OEHS workforce. As the profession grows, AIHA Connect 2025 is clearly aiming to offer attendees an opportunity to develop their skills, build professional connections, explore the latest advancements, and help shape the future of safety and health.
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.