#accelerateuserconf24
Lighting the Way to Operational Excellence!
VelocityEHS Accelerate User Conference
Austin, Texas May 7 – 9, 2024
Register Now View the AgendaYou Spoke, We Listened!
Accelerate 2024 will be even more interactive!
Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, dive into the software and optimize your usage.
Accelerate 2024 | Austin, TX
VelocityEHS is excited to host you at Accelerate 2024 from May 7 to 9, 2024. This three-day conference, taking place at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center located on The University of Texas at Austin campus, will give you a comprehensive guide on how to achieve operational excellence through EHS & ESG.
With four interactive tracks and a carefully crafted agenda, you’ll enjoy a variety of session types— classes, panels, roundtable discussions, educational presentations, and product capability demos—and leave with the “right” tools to enhance your workplace.
Conference highlights include:
- 25+ educational and hands-on workshops
- Onsite networking opportunities
- Access to the virtual platform
- Welcome reception + after-hours party
- Partner pavilion exposition area
- An inspirational keynote session
- Meals and beverages on us!
Why attend Accelerate 2024?
Level Up Your Skills
Illuminate your path to EHS and ESG maturity by joining one of our interactive working sessions. Whether you require assistance crafting a comprehensive report or articulating the significance of a process to your stakeholders, our dedicated team is here to support you. You’ll benefit from guidance provided by a customer success manager or a certified professional.
Connect with Your Peers
In between leveling up your skills during sessions, you’ll have a lot of fun networking with your peers and collaborating with our trusted and esteemed partners. Meet up with those who share the same challenges, successes, and values as you during during classroom activities and during ancillary events!
Learn with Every Level of Your Team
We’ll have educational sessions aimed at supporting any/all of your EHS and ESG professionals at your company and even some sessions tailored to the interests of your C-suite and cross-departmental teams. So, if you want to learn with your CEO, COO, CFO, human resources professionals, or sustainability experts, invite them to come with you. Bonus! Special group pricing is available.
A special thank you to our sponsors
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Conference Tracks
The VelocityEHS Accelerate User Conference is back with more hands-on experiences.
Join us to explore Velocity solutions, learn EHS & ESG best practices, and discover AI + Machine Learning innovations. Accelerate 2024 offers four tracks: Safety, Sustainability, Resilience, and Strategic Gamechangers. Engage with peers through sessions like classes, roundtables, panels, and product demonstrations, reigniting your passion for career development. Feel free to attend the entire track or switch between tracks to join the sessions that interests you most.
Schedule of Events
Day 1: Tuesday, May 7
Day 2: Wednesday, May 8
Day 3: Thursday, May 9
Agenda Subject to Change
Day 1: Tuesday, May 7 (Central) |
11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Registration Opens | Level M2
We’re pumped to greet you as soon as you arrive! Swing by, snag your badge, and get the lowdown on where your first general session course is happening.
11:00 AM to 8:00PMSolutions & Skills Exchange Lab | Grand Ballroom Pre-Function Space
Drop in or make an appointment to learn more about the VelocityEHS solution of your choice. Come with your questions and computers, and our knowledgeable team will walk you through the process of accessing, entering, and reporting information. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the solutions you currently use and explore the capabilities of additional offerings. You have the flexibility to set the agenda for these discussions, with separate stations dedicated to each solution, ensuring you can focus on the specific details you need. |
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Attend the general session that’s right for you.
| 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Half-Day Workshop)
CEU Course: Process Owner Workshop | Room 203 Built on the same concept as our successful Ergonomics Process Owner Workshops. In this hands-on, two-hour workshop, you will collaborate with VelocityEHS experts and fellow customers at roundtables focused on Safety, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene, and Control of Work. These discussions will focus on best practices for program management as it relates to strategic objectives, goals, metrics, management support, and employee engagement. |
| 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
CEU Course: Calculating ROI: Translating Risk into the Language of Business Leaders | Room 202 Documenting the ROI for a proposed EHS effort is often challenging. In this session, we’ll discuss the data sources that can be used to bolster ROI projections. We will review two novel methods for computing cost savings when the data is partial or incomplete. Attendees will use equations and practical examples from a variety of environments. Active participation from the audience will be encouraged to foster conversations about the merits of the underlying assumptions, benefits, and challenges. |
| 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Demystifying A.I. | Room 204 With Artificial Intelligence in the popular news constantly lately, it is difficult to understand what it all means and to separate fact from fiction. Dr. Julia Penfield, VP of Research and Machine Learning will walk us through the history of Machine Learning and the facets of AI, what it all means, how you can interpret it, and how you can debunk falsely advertised “AI” features within software. This session also includes a brief update on the recent deployment of AI capabilities demoed at Accelerate 2023. |
3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Afternoon Break | Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-Function Space
Absorb the insights from the general sessions, and return refreshed to relish in the candid discussions as VelocityEHS executives share their perspectives during the laid-back opening session on the main stage!
