NEO Safety Expo 2025
Advancing Health, Wellness & Safety in the Workplace
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Holiday Inn Boardman – Boardman, Ohio
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Northeast Ohio’s Premier Safety Conference
The NEO Safety Expo is a one-day, high-impact event bringing together safety professionals, HR leaders, industry experts, and employers from across Northeast Ohio. With a focus on workplace safety, employee wellness, compliance, and practical solutions, this event offers something for every level of experience—from front-line supervisors to seasoned safety officers.
Speaker Lineup

What To Do When OSHA Comes Knocking
This session aims to provide introductory information about OSHA, and present guidelines to develop a comprehensive inspection strategy. Attendees will learn why OSHA is important, what their responsibilities are, how OSHA inspections are conducted, and what they need to develop an inspection strategy.

Electrical Safe Work Practices
We all use electricity and electrical equipment all day, every day. Whether qualified or unqualified, we interact with electricity and electrical equipment. This session will show the basic requirements of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, and the relationship to other NFPA codes and standards, as well as OSHA.

Safety Is All in Your Head: Harnessing Psychological Safety to Prevent Incidents
Safety programs often focus on physical hazards, yet the greatest risks can stem from what’s happening inside your employees’ minds. When workers operate under stress, fear of retaliation, or a culture of silence, they are far less likely to report hazards, ask questions, or stop unsafe practices—until it’s too late. This session reframes safety through the lens of psychological safety, illustrating how trust, communication, and mental well-being drive safer outcomes. Using real-world stories from industrial workplaces, participants will discover how cultivating a culture where employees feel heard and supported can dramatically reduce accidents and create stronger teams. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately to protect both people and productivity.

Unlocking Lasting Change: The Science and Practice of Behavior Transformation
Lasting change in the workplace doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. In this engaging and research-backed session, we’ll explore the science of behavioral change and how leaders and HR professionals can create an environment where transformation sticks.
Attendees will learn how habits are formed, why change often fails, and the proven methods for helping individuals and teams make meaningful shifts in behavior.
Drawing on 15+ years of leadership and culture consulting, I’ll share practical frameworks that integrate neuroscience, psychology, and real-world business application. You’ll leave not only understanding how change works but equipped with strategies to make it happen—consistently and sustainably—within your organization.

Noise Happens—Hearing Loss Doesn’t Have To
Every day, millions are exposed to harmful noise-at work, at home. And even during leisure activities. Join us for an engaging session that demystifies how noise impacts your hearing and what you can do to protect it for life. We’ll explore the fascinating basics of ear anatomy, uncover where noise does the most damage and explain sound in simple terms. You’ll learn how to choose and use hearing protection effectively, understand what “noise reduction rating” really means and see how OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH guidelines compare when it comes to action levels and exchange rates. Whether you’re working in an industrial setting or using power tools at home, this talk will give you the knowledge and confidence to safeguard your hearing because once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

Candor, Culture, and Calling People Out Before Someone Gets Hurt
There’s always that guy—the one who says, “I could’ve told you this would happen,” the day after a serious safety incident hits the news.
But why didn’t he speak up before?
Too many workplaces choose being nice over being honest. They hold onto the belief that “you can’t discipline for safety,” so people stay silent and avoid hard conversations. Meanwhile, safety breaks down, accountability fades, and risks grow—until disaster strikes.
Safety isn’t just rules or checklists—it’s having the courage to speak up before something goes wrong. And how we talk about it matters.
Calling out unsafe behavior doesn’t have to be a showdown or power play. Focus on the behavior, not the person. Say things like, “I noticed you skipped that step. Can you help me understand why?” or “I’m worried about the risk here. Let’s figure out how to keep everyone safe.”
This approach builds trust and accountability that sticks, without shutting anyone down.
If your safety culture relies on “common sense” and cheering for safety without real consequences, this talk is your wake-up call. It’s time to lead with honest, caring accountability—because that’s how we keep people safe.

From Zero Tolerance to Zero Blindspots: A New Leadership Code for Impairment
Traditional “zero tolerance” drug policies punish impairment after it happens—but they don’t prevent it. In this session, retired law enforcement officer and author Chuck Marting introduces the Zero Blindspots model: a proactive, leadership-driven approach to recognizing and responding to workplace impairment. Attendees will learn to spot early warning signs, navigate the challenges of drug legalization, and implement a clear 3-step framework—Recognize, Respond, Resolve. Equip your leaders with the tools to protect lives, support employees, and lead with clarity in today’s changing workplace.

Heard and Valued: The Lost Art of Listening in HR
In the fast-paced world of policies, performance metrics, and procedures, the simple act of listening is often overlooked—yet it remains one of the most powerful tools in HR. This session explores how intentional, skillful listening can transform employee relations, build trust, and foster a culture where people feel truly heard and valued. Participants will learn why listening is HR’s most underrated skill, what it looks like in practice, and how to integrate it into daily interactions to prevent conflict, improve retention, and elevate workplace culture.

Situational Awareness – Don’t be a victim
Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend information about your surroundings to help you stay safe and make informed decisions. In today’s world, threats can come in many forms—whether physical, digital, or social—and being aware of your environment is your first line of defense.
“Don’t Be a Victim” is more than a slogan—it’s a mindset. It means staying alert, trusting your instincts, recognizing potential dangers before they escalate, and taking proactive steps to avoid becoming an easy target. Whether you’re walking to your car, using public transportation, working late, or navigating unfamiliar areas, maintaining awareness can make all the difference.
By developing strong situational awareness, you empower yourself to react effectively and avoid unnecessary risks. Be alert. Be prepared. Don’t be a victim.

