MERRILLVILLE – Tickets are still available for 2026 Beyond Safety, the premier safety conference for the construction sector, set for 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Feb. 3 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. The event is presented by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT).
Each year, hundreds of industry leaders gather for a day of learning and networking. The conference provides professional development and leadership cultivation for emerging safety leaders, experienced safety managers and executives, safety consultants and service providers, as well as cross-industry professionals, including those in human resources, operations, and legal departments.
This year’s event will kick off with Tony Burke, Chief Executive Officer of Pivot Strategic Advisors, Inc., who will deliver the morning keynote. Burke’s address, “Shifting Commitment to Engagement: How to Turn Great Intentions into Even Greater Outcomes,” will focus on making safety a shared responsibility, clarifying expectations and accountability, and building trust that enables people to speak up and follow through. The goal is to drive stronger performance and outcomes.
Mark Dolfini, life and business strategist and the President of Strategic Boardroom, LLC, will present the lunch keynote address. His presentation will challenge traditional views of leadership, showing how trust, clarity and strategic alignment – not titles or busyness — create stronger teams. Attendees will learn how to define success, reduce risk, and build ownership that is sustainable over time.
The conference will also feature a series of breakout sessions, including:
- Kathie Madsen, District Sales Manager, Magid – “Hand Protection: Selecting the Right Gloves for Maximum Safety & Performance.”
- Tina M. Bengs, Partner, Ogletree Deakins – “Fit for the Job: Hiring and Retaining for Safety-Sensitive Roles.”
- Mark Dolfini, President, Strategic Boardroom, LLC – “A Culture of Conflict: How to Turn Healthy Conflict into a Tool for Organizational Excellence.”
- Paul Ostrowski, Regional Sales Manager, Bullard –“Grade D Air and Respiratory Practices: Ensuring Clean Air for Life-Critical Applications.”
- Damir Karapandzic, Regional Sales Manager, Bullard – “Navigating the New ANSI/ISEA Hard Hat Standards: What Are the Changes and How to Comply.”
- Ben Ross, FactorLab and Clay West, BMWC – “The Future of Safety Leadership: Make AI Your Superpower.”
- ISN Software Corporation – “Revolutionizing Contractor Safety – Harnessing AI and Energy-Based Safety Principles.”
- BJ Shrader,Sr. Territory Sales Manager, MSA Safety – “Leveraging Gas Detection Data.”
A complete conference schedule is available here.
The event will also feature networking opportunities, breakfast, lunch, and an exhibitors’ showcase. To view sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets, visit www.beyondsafetyconf.org/sponsorships-tickets]www.beyondsafetyconf.org/sponsorships-tickets.