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Official Welcome on the Main Stage: Meet the VelocityEHS Executives | Zlotnik Family Ballroom
Get ready to meet the brains behind VelocityEHS in a casual but dynamic showcase of leadership and organizational insights. Each panelist has a unique background and perspective that makes them an effective leader. The panel will share the company’s aspirations and current initiatives, and you’ll witness the varied personalities, experiences, and perspectives that make a cohesive executive team.
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception + Flash Sessions in the Partner Expo Hall | Grand Ballroom
Get ready for a spirited competition, complete with food and drinks, as you engage with your peers in a live and interactive game at the partner expo hall. Race around, hunt for clues, and network along the way! You’ll also learn from our esteemed partners during these flash sessions:
» Are You Ready for ESG? – Presented by J.S. Held at 5:45 PM
The ESG regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. Attend this session to discover the tools and services J.S. Held offers to help companies build and maintain robust ESG programs. You’ll learn about:
• The current ESG regulatory environment
• Business reasons to launch your ESG program now
• Preparing for current and future requirements
• Leveraging EHS data for investor-grade ESG reporting
• Establishing systematic ESG programs that support third-party assurance.
» Unlocking ESG Compliance: Shaping the Future of EHS – Presented by STP ComplianceEHS at 6:30 PM
We’ll explore the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and its impact on Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) practices. ESG standards have shifted from voluntary to mandatory, significantly affecting regulatory frameworks and presenting new challenges for organizations worldwide. In this session, we’ll discuss the key drivers behind this transformation and the complexities of maintaining EHS compliance amid changing ESG mandates. Attendees will gain insights and strategies to adapt to evolving regulations and ensure effective EHS management.
Agenda Subject to Change
Day 2: Wednesday, May 8 (Central) |
7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Registration Open | Level M2
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Breakfast in the Partner Expo Hall | Grand Ballroom
Kickstart your day with a wholesome breakfast and engaging conversations in the partner hall.
8:15 AM to 9:00 AM
Session on the Main Stage: Shedding Light on the VelocityEHS Roadmap | Zlotnik Family Ballroom
Want to know what’s coming down the pipeline? Our product development leaders will update you on what has launched and what will in 2024!
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Partner Spotlights on the Main Stage: J.S. Held, Fit For Work, WSP | Zlotnik Family Ballroom
We’re shining a light on three VelocityEHS strategic partners. Each will take the stage and share how they integrate into VelocityEHS and what problems they can help you solve. We’re shining a light on three VelocityEHS strategic partners. Each will take the stage and share how they integrate into VelocityEHS and what problems they can help you solve.
Partner Spotlights:
9:05am: “Beyond Net-Zero: Monetizing Your Carbon Reduction Efforts” by J.S. Held
- Andrea Korney, VP, Sustainability , J.S. Held
- Michael Culkin, VP Sales & Alliances, J.S. Held
- David Staples, Solution Executive, VelocityEHS
9:27am: “How Fit For Work & VelocityEHS Fit With You” by Fit For Work
- Billy Pratt, Senior Vice President of Sales, Fit For Work
9:39am: “Health Check Overview” by WSP
- Daniel Sakrisson, Senior Vice President, WSP
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Break in Partner Expo Hall | Grand Ballroom
After the engaging partner spotlights, head over to the expo hall to meet them and take a moment to refresh.
