The 68th annual Governor’s Conference was a resounding success. Over 1600 people were on site at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center to gather, network and learn about the latest tools, technologies and strategies in workplace safety and health.
Opening remarks by Board President James Tieken and L&I Director Joes Sacks welcomed the attendees, speakers and guests. Local Komo 4 News Anchor Denise Whitaker presented lifesaving awards to 43 recipients. Keynote speaker Dr. Todd Conklin kicked off the conference with a power presentation on the Human Performance View of Safety Management.
More than 130 speakers and panel members brought new ideas and strategies on topics from Transforming Safety Culture, to Safety for Frontline Workers and Why and How Suicide Prevention is the Next Frontier in Safety. Over 80 class sessions were filled to capacity and attendees described their sessions as effective, engaging and valuable.
There was excitement on hand from the Pole Top Rescue competitors as they demonstrated their expert rescue techniques. Congratulations to the team at Elmhurst Mutual Power & Light who placed first in the competition. The exhibit hall was buzzing with 91 exhibitors sharing their newest equipment and services, a texting maze bringing to light the dangers of distracted texting, a networking lounge and the debut of the Exhibitor Showcase where live demonstrations on were held on stage and great prizes were raffled off to attendees.
