AEC Preconference Offerings

In addition to the extensive educational sessions at NEHA’s 2026 Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition, check out the Preconference Offerings taking place before the conference begins.

Preconference Offerings

August 1-3, 2026

Register Here

Early Bird Rates available through April 30th

Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS) Credential Review Course

This two-and-a-half-day review course is tailor-made to enhance 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 as described on our website. The instructor will be available during and after the course for questions. The course includes the CP-FS Study Package (CP-FS manual and virtual CP-FS flash cards).

Presenters:

• Melissa Vaccaro, MS, CP-FS, PCQI - National Environmental Health Association
• Ashley Miller, MPH, CP-FS - National Environmental Health Association

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 - National Environmental Health Association
• Amanda Li, MPH - ecoAmerica

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 - 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:

• Nicole Dutra, MPH - National Environmental Health Association
• Kelly Amador, BS, REHS, CIOWTS - Black Hawk County Public Health, Iowa

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

Learning about Onsite Wastewater Systems - the Basics to some Advanced Concepts

Onsite wastewater systems have to be permitted by, designed by, approved by, and inspected by Environmental Health Specialist. This workshop will be designed to provide information on the basics of an onsite wastewater system as well as providing some information on some more advanced systems as the workshop progresses. So, if onsite wastewater is in your job description and want to learn more about onsite or have questions please join us.

Presenters:

• Gary Hawkins, PhD - University of Georgia
• Thomas Groves - NOWRA

PHTA CPO Fusion Course

Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) Certification is the world’s leading verifiable pool and spa training credential for aquatic facility maintenance personnel, health officials, retailers, property owners, and other professionals. Required by most state codes, the CPO® certification provides individuals with the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool and spa operations. This training has helped protect millions of swimmers by reducing hazards and increasing safety at aquatic facilities.

Presenters:

• Lauren Broom, RS, CPO, PHTA Authorized CPO & CPI Instructor, OSHA Authorized General Industry Instructor - Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Psychological First Aid (PFA)

YOU DID IT—THANK YOU

Your input and interest in the dynamics of Psychological First Aid (PFA) have been heard. A live PFA training is now being offered as a preconference option.

COME AND JOIN THE TEAM

You don’t need to be a mental health specialist or a first responder to support your community in the aftermath of a disaster event. A caring passion is all that is required. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an approach fostering short-term and long-term adaptive functioning support. You will be attending the full day training which will share the skills, techniques, and resources to be able to provide PFA in your community during, and in the aftermath of a disaster event. Following this training, you will be able to coordinate with your local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) or Emergency Management Division to be identified as having attended PFA training.

Presenters:

• Bruce Nisberg, REHS - State of Nevada, Nevada Environmental Health Association

Communication: Techniques for Challenging Situations

The session will provide interactive lessons on these techniques and strategies through role playing, body language, written communication, and meeting strategies to cover a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re addressing a sensitive issue or managing a tense situation, this workshop offers practical strategies to communicate with clarity and professionalism.

Presenters:

• Sandra Long, REHS, RS, CP-FS - Town of Addison, Texas
• Roy Kroeger, REHS, RS, CP-FS - Boone County
• Alicia Collins, REHS - Steritech

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.

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