11:00 AM to 5:00 PMSolutions & Skills Exchange Lab | Grand Ballroom Pre-Function Space
Drop in or make an appointment to learn more about the VelocityEHS solution of your choice. Come with your questions and computers, and our knowledgeable team will walk you through the process of accessing, entering, and reporting information. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the solutions you currently use and explore the capabilities of additional offerings. You have the flexibility to set the agenda for these discussions, with separate stations dedicated to each solution, ensuring you can focus on the specific details you need. |
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Attend the track session that’s right for you.
| Resilience Track | Room 101
Verification of Controls To improve the maturity of your operational risk management system, organizations must go above and beyond identifying and assessing controls. Key to ensuring operational resiliency is verifying that the controls are implemented, operational, and understood. This session will share best practices and provide real-life examples of rolling out a critical control verification process. |
| Sustainability Track | Room 202
Navigating the Nexus of Ethical Supply Chains | J.S. Held In this illuminating session, we delve into the evolving landscape of supply chain management, focusing on calculating supply chain emissions, the integration of ethical practices, the impacts of Scope 3 and Scope 4 emissions, and the concept of double materiality. Attend this session to learn about these elements which are crucial for future-proofing operations and maintaining corporate responsibility. |
| Safety Track | Room 203
CEU Course: Mastering EHS: Moving from Reactive to Mature Organizations often prioritize managing past incidents but overlook leading indicators crucial for minimizing ongoing risks faced by employees. Elevating safety involves using tools like observations, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and risk management. Lower EHS maturity customers face the challenge of shifting focus to sustain future employee safety, not just addressing obvious risks. |
| Strategic Gamechangers Track | Room 204
CEU Course: Shaping Your Organization’s Future: Part One – With Special Guest Bill Joy Driven by advances in technology, a changing workforce, and increasing customer expectations, executive teams in all sectors are faced with a more challenging business environment than ever before. Their ability to achieve continued success in this new reality is dictated by their effectiveness – both as individual leaders and as a cohesive unit. Through Bill’s executive leadership programming, executive teams form this cohesion by breaking down the barriers to individual performance and overall team alignment. |
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Lunch & Flash Sessions in the Partner Expo Hall | Grand Ballroom
Fuel your appetite and dine with a new friend in the expo hall! You’ll also learn from our esteemed partners during these flash sessions:
» Revitalizing Your Safety Program with Fit For Work & VelocityEHS – Presented by Fit For Work at 12:35 PM
Gain practical strategies and insights from Cindy Festge, an experienced Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR), who understands your challenges firsthand. Learn how VelocityEHS and Fit For Work can revitalize your safety program, cultivate a safety culture, and deliver tangible benefits to your organization. You will leave with invaluable insights to share within your organization, including:
• How using a Physical Demands Analysis with measurable data can improve worker success
• How VelocityEHS Industrial Ergonomics Software helps mitigate risks
• and more!
» Health Check Case Study – Presented by WSP at 1:00 PM
Join WSP as we delve into a real-world case study where a company inherited an EHS/ESG software from its parent organization. Unfortunately, this software did not align with their business requirements, leading to a decline in its utilization. However, through a thorough health check assessment, the system was successfully transformed into an efficient tool for both end users and management. During this session we will explore the strategies and outcomes of this health check process to understand how this company successfully performed this transformation.
1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Attend the track sessions that are right for you.
| Resilience Track | Room 101
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM CEU Course: Rediscover Simple: The Ergonomics Hit List®
2:45 PM to 3:45 PM Risk Management: Align Tactics to Each Along the Maturity Curve A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective in risk management. Tactics should be adapted based on the maturity of your process and the types of risks you are addressing. This session will start with principles applicable to each step in your maturity process before transitioning to breakout sessions, focusing on the specific application to ergonomics, operational risk, and control of work.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM The Value of Contractor Management If you’re not holding your onsite contractors and visitors to the same standards and protocols as your own workforce, you are putting everyone, and your business, at risk. You can’t say you have a great safety culture if third parties are not vetted, trained and operating in a safe and compliant manner. However, the value of contractor management goes beyond compliance or the avoidance of fines and penalties. In this session you will learn concrete tips for creating a contractor management program that helps control risk, drive operational excellence and contribute positively to the health of your people, culture and bottom line. |
| Sustainability Track | Room 202
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM CEU Course: Keeping Up with Recent GHS Rulemaking: What You Need to Know Explore the evolving landscape of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) and its impact on chemical hazard communication worldwide. While the GHS successfully aligns with the goal of harmonizing global communication, national adaptations are causing divergence in regulations. This session delves into recent GHS-based updates in the US, Canada, and the EU, highlighting emerging trends and their potential effects on businesses.
