AEC Preconference Offerings

Enhance your AEC experience with preconference workshops taking place before the conference begins.

August 1-3, 2026

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Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector Course

Gain valuable insight and knowledge on the in's and out's of inspecting public pools with this CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) based training from CMAHC. Attendees who successfully complete the course will gain a 5-year certification as an Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector.

Presenters:

• Dewey Case - Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC)

CDC BRACE Framework: Building Resilience Against Climate Effects

NEHA, in collaboration with experts from ecoAmerica, will host a four-hour pre-conference workshop on the updated Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) framework at the 2026 NEHA AEC in Kansas City, Missouri. This interactive session will build the workforce’s capacity to assess climate and health threats, engage communities, and develop evidence-based strategies that strengthen climate and health resilience. Designed for environmental and public health professionals, the workshop will provide practical tools, real-world examples, and collaborative approaches to protect families and communities from climate-related health risks.

Presenters:

• Kate Weinburger, PhD - National Environmental Health Association
• Amanda Li, MPH - ecoAmerica
• Gillian Capper, MPH - American Public Health Association

Climate Ambassador Training

This interactive training equips environmental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to lead local climate and health discussions. Through hands-on activities and expert insights, participants will learn how to communicate climate impacts, promote health equity and strengthen community resilience. Emphasizing the power of local leadership, this training empowers professionals to be effective change agents in driving climate solutions. Upon completion, participants will be eligible to become a Climate for Health Ambassador.

Presenters:

• Kate Weinburger, PhD - National Environmental Health Association
• Amanda Li, MPH - ecoAmerica

Private Water Network’s, Well Under Pressure: Advancing Competencies to Empower Private Well Professionals

Over 43 million Americans rely on private wells—often without regulatory oversight or standardized safety protocols. This workshop addresses the urgent need for technical training and field-based skills to protect public health in communities served by private water systems. Designed for professionals at all experience levels, this workshop offers expert-led sessions that will equip private water professionals with the tools and confidence to evaluate and identify safe water infrastructure, assess well systems, monitor water quality, and respond to contamination risks effectively. Participants will gain practical skills, scientific insight, and communication strategies to guide homeowners toward informed decisions. Join us to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your skills, and build your capacity to protect your community’s drinking water.

Presenters:

• Kelly Amador, BS, REHS, CIOWTS - Black Hawk County Public Health, Iowa
• Jesse Campbell - Midwest Assistance Program, Inc.
• Jennifer Braun - Public Health Madison & Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin
• Raquel Sabogal - CDC, National Center for Environmental Health
• Nicole Dutra, MPH - National Environmental Health Association

Know the Signs, Stop the Spread: Practical Pests Control with Purpose

Rodents, cockroaches, and flies remain persistent public health threats. This interactive workshop is designed for professionals in code enforcement, food safety, housing, community health, and vector control. Participants will learn how to identify signs of infestations, assess environmental conditions, and apply effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies—focusing on prevention, sanitation, exclusion, and education. The training includes classroom learning, group activities, and a field tour to build practical skills for sustainable pest control and community engagement.

Presenters:

• Janet Hurley, ACE, MPA - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Claudia Riegel, PhD - City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board
• Kyle Walsh, RS, CP-FS - Chester County Health Department

Calm in the Chaos: Practical De-Escalation Skills for Environmental Health Professionals

Environmental health professionals often find themselves on the front lines of conflict, navigating tense situations with the public, colleagues, or stakeholders. This interactive four-hour workshop offers practical tools to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and defuse difficult encounters before they escalate. Join Alicia Love and Dr. Lucy Houghton for a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that blends real-world scenarios, group discussions, and reflective practice.

Presenters:

• Lucy Houghton, PhD, RN - Lucy Houghton Professional Development
• Alicia Love, MPH, RS - Montana Department of Livestock

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

The Standards Self-Assessment and Verification Audit Workshop is designed to provide participants with an overview of the Retail Program Standards criteria and an in-depth understanding of the self-assessment and verification audit processes, worksheets, and forms. The two-and-a-half-day workshop will enable participants to:

Identify the requirements for each of the nine Retail Food Program Standards;

• Explore various approaches to meeting the criteria within the Retail Food Program Standards;
• Use the Retail Food Program Standards worksheets and forms to complete a verification audit of a jurisdiction’s self-assessment against the criteria contained in the standards; and
• Use the worksheets and forms to electronically compile and maintain results.

Please note, this SAVA Workshop is only available to state, local, tribal, and territorial retail food regulatory programs.

Registration

For this workshop, individuals can register for this workshop along with their AEC registration. If not attending the AEC, select Workshop Only Registration.

AEC + Workshop RegistrationWorkshop Only Registration

Presenters:

• Tracynda Davis - U.S. Food & Drug Administration
• Alisha Johnson - U.S. Food & Drug Administration
• Carolyn White - U.S. Food & Drug Administration
• Becky Steiner - U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Managing Water Well: Water Management for Food Manufacturers, Home Food Producers, and Produce Farms

Food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, home or cottage kitchens, produce farms, and other members of the food industry are required to use high quality water to produce food. Many of these entities located in rural areas rely on well water, which may be impacted by an array of factors, including the overall condition of the aquifer, surrounding land and water features, and the construction of the well itself. This short course (4 hours) is intended to teach these members of the food industry how to ensure the quality of their well water is adequate to use for food production and sanitation. This short course discusses well management, water testing and treatment, and septic systems and how they may impact water quality.

Presenters:

• Gary Hawkins, PhD - University of Georgia
• Laurel Dunn, PhD - University of Georgia