Health & Wellness in the Workforce
This presentation explores the critical connection between employee well-being and organizational success. We’ll highlight how physical health, mental wellness, and workplace culture directly impact productivity, engagement, and retention. Attendees will gain insight into strategies that foster healthier employees—such as stress management, preventive care, and supportive policies—while also addressing the financial and cultural benefits for businesses that invest in wellness initiatives. By understanding the evolving needs of today’s workforce, leaders can create healthier, more resilient teams that thrive both inside and outside the workplace.

Does Complacency Cultivate Risk in the Workplace
In today’s fast-paced work environments, complacency is a silent yet deadly risk. It can creep in unnoticed, undermining safety cultures and placing employees and organizations in jeopardy. In this eye-opening presentation, safety expert Nicholas Coia will tackle one of the most dangerous attitudes in the workplace: complacency.
Drawing from years of firsthand experience as a safety consultant, Nic will share real-world stories of incidents and close calls caused by complacency. With engaging anecdotes from his consulting career, attendees will be taken on a journey through the stark realities of how routine, overconfidence, and a lack of vigilance can lead to accidents, injuries, and sometimes even fatalities.

Ethical AI: Navigating the Moral Landscape of AI-Driven HR and Safety Practices
The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) marks a transformative moment across industries, with Human Resources standing at the forefront of this shift. AI promises greater efficiency, data-driven insights, and groundbreaking innovation within HR and Safety processes. Yet, its swift integration also brings complex ethical challenges that demand careful scrutiny.
What responsibilities come with embedding intelligent systems into HR decision-making and Safety Protocols? How can organizations deploy AI tools ethically and effectively?
As algorithms increasingly influence hiring, performance evaluations, and employee development, the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability must become foundational—not optional—elements of responsible AI adoption in HR.
Moreover, AI is revolutionizing workplace safety programs by offering tools for injury prevention, hazard identification, and compliance management. The implementation raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around privacy, bias, and accountability. Careful management of AI programs is vital to avoid unintended consequences and ensure fairness.

Authentic Workplaces
Based upon my recent book with the same title, I will address the importance of authenticity in employee interaction in all areas, especially injury response and safety. We will discuss specific strategies and examples so attendees have usable tips when they leave.

Fight, Flight & Freeze: How Trauma Affects Your Workforce & Safety
What if the greatest threat to your workplace safety isn’t a broken process—but a broken heart?
In this powerful and eye-opening session, Mike Thompson takes you on an unforgettable journey through the real-life stories of fight, flight, and freeze—the human responses to trauma that show up every day on job sites, in breakrooms, and behind safety violations. Backed by research and over 17 years of frontline experience, Mike reveals how unresolved trauma impacts focus, decision-making, and risk-taking behaviors at work.
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the hidden struggles your team may be carrying—and why empathy isn’t just good leadership, it’s good safety. Most importantly, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to reduce trauma’s impact and foster a culture of safety, resilience, and trust.

First Aid & CPR
The program is a smash of First Aid and CPR briefly touching on the most common issues and treatments. It will provide basic information on what to do and what not to do in emergency situations. It also covers some misconceptions of CPR. The information provided is from the National Safety Council’s standards and guidelines, as well as my background experience of 34 years as a paramedic. I will bring up to date standards. I will also encourage everyone to take an updated course so they will give the best aid and care possible. I am passionate about teaching life saving skills to anyone willing to learn.

Workers’ Compensation 101
Are you new to Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) system, or need a refresher course? Then this session is for you! We will review common BWC forms, and the parties to a Workers’ Compensation (WC) claim. The BWC criteria for an injury, and occupational disease, will be discussed which will help determine if you want to certify or reject a new WC claim. We will discuss ways you as the employer can minimize the impact of a WC claim.

Talent, Safety, and Benefits: The Winning Trio
Benefits aren’t just perks—they’re a strategy. In this session, discover how aligning benefits with workplace safety can attract and retain talent, reinforce well-being, and advance organizational success. Learn how benefits and safety together create a culture where people thrive, and companies stand out.
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Sponsorship/ Vendor Form
Support workplace safety and gain valuable exposure by becoming a sponsor of the 2025 NEO Safety Expo. Sponsors receive premium visibility before, during, and after the event through signage, social media, and promotional materials—plus direct access to hundreds of safety-conscious professionals from across Northeast Ohio.
Speaker Proposals
We’re looking for dynamic, solution-focused presenters to lead breakout sessions at the 2025 NEO Safety Expo. If you’re passionate about workplace safety, employee wellness, or regulatory best practices—this is your opportunity to educate and inspire Northeast Ohio’s safety community.
Sessions should align with one of four tracks: Health & Wellness, General Industry & Manufacturing, Human Resources, or Safety Policy & Regulation, and be designed for beginner, intermediate, or advanced attendees.
📅 Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025
📣 Selected presenters will be notified by August 14, 2025
Attend the Expo!
Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and hands-on resources at the 2025 NEO Safety Expo! This event is designed for safety professionals, HR leaders, managers, and anyone responsible for keeping teams safe, healthy, and informed.
Your registration includes:
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Access to expert-led breakout sessions
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Entry to the vendor expo with 50+ industry partners
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Pre-expo networking opportunities
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A complimentary boxed lunch
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Certificate of attendance
All industries and experience levels are welcome—no policy number required.
Click below to save your spot!