2:45 PM to 3:45 PM CEU Course: Chemical Management & Sustainability: Going Beyond Compliance The chemical industry has significant implications for human health and the environment, often at a high cost. While chemicals are essential in everyday life, their adverse impacts require proactive measures in their management and use. Adopting sound chemical management practices is crucial, given the regular emergence of chemicals of concern like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Managing chemical products throughout their lifecycle, is a foundational competency for organizations aiming to lead the market and achieve sustainability goals.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Stacking Hands: Building The Team You Need to Gain ESG Maturity Organizational leaders often struggle to understand the breadth of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and the potential impact of ESG risks and opportunities on business performance. Establishing a comprehensive team of internal and external stakeholders is crucial for gauging the materiality of various ESG aspects. This interactive session, led by VelocityEHS subject matter experts, will guide you in building an effective team, covering a spectrum of issues. Participants will learn how to identify and engage with representatives managing specific ESG elements within their company and leverage materiality assessments to shape successful management strategies. |
| Safety Track | Room 203
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Building Safety Cultures for Multi-Generations Engage with safety experts in a dynamic panel discussion on cultivating a safety culture. This session explores strategies for fostering an inclusive and robust EHS culture, with panelists sharing insights on understanding generational perspectives, effective communication, customized training, leadership approaches, technology utilization, and measuring success.
2:45 PM to 3:45 PM CEU Course: Building Your Root Cause Analysis The most critical step in the continuous improvement/risk assessment process is to accurately identify the root causes of the problems you are experiencing. However, this is also the most frequently overlooked, undervalued, and underutilized information gathered during the Plan, Do, Check, Act process. High-quality root causes can be used to inform decision-making, maximize ROI, and illuminate previously undiscovered gaps in existing operations. Resilience requires a business to be able to prepare for potential difficulties in the future, in which case you can’t afford to keep repeating past mistakes, you need to challenge the status-quo and push for innovation.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Leading by Omission Gain insights from a distinguished panel of safety experts as they discuss common pitfalls and share valuable lessons on the behaviors exceptional leaders consciously avoid. This session transcends traditional leadership narratives, concentrating on the power of omission – the strategic decisions and habits that distinguish extraordinary leaders. |
| Strategic Gamechangers Track | Room 204
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM CEU Course: Shaping Your Organization’s Future: Part Two with Special Guest Bill Joy Driven by advances in technology, a changing workforce, and increasing customer expectations, executive teams in all sectors are faced with a more challenging business environment than ever before. Their ability to achieve continued success in this new reality is dictated by their effectiveness – both as individual leaders and as a cohesive unit. Through Bill’s executive leadership programming, executive teams form this cohesion by breaking down the barriers to individual performance and overall team alignment.
2:45 PM to 3:45 PM Communicating the Value to Stakeholders Many EHS professionals find it challenging to secure the necessary budget and headcount to make progress toward their EHS or sustainability goals. Their motivation starts with maintaining the safety of their workers, improving their community, or protecting the planet. While they know that return on investment is a crucial driver for the organization, they are often laser-focused on the people side, making it difficult to get buy-in for their EHS and ESG initiatives. During this session, we’ll share strategies and best practices for communicating in the stakeholders’ language.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Democratizing Management of EHS/ESG Systems Gone are the days of full EHS teams headed up by a tenured EHS professional. EHS has turned into a revolving door of instability within organizations. This session will highlight an approach to EHS Management focused on combining technology with a smaller pool of expert resources available to help sites through maturity and growth. |
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
After-Hours Party | Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Let’s wrap up the day with some good times—join us in downtown Austin for a hangout filled with delicious food, merriment, and camaraderie. A live band will keep the vibes lively, and don’t miss out on the chance to experience the largest beer tap in the state of Texas, offering an overwhelming selection of over 200 taps to choose from!
Oh, and transportation will be provided!
Agenda Subject to Change
Day 3: Thursday, May 9 (Central) |
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Breakfast in the Partner Expo Hall | Grand Ballroom
Kickstart your day with a wholesome breakfast and engaging conversations in the partner hall.
