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AEC Preconference Offerings

Registration is required for all preconference sessions, regardless of cost. Preconference registration can be added to attendees registration while registering for the main conference. All preconference offerings will take place in-person at the 2024 AEC in Pittsburgh, PA. There will not be virtual access to preconference offerings.

These sessions are eligible for Continuing Education credits, unless otherwise marked.

Advocacy

Advancing Environmental Health Policy without Lobbying: Working with State and Local Policy Makers

Sunday, July 14
2 - 5 pm
Fee: $25 member/ $50 non-member

This session will explore how to present environmental health and emerging issues concerning environmental health to state and local policy makers. Although many environmental health professionals cannot lobby, they can advocate and enlighten policy makers as to how to improve programs, making them more efficient and responsive to public needs.

This session will discuss legal approaches for the environmental health community to engage with policy makers to assist them in their efforts to improve environmental public health.

Body Art

Body Art Facility Inspector Training

Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15
8 am – 5 pm daily
Fee: $349 member/$449 non-member

The introductory-level course focuses on the fundamentals of body art facility inspection. The course covers public health risks, communication, infection control, inspection procedures and requirements, equipment review, and more! Participants will leave armed with the knowledge to confidently inspect a body art facility. Instructors are experienced body art facility inspectors and industry professionals with real-world experience.

Connect with fellow professionals and build valuable contacts in the industry as you learn the core principles of body art facility inspection and experience in-person demonstrations of the latest tools and technologies. Learn more.

Climate & Health

Climate for Health Ambassador Training

Monday, July 15
8 am – 12 pm
Fee: $0, Pre-registration is required

We are partnering with Climate for Health, a program of ecoAmerica, to offer this training to help build the capacity of environmental health professionals to be involved in their local climate and health conversation. The Climate for Health Ambassador Training will equip participants with knowledge, hands on experience, and resources to speak and act confidently on climate change and solutions.

Climate & Health Workshop

Monday, July 15
1 - 4:30 pm
Fee: $0, Pre-registration is required

Join us for an interactive workshop focused on the critical Environmental Health topics of air quality and extreme heat within the context of climate change. This workshop aims to provide a platform for learning, sharing, and developing strategies to effectively manage the impact of climate change on our environment and communities’ health. Through engaging case presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges posed by air pollution and rising temperatures related to climate change. Experts in the field will present these issues and explore innovative solutions and current strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

Credentials

Certified Professional - Food Safety Credential Review Course

Saturday, July 13 – Monday, July 15
8 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, 8 am – 12 pm Monday
Fee: $549 member/$649 non-member, CP-FS Study Package (CP-FS manual and CP-FS flash cards) included
AEC Registration Bundle Price: $1,229 member/$1,504 non-member

This two-and-a-half-day exam study course will be just what you need to complete your preparation for the challenging CP-FS credential exam. Ideal for professionals with prior food safety knowledge and who meet the eligibility requirements for the exam, the course will cover exam content areas. The instructor will be available during and after the course for questions. The review course is not eligible for Continuing Education (CE).

An additional application and fee are required to take any credential exam. Find out more information and apply online to take the CP-FS exam.

Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian Credential Review Course

Saturday, July 13 – Monday, July 15
8 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, 8 am – 12 pm Monday
Fee: $649 member/$749 non-member, REHS/RS Study Guide included
AEC Registration Bundle Price: $1,329 member/$1,604 non-member

This two-and-a-half-day review course will enhance your preparation for the challenging REHS/RS credential exam. Ideal for professionals with a solid foundation in environmental health and who meet the eligibility requirements for the exam. Course content will cover exam content areas and basic environmental health principles. We encourage participants to use multiple materials to prepare for the exam. This course along with the study guide, is a valuable study tool. The review course is not eligible for Continuing Education (CE).

An additional application and fee are required to take any credential exam. Find out more information and apply online to take the REHS/RS exam.

