Hedgerow Software is really looking forward to NEHA’s annual education conference (AEC) in New Orleans later this month. In what has become an annual tradition, I asked the Hedgerow team to shed some light on what they are most excited about as we travel to Louisiana. As always, we can’t wait to see our environmental health friends and make new acquaintances. In addition, here are four reasons we are excited to attend and exhibit at NEHA’s upcoming conference:
captivating keynotes
The breadth of NEHA keynote topics and speakers is something to behold in New Orleans. Leadership lessons from Lt. General Russel Honore author of the book “Don’t Get Stuck on Stupid” should be enlightening, and based on the book title, very entertaining too. Dr. Maureen Lichtveld will explore, through the lens of environmental health, a triple threat many communities face: pollution, disasters, and climate change. We’re looking forward to learning about the action plan she has to combat such large global challenges.
future of the environmental health workforce
Another keynote, which warrants its own paragraph, is the lunch session Sound Check: An Honest Discussion on the Environmental Health Workforce and Leadership During Times of Change with Dr. Umair Shah and Dr. David Dyjack. We think it could be one of the most interesting discussions of the conference. As a recent article by NEHA cited in the July/Aug Environmental Health Journal, the industry is at a crossroads about how to fill the talent funnel with great leaders and the next generation of crucial EH specialists, sanitarians, scientists, and technicians. We’re curious about how agencies plan to backfill key roles after unexpected pandemic-related departures. I wrote about ways technology can help solve some of this challenge, by improving team productivity through software. NEHA also mentioned in the July/Aug journal that technology, and related funding, are critical for EH teams to be successful.
improving communication and leadership
NEHA is delivering another AEC packed full of interesting content. This year, effective communication is clearly an overarching theme for the conference. From a keynote with Dr. Claudia Riegel about ways to communicate rodent control results, to