7:00 AM to 12:00 PMSolutions & Skills Exchange Lab | Grand Ballroom Pre-Function Space
Drop in or make an appointment to learn more about the VelocityEHS solution of your choice. Come with your questions and computers, and our knowledgeable team will walk you through the process of accessing, entering, and reporting information. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the solutions you currently use and explore the capabilities of additional offerings. You have the flexibility to set the agenda for these discussions, with separate stations dedicated to each solution, ensuring you can focus on the specific details you need. |
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Keynote Session on the Main Stage: Unseen Unity | Zlotnik Family Ballroom
This dynamic duo of Paralympic greatness, Lex Gillette and Jerome Avery, will take center stage during this inspiring session! Lex, a track titan with five Paralympic competitions and four World Championship titles, teams up with Jerome, the lightning-fast guide runner, boasting four Paralympic and three World Championship victories. In this candid discussion, they’ll unveil their journey of triumph over adversity, revealing the challenges of visual impairment and the need for seamless coordination. Witness how they’ve transformed the individual pursuit of running into a symphony of teamwork, both on and off the field.
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Meet & Greet the Olympians | Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-Function Space
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Attend the session that’s right for you.
| Sneak Peek: EHS on Accelerate | Room 101
Join us for a sneak peek of EHS on Accelerate. Our Head of Product, Julia Wong, will guide you through how we are bringing ALL of EHS to you and will also provide a product demonstration. |
| CEU Course: Navigating IT Security & Privacy: Simplifying GDPR, Privacy, and More for Non-Experts | Room 202
If you’ve been involved in software solution purchases, you’ve encountered the IT/Security and Privacy requirements within your organization. Navigating these can be overwhelming. This session simplifies topics like GDPR, Privacy, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Testing, SOC2, and more in a real-world, straightforward manner. You don’t need to be an expert, but this session will help you feel at ease navigating these aspects within your organization. |
| CEU Course: Prevention through Design – EHS in the Design Phase | Room 203
Resilience is achieved when it’s integrated into the iterative design phase. The data collected on the safety of ongoing operations plays a crucial role in enhancing future products, equipment, and processes. Move your prevention efforts beyond static checklists and leverage the valuable insights your organization has gained. Prioritize risk factors for each new design, refining your focus on what truly matters for continual improvement. |
| CEU Course: The Landscape of Emerging Litigation with Praedicat | Room 204
The landscape of mass litigation is changing dramatically, involving many new industries as defendants, with new causes of action such as “public nuisance,” and with funding from litigation finance. This presentation will describe the size and scope of four emerging litigation issues: addictive software design, hair relaxers, PFAS and climate, and review how the risk of modern litigation can be managed within ESG, Green Chemistry, and Product Stewardship. |
12:00 PM
Depart
Pricing
Regular | $895 | January 1 to May 1
Virtual Only | $395 | Nov 1 to May 1
(Please Note: Pricing excludes accommodation. To reserve your room and for pricing information, view the Travel and Venue tab.)
An individual registration ticket includes:
- All meals and beverages for the entire three-day conference
- Welcome reception
- 25+ conference sessions + breakout workshops
- Access to the virtual platform
- Networking events
- After-hours party + transportation
- An incredible keynote session, and much more!
Keynotes | Lex Gillette & Jerome Avery
Paralympian Partners in Track & Field for Team USA
About Lex
Lex Gillette, a visually impaired track and field champion, faced retina detachments at age 8, leading to complete blindness despite ten surgeries in a year. Supported by his mother, he remained active with the help of guide runners like Jerome Avery.
Now a current world record holder in the long jump, a five-time Paralympic medalist, a four-time long jump world champion, and an 18-time national champion, he is competing in the 2024 Paralympic team with his guide runner Jerome Avery.
Gillette believes “there’s no need for sight when you have a vision.”
He’s a dedicated father, motivational speaker, and mentor to athletes globally.
About Jerome
Jerome Avery, a highly decorated guide runner for Paralympic track and field athletes in the U.S., has earned four Paralympic medals sprinting alongside the world’s fastest visually impaired athletes.
He emphasizes the crucial synchronization and constant communication required in guide running, where two people sprint side-by-side with tethered fingers, aiming to appear as one.
