Call for Proposals

This is your invitation to shape the future of safety. For over a century, the National Safety Council has led the industry. In 2026, we're building on that legacy by uniting three premier events—the Future of EHS, the HOP Summit and the NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo—into the all-new NSC Safety Summit.

We invite you to contribute your expertise to the professional development of safety professionals of all levels by submitting a proposal to speak at the NSC Safety Summit in Baltimore, May 6-8, 2026. Submissions are being accepted for technical sessions and professional development seminars and mini presentations on the expo floor.   

Professional Development Seminars

Seminars are in-depth classroom style courses presented in a half or full day that provide knowledge-building and career-advancing opportunities. Seminars will be held prior to the Conference & Expo. Attendees must pre-register for these courses. Speakers, if selected will be paid a presentation fee and reimbursed for expenses to be outlined in a contract once selected.

Breakout Sessions

Sessions are 60 minutes long and organized into tracks by OHS topic. They can be presented as a traditional lecture, panel discussion, or roundtable format. Submissions should either provide evidence-based guidance and information or illustrate the use of technology to mitigate a specific risk and appeal to safety professionals of all levels. Panel discussions must include a maximum of four presenters, and all presenters must be clearly listed in the initial submission.

Mini Sessions

Mini Sessions are 30-45 minute, interactive presentations offering quick and timely insights on a hot topic. Designed to provide essential information in a flash, these focused sessions will be conveniently located on the Expo Floor.  

Proposal Guidelines

  • Submit your proposal via the online application by Friday, November 14, 2025
  • Presenters must be available to present in person on May 6-8, 2026
  • Detail learning objectives and past speaking experience in your proposal
  • International submissions should focus on universal safety topics
  • NSC does not endorse or lobby for commercial products for specific legislation. Speakers are not permitted to sell, promote or give significant exposure to any company or organization's materials. This applies to all advertising or informational literature in or adjacent to meeting rooms. 
  • Proposals should not be a sales pitch and will not be considered. If you are an exhibitor or consultant, we strongly recommend presenting with a customer. 
  • If selected, each speaker will receive a complimentary badge for the Full Conference & Expo. Access to the Professional Development Seminars requires a separate fee. 
  • Speakers will not be reimbursed for any hotel or travel expenses incurred.
  • Speakers must sign a speaker agreement upon acceptance of the proposal

Topical Submission Guide

Proposals are to be submitted under the following subject tracks. Case studies, research and personal stories will be considered. 

Programs and processes that facilitate S&H reporting, metrics, analysis, incident learning, organizational learning, audits, program review, and S&H professional development.

The Future of EHS track will explore how innovation, technology, and the evolving workforce needs are reshaping safety and health. Sessions will highlight emerging trends like AI, technology solutions to prevent workplace injuries, Serious Incident and Fatalities (SIF), and other human-centered strategies that are transforming the EHS landscape. Attendees will gain practical insights and tools to prepare their organizations for enhanced workplace.

Programs and processes that identify and prioritize workplace hazards.

HOP is a risk-based operating philosophy that recognizes error is part of the human condition, and an organization's processes, systems and culture influence employees’ decisions, actions, and consequently, their likelihood of success. HOP is used by leading companies to advance their safety and health processes, build resilient systems and achieve operational excellence.

Programs and processes that assess risk, manage S&H documentation, promote worker health and well-being, manage S&H training and communications, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage maintenance, inspections, management of change, and emergency response plans and procedures.

Transportation-related safety

Organizational culture that recognizes, promotes, and operationalizes safety and health programs related to worker protection, DEI, and external stakeholders.

Worker involvement in safety and health.

Ability Levels

Submissions are welcome from a varied level of experience and expertise. 

Geared toward the attendee who is:

  • New to the safety industry and has had little or no training
  • 1-3 years experience

Geared toward the attendee who:

  • Has experience in the field and wants to build on it
  • 4-9 years experience

Geared toward the attendee who:

  • Is considered a “seasoned” safety and health professional
  • 10+ years experience

Deadline for Proposals

Proposals must be complete and submitted by Friday, November 14, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by the Conference Program Committee and presenters will be notified by January 1st if the proposal was accepted.    

For additional information: 
NSC Conference Program Manager
speaker@nsc.org​​