From its humble start in 1961 when AIHA and ACGIH sponsored a separate conference for industrial hygiene professionals, the annual conference event has been a fixture within the IH community. The first conference in Detroit, Michigan, saw more than 700 professionals and exhibitors gather together to share research, connections, and camaraderie. At the time, the conference was known as AIHce EXP.

As the occupational health & safety (OHS) profession has evolved, so has the conference. In May 2023, the annual event was renamed AIHA Connect to reflect the evolution and growth of OEHS and emphasize the conference’s value to OEHS professionals at all career stages. The new name is intended to better inform potential attendees of the conference's purpose, which includes presenting opportunities to network, discover new ideas, and access professional resources.

So the answer to the above question should be a resounding "YES!"

The variety of educational events at AIHA Connect gives you opportunities to keep up with developments in your professional area(s) of expertise, introduce yourself to new issues arising in the changing global workplace, and learn about IH/OEHS topics outside your primary focus. While it's necessary to maintain your job skill set, consider attending sessions on topics you know less about, which may provide context for issues you deal with daily or expose you to new solutions.

AIHA Connect is also a chance to prepare for CIH recertification (or the exam). Through attending education sessions, conference participants can achieve certification maintenance hours throughout the three days, with proof of participation required to receive credit.

If you miss a session, AIHA Connect OnDemand, a service that provides recordings of most AIHA Connect sessions, will become available in the weeks following the conference. OnDemand sessions come included with full registration and offer additional CM credits.

Professional development courses (PDCs), which occur in the days before and after the conference, afford even more learning opportunities. Most PDCs also teach IH/OEHS topics. A few provide instruction on human skills (soft skills), such as leadership, communication, and conflict management, which may help you be a more effective IH/OEHS professional.

Many professionals have missed in-person networking opportunities during the pandemic. Aside from education, AIHA Connect offers attendees a chance to connect with other IH/OEHS professionals. Meeting your peers may help you find job or research opportunities, increase your visibility in the profession, build confidence, and gather information about how your field works, such as what employers look for or what skills are essential in which focus areas.

Whether it's your first or fiftieth time attending, the breadth of AIHA Connect's offering guarantees something here that matches your professional need. From networking to the latest research, from special behind-the-scenes technical tours to the annual AIHF Fun Run, from students experiencing industrial hygiene for the first time to seasoned retirees brimming with institutional knowledge to share, these can all be found during the three days of this premier conference for OHS professionals worldwide.