Before his guide running career, Avery competed individually at the Olympic Trials in 2000 and 2004. He’s now a fervent advocate for adaptive sports, teamwork, and mentorship.
Meet the Speakers
Andrea Korney
VP, Sustainability, J.S. Held
Andrea Korney joined the ESG & EHS Digital Solutions group in November of 2022 as part of J.S. Held’s acquisition of Frostbyte Consulting. Recently, she has been focused on the positive impact to stakeholder value and financial performance through strong sustainability practices and ESG commitment. Andrea holds an MBA from Ivey Business School (Canada).
Billy Pratt
Senior Vice President of Sales, Fit For Work
Billy Pratt is a highly accomplished sales executive bringing over 15 years of experience from Medtech in improving patient outcomes. Billy is passionate to bring his expertise to Fit For Work where he can now collaborate with all industries and organizations to help keep their employees from becoming patients. Having both a deep personal and professional history with being a patient in the musculoskeletal realm, Billy is dedicated to the Fit For Work mission.
Bianca Sfalcin, CPE
Sr. Manager, Customer Success, VelocityEHS
Bianca Sfalcin leads a team dedicated to fostering software adoption, assisting customers in achieving their EHS and ESG objectives and ensuring a satisfactory customer experience. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree and a Master of Human Kinetics, Biomechanics and Ergonomics degree from the University of Windsor. She has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE).
Bill Joy
The Joy Group
Sought after for his authenticity, strategic mindset, and ability to connect on a one-to-one level, Bill is known for developing long-standing client relationships and delivering programs that become engrained within his client’s company culture. Bill holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Indiana University, an M.A. in Organizational Development and Behavior from Loyola University Chicago and trained at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. As part of his tool set, Bill holds certifications in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Wilson Learning Social Style, DISC Profile Personality Assessment, and Performax Personal Profile.
Blake McGowan, CPE
Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
Blake McGowan has over 25 years of experience in ergonomics. He is responsible for defining and executing the Industrial Ergonomics solution’s vision, strategy, and performance across all areas of the business. Blake received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Blake has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE).
Cindy Festge
Vice President, Customer Experience, Fit For Work
Cindy Festge is an Occupational Therapist by trade and has worked at Fit For Work for 20 years. With 16 years of experience being a provider and working on the reactive side of therapy, she finds prevention is much more gratifying. Cindy is versed in all that Fit For Work offers in prevention and ergonomics. Her passion to help someone’s life be safer is something she lives by. Currently in Customer Experience, she and her team strive to ensure that everyone is moving in the same direction. Open door policy and frank discussions are what you will come to expect from her.
Daniel Artzer
Sr. Management Consultant, J.S. Held
Daniel is an experienced professional and fast-emerging expert in the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) field. He has worked in multiple EHS roles in his 10+ years of experience, including as a Staff Engineer, Senior Environmental Engineer, and Senior Management Consultant. His areas of expertise include business analysis, regulatory compliance (with a focus on Air Emissions Quality), and design and implementation of EHS Information Systems. Daniel builds, develops, and maintains client relationships to provide long-term value.
Daniel Sakrisson
Sr. Vice President & Advisor, WSP
Daniel began his career as an EHS field consultant focusing on field safety, environmental sampling, auditing, and regulatory data collection. With his extensive real-world experience, he grew into advising clients on how to automate data collection within software systems and digital transformation. At WSP, he leads the global service line that implements EHS/ESG software, overseeing hundreds of projects across various industries worldwide. His experience and insights play a crucial role in helping clients enhance their operations and meet regulatory requirements.
David Staples
Solution Executive, VelocityEHS
David Staples supports Marketing, Sales, Product, and Implementation Services at VelocityEHS. David received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Master of Arts in Sustainability Management from Curtin University. He has received recognition as a certified ESG Practitioner from the Center for Sustainability and Excellence, is certified on the WRI’s GHG Protocol, completed the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting Credential, and has been trained by Al Gore to become a Certified Climate Reality Leader.
Gail Ankiewics
President, STP ComplianceEHS
As President of STP ComplianceEHS, Gail Ankiewicz oversees the group’s environmental health, safety compliance and auditing division, and has managed STP’s transition from paper-based products to full online publishing as well as software partner relationships and integrations. Through her leadership of STP, the company has moved to a SaaS company with a cloud-based single platform for EHS regulatory compliance and audit content for businesses across the globe.
