NEHA > 2008 AEC

NEHA's 72^nd Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition
Sunday, June 22–Wednesday, June 25, 2008 – Tucson, Arizona

2008 AEC & Exhibition Review

From June 22 to June 25, 2008, over 1,200 environmental health and protection professionals converged on Tucson, Arizona, for NEHA’s 72^nd Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition. Attendees were able to take in the beauty and luxury of the resort surroundings while attending four packed days of education and networking opportunities.

Keynote Address
Who are We and Who Do We Want to Be?  Unlike any keynote that NEHA has ever presented, this "Discussion within the Profession" featured a panel of highly-respected environmental health professionals. Conference attendees were actively engaged in the discussion that was moderated by Rob Blake, NEHA President.

This special keynote was developed because NEHA firmly believes that this discussion is long overdue; it is crucial that this discussion be held before any action to create a new institutional structure for food safety.  While the Keynote Address was a great starting point, this discussion continues on the NEHA Conference Blog.  Please visit the Blog and contribute your ideas.  Also, be sure to check out the Keynote Address online if you missed it or would like to see it again!

Awards & Honors
The awards ceremony kicked off to a fast start as the audience was treated to a special and enormously energetic hoop dance performance that was played out by a local Native American family. All in all, twelve different presenters combined to recognize over 73 different environmental health professionals and students for outstanding work in our field of practice, making this year’s awards ceremony one of NEHA’s most memorable. 

Congratulations to the following honorees:

Activities & Networking

Let’s not forget the networking and camaraderie that was present throughout and at events like the Exhibition, the UL-sponsored event, the Networking Luncheon, Dessert Under the Stars, and the President’s Banquet.  

Want to find someone you met at the conference?  Check out the final attendee list (password is located in the list section of the conference CD given to attendees at registration) and keep making those connections!

Education
Amidst the stunning backdrop of Tucson, an atmosphere of education was present. The new Learning Laboratory sessions enabled attendees to obtain education in a hands-on, interactive, and innovative format. Also offered was the traditional Lecture Hall where attendees received information from top-quality speakers on relevant topics. Attendees were able to choose the education they needed from 177 different educational sessions, 250 presenters, 83 exhibitors, and seven preconference workshops.

Numerous presentations not included on the conference CD have now been posted. The password to access these is located in the list section of the conference CD given to attendees at registration.  

Not able to attend the conference but want to get some education? The conference CD can be purchased for just $20 members/$30 non-members. You can even earn one hour of continuing education for viewing the CD to apply towards your NEHA credential. You can order the CD online at NEHA’s Bookstore.

Exhibition & Exhibitor Education Forum
In addition, attendees enjoyed visiting the Exhibition and the Exhibitor Education Forum (EEF). The companies that exhibited at the AEC and presented at the EEF are those that have the tools, products, services, and information you seek as an environmental health professional. These organizations have expertise in the industry, and they can be partners in your efforts.  

Need to find an Exhibitor or follow-up with a new contact?  Check out the 2008 Exhibitor List for more information.

2009 AEC & Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia

NEHA would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the overall success of the 2008 AEC & Exhibition. 

We hope to see you next year in Atlanta, Georgia, June 21–24! Check our Web site frequently for informative updates regarding NEHA's 2009 AEC & Exhibition.