Food Safety

NEHA and FDA National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards Self-Assessment and Verification Audit Workshop

Saturday, July 13 – Monday, July 15
Fee: $150 for all registrants

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards criteria and an in-depth understanding of the self-assessment and verification audit processes, worksheets, and forms. Participants should be program managers or those directly responsible for conducting program self-assessments and preparing for verification audits. Register for this workshop.

Land Reuse

Environmental Health and Land Reuse (EHLR) Immersion Training

Saturday, July 13 – Monday, July 15
8 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, 8 am – 12 pm Monday
Fee: $150 member/$195 non-member

This interactive 2.5-day training aims to increase the skills of the environmental health workforce by enabling them to engage in land reuse and redevelopment work. It takes our original "EHLR Basic" training and embeds a deeper dive into the tools used in the first three modules (i.e., community engagement, risk evaluation, and risk communication).

Water Quality

Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code: Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector Course

Monday, July 15
8 am – 5 pm
Fee: $300

This new, full day Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code certification course is designed just for public health officials. Based on the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), the course provides the information needed to confidently inspect commercial pools.

Got Septic? - Addressing Public Health Through Effective Wastewater Management

Monday, July 15
12 – 4 pm
Fee: $125 member/$175 non-member

Most jurisdictions have prescriptive rules concerning the placement and construction of septic systems. Sometimes we are so caught up in the rules that we forget why the rules were established. This session will:

  • Review the fundamentals of onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal
  • Address emerging issues such as treatment for nutrients, contaminants of emerging concern, and management
  • Discuss the options for placing a septic system when a conventional system cannot be used because of site or user challenges
  • Review the use of alternative distribution systems such as at-grade and above-grade
  • Investigate the use of pretreatment to protect the soil treatment area from high strength wastewater
  • Evaluate the use of a decentralized wastewater management solution when there is a cluster of failed septic systems.

Information will be provided on the key information gathered during the design and site evaluation. We will finish the day with a discussion of management programs.

Private Well Preparedness Workshop: Strategies to Mitigate the Impacts of Natural Disasters on Private Wells

Monday, July 15
8 – 11 am
Fee: $0, Pre-registration is required

This workshop is designed to address the challenges private well owners face during natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods. With more than 15% of the American population depending on private wells for drinking water, and minimal regulation on water quality, it is crucial to empower owners with knowledge and strategies for disaster preparedness and response. The workshop will include presentations by experts in the field, discussion sessions for participants to share experiences and best practices, and a scenario-based breakout session focused on:

  • Understanding the unique impacts of different natural disasters on private wells.
  • Strategies for safeguarding groundwater- before, during, and after disasters.
  • Adapting outreach and educational efforts for well owners during crisis situations.
  • Sharing experiences and best practices for disaster preparedness and recovery.

Workforce & Leadership

Affiliate Leadership Workshop and Affiliate Presidents Council

Monday, July 15
1 – 4:30 pm
Fee: $0, Pre-registration is required

NEHA Affiliate leaders are invited to collaborate, learn, and network at this half-day workshop. The goal of this annual workshop is to provide affiliates with tips and resources for running successful associations.

Communication: Influencing Inspection Outcomes

Monday, July 15
12 - 4 pm
Fee: $25 member/$50 non-member

When you walk away from an inspection or audit do you have assurances owners, operators, and employees have a greater understanding of environmental health and how to partner in protection of their community? This session will examine why communication in environmental health is important to positive inspection outcomes.

Overcoming Burnout in Environmental Health Workshop

Monday, July 15
8 am – 12 pm
Fee: $0, NEHA members only

As environmental health professionals, you are on the frontline of public health, often navigating complex situations to safeguard our communities. The intensity and demands of these crucial roles can sometimes lead to exhaustion, overwhelm, and burnout. This affects both team synergy and agency effectiveness and you personally and professionally. In our session, we'll delve into the causes and consequences of burnout unique to environmental health work. We'll equip you with practical tools and strategies to recognize burnout's early signs, tackle its root causes, and optimize professional thriving.