Jamie Mallon
CRO, VelocityEHS
James Mallon started as an associate consultant 21 years ago, acquiring a wealth of experience, and a passion for operational excellence, working with client companies in almost every industry across the world. He is a Certified Professional Ergonomist, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a Master of Science degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada and a Master of Business Administration degree from Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.
Jason Weiss
Chief Technology Officer, VelocityEHS
Jason has been developing software for over 30 years, coding in production in 10 different languages, and has taught embedded systems, systems architecture, and the C programming language at the University of Illinois. Jason received a BS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois and has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Jeff Sanford, CPE, ASP
Sr. GE Account Executive, VelocityEHS
Jeff Sanford partners with companies to develop and sustain global EHS and ergonomics programs using software solutions for Fortune 1000 clients. Jeff received Bachelor and Master of Human Kinetics degrees and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor. He has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) and Associate Safety Professional (ASP).
Josiah Allen, CPE, CSP
Senior Solution Consultant, VelocityEHS
Josiah Allen facilitates the program development and deployment of Ergonomics, Risk Management, and Control of Work solutions. Josiah received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. He has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Julia Penfield, Ph.D.
VP, Research & Machine Learning, VelocityEHS
Dr. Julia Penfield leads all the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (ML/AL) projects. Julia received her Ph.D. in the application of machine learning in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada and has seven patents granted by the US patent and trademark office.
Julia Wong
Head of Product, VelocityEHS
Julia Wong has over 20 years of experience building and releasing Enterprise SaaS platforms. She has worked with some of the biggest companies in the world and has submitted multiple patents in next generation solutions and products. Julia has a Masters of Arts degree and taught for several years at a well-known University in Canada. She is also a certified Project Management Professional and Pragmatic Marketing specialist.
Ken Lupo
AVP, Software Development, VelocityEHS
Ken Lupo has over 25 years of experience in software development and technology. Ken leads multiple teams of software developers and engineers across the globe, and is a member of the leadership team that oversees the entire software development process. Ken holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Walsh College University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Kendra Perdeaux, CPE
AVP, Software Development, VelocityEHS
Kendra Perdeaux oversees the VelocityEHS customer base to ensure customers obtain their desired EHS and ESG goals and have the resources and tools necessary to drive success in their workplace. Kendra received a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering degree from the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. She has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist.
Kent Hatcher, CPE
Sr. GE Account Executive, VelocityEHS
Kent Hatcher partners with companies to develop and sustain global EHS programs using software solutions for Fortune 1000 clients. Kent received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Science in Ergonomics from Loughborough University. He has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE).
Kristi Hames, CIH, CSP
Principal Solutions Strategist, VelocityEHS
Kristi Hames supports the development of safety and industrial hygiene software products that empower users to improve their health and safety performance. Kristi received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Hygiene from Ohio University. She is recognized as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and is a member of the AIHA Ergonomics Committee, and the Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions Dean’s Advisory Council.
Kyle Connelly
Principal Customer Success Manager, VelocityEHS
Kyle Connelly works closely with our customers to build strategies to achieve their ESH and ESG goals. Kyle has received a Bachelor of Sales and Marketing from Ball State University.
Lyn Ip, CSP
Sr. Solutions Strategist, VelocityEHS
Lyn Ip brings extensive knowledge of product stewardship, supply chain and green chemistry to the VelocityEHS product team. Lyn received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Hong Kong. Lyn is a GRI Certified Sustainability Professional.
Marc Juaire
Principal Solutions Executive, VelocityEHS
Marc Juaire combines his EHS, Operational Risk, and ESG experience to deliver solutions and make workplaces safer and more sustainable. Marc has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Carlson School of Management. He is a Certified Process Safety Auditor with the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Mark Bania
Co-founder & CEO of Contractor Compliance, VelocityEHS
Mark Bania is the Co-Founder and CEO at Contractor Compliance, which VelocityEHS acquired in 2024. Mark has over 10 years of progressive experience with SaaS organizations spanning multiple industries. He is responsible for implementing the global strategic vision of Contractor Compliance. Mark has received an HBA in Economics, Political Science from the University of Toronto.
