When was the last time a conference really changed the way you think?
Better yet, when was the last time you felt like an active participant at a conference rather than just another attendee in the audience?
The SafeStart Forum promises to do both those things. A forum, by definition, is a place where people come together to exchange ideas, engage in open discussion, and share information on topics that matter to them. The SafeStart Forum—being held October 20–21, 2026, in Franklin, TN—will bring together some of the brightest minds in safety, leadership, and human performance for an experience that goes far beyond your typical conference agenda. More than just a series of presentations, the SafeStart Forum is an opportunity to engage with new ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful connections that continue long after the event ends.
From a thought-provoking keynote session to practical takeaways you can apply as soon as you return to your workplace, this year’s SafeStart Forum is designed to spark conversations that challenge conventional thinking about safety. Set in an environment that naturally encourages networking, the Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas with peers, and leave inspired (and with the right tools and plan) to make a lasting impact within your organization.
New this year, we are encouraging people to register and join us a day early for a pre-conference PDC workshop. For just $199—the equivalent of the early-bird discount—attendees can add a half-day session on October 19, choosing between Turning Principles Into Practice, a practical workshop on integrating SafeStart into daily conversations, and AI at the Sharp End of Error Reduction and Operational Excellence, an interactive session exploring how AI can support error reduction and operational excellence. The pre-conference workshop provides the perfect foundation for the Forum, ensuring you arrive informed, engaged, and prepared to maximize every insight, discussion, and connection throughout the two days that follow.
Here’s a little bit more on what you can expect.
Beyond presentations
The SafeStart Forum is interactive by design. We’re not looking for attendees just to fill chairs at the Forum. We’re looking for participants. This isn’t a sit-and-listen kind of conference; the Forum is intentionally designed to encourage discussion—and the exchange of ideas and experiences—among attendees and presenters. There will be 100% participation and networking, so participants leave the conference with practical takeaways, and not just notes.
For each concurrent session time slot, one option will be to attend a fireside chat. These are not your typical conference sessions. There’s no formal presentation. Instead, they are meant to be informal, conversational discussions. These sessions are designed to feel more personal and interactive, capturing the casual atmosphere and connection of sharing stories around a campfire—just without the fire (it is a safety conference, after all). Rather than simply listening from the sidelines, everyone in the room has the opportunity to contribute, ask questions, share experiences, and become part of the conversation.
We also have a networking reception planned to ensure the conversations you have throughout the day can continue. This year, it falls on Larry Wilson’s birthday, so you could be one of the lucky few who get to celebrate with him at our birthday-themed networking event.
Presentation tracks
We know that not everyone comes to the Forum looking for the same thing—that’s why this year we’re offering multiple tracks. Whether you’re a new SafeStart trainer or looking to learn more about human factors, whether you’re leading a team, driving operational improvements, or looking for fresh ideas to tackle familiar challenges, there’s a track designed with you in mind.
Start Here: SafeStart Track – New to SafeStart or human factors? Start here. This track covers the fundamentals of critical error reduction and practical ways to improve safety awareness both at work and at home.
Leadership Track – For those responsible for influencing people, culture, and results. Explore strategies for building engagement, strengthening accountability, and leading meaningful change.
Operational Excellence Track – If you’re focused on improving performance, reducing human factors, and driving continuous improvement, this track is packed with practical ideas you can put to work right away.
Thought Leadership Track – Looking ahead? This track explores emerging ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovative approaches to safety, leadership, and organizational performance.
Sustainability Track – So you’ve implemented SafeStart, now what? Learn how to maintain momentum, strengthen engagement, and embed human factors into everyday work to achieve lasting results.
The toughest part might be deciding which sessions to attend.
Lineup of speakers
One more thing that will make it harder to decide which sessions to attend is our great lineup of speakers.
We have SafeStart notables like Pete Batrowny, Teena Blount, Dennis Carnrike, Jack Jackson, Rhonda Piggee Johnson, Kelley Norris, Kevin Nix, Tim Page-Bottorff, Chris Ross, Danny Smith, and Don Wilson.
There will also be several new SafeStart speakers (whose names may be recognizable to you), like Char Allen, Jenn Bennett, Lynn Booth, Matt Brown, Amy Hutchinson, Jeremy Hyde, Nikole Hyndman, Tyler Keith, Lauren Lamontagne, Eduardo Lan, Mark MacLellan, Teg Matthews, Christien Renner, and Rick Ricker.
Our client speakers are another great list in their own right. We have some returning favorites—check out the full list of speakers on the SafeStart Forum website. The newbies this year include two incredible speakers from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, two clients from Epiroc who delivered an incredible Lunch and Learn session to SafeStart staff, two SafeStart champions from Kokosing Inc., and what promises to be an interesting presentation from a client from Michelin North America, Inc., just to name a few.
The Forum wouldn’t be complete without Larry Wilson. This year, attendees will have multiple opportunities to connect with SafeStart’s author and founder—he’ll be speaking from the big stage, sharing stories and insights, leading a session, and sticking around for a book signing. For longtime SafeStart users, that’s a bit like getting VIP passes for the event.
Be a part of the conversation
From an inspiring keynote session to valuable networking opportunities and everything in between, you won’t want to miss this year’s SafeStart Forum. Reserve your spot today on the SafeStart Forum website and take advantage of the early-bird savings.