Matt Airhart
President, VelocityEHS
Matt Airhart leads the teams that are responsible for the full customer journey, including marketing, sales, and operations across all VelocityEHS companies. Matt has been with VelocityEHS for over fourteen years. Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Environmental Studies from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Michael Culkin
VP Sales & Alliances, J.S. Held
With over 15 years of experience in the EHS and ESG digital solutions industry, Michael is focused on helping companies leverage digital solutions to manage both the regulatory requirements of EHS conformance and improve the positive impact on stakeholder value and organizational financial performance through strong sustainability practices and ESG commitment. He also manages J.S. Held’s key EHS & ESG software and consulting partners and is responsible for driving top-line revenue growth for the organization.
Michael Neuman, CISSP, GISP
AVP, Security and Compliance, VelocityEHS
Michael Neuman is well versed in navigating the complexities of regulated environments, improving cybersecurity operations, and continuously driving compliance. Michael has received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Purdue University, and a Master of Science in Communications Systems Management from Northwestern University. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Global Information Security Professional (GISP).
Nick Stone, CHMM
Sr. Strategic Consultant, VelocityEHS
Nick Stone serves as an internal and external thought leader in HazCom and Chemical Management, leveraging his domain expertise alongside VelocityEHS solutions to discover transformational business outcomes for customers. Nick received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Science Degree in Biology from DePaul University. He has achieved professional recognition as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
Rachel Kaiser
SVP, Chief People Officer, VelocityEHS
Rachel Kaiser serves VelocityEHS and its partners by developing HR programs that attract, retain and nurture a world-class software team. She partners closely with all sectors of the business to position VelocityEHS employees for success, and ensure the smooth integration of talent from M&A activity. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Illinois State University and certifications from the HR Certification Institute (PHR) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-CP).
Rachel Zoky, CPE
Sr. Strategic Consultant, VelocityEHS
Rachel Zoky supports the implementation and management of corporate ergonomics processes, and assists with ergonomics risk assessments, design-in ergonomics, and global training for select clients. Rachel received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University. She has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist and is the acting Membership Chair for the American Society of Safety Professionals Ergonomics Practice Specialty.
Robert Reville
CEO & Co-founder, Praedicat
Praedicat is a liability emerging risk analytics company which provides models and insights for the largest insurers and resinsurers, and is a strategic partner to VelocityEHS. Bob has written over a dozen studies on workers’ compensation. He received his Ph.D. in economics from Brown University.
Shannon Wegesser
Vice President, WSP
Shannon has experience leading and delivering Environmental, Health and Safety solutions for clients across multiple sectors and platforms, specializing in the air domain. Her previous experience in Environmental Compliance and Reporting aids in her communication and understanding of client business requirements and regulatory drivers.
Winnie Ip, CPE
SVP, COO, VelocityEHS
Winnie brings over 20 years of experience leading and growing customer-facing teams. She is responsible for all Customer Experience and Operations teams. In addition to a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from The University of Western Ontario (Ivey School of Business), Winnie is a Certified Professional Ergonomist and Certified Change Management Practitioner.
Zachary Case
Associate Vice President, WSP
Zachary began his career leading and delivering Environmental, Health & Safety solutions across diverse sectors including O&G, Technology, Manufacturing, and Food & Beverage sectors. As his career progressed, he took on the responsibility of managing large implementation programs for multinational companies. This role involved advising clients on implementation best practices and change management as it relates to their digital transformations. He utilizes his technical and project delivery experience to effectively guide clients through their digital transformations.
Plan Your Trip
Hotel Information
AT&T Hotel & Conference Center
1900 University Avenue
Austin, Texas 78705
512.404.1900
VelocityEHS has reserved a room block at a reduced rate until 11:59 PM on April 11, 2024. Enjoy the best rates by checking in on May 6 or 7 and departing on May 9!
Getting There
The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is located on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and University Avenue, at the south entrance to The University of Texas at Austin. The Center is four blocks from the Texas State Capitol and eight miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
All domestic airlines serve the airport, as do most major car rental firms. Taxis, Ubers, and other transportation methods are also available.
After-Hours Party
Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden
79 Rainey Street
Austin, Texas 78701
FAQs
Registration
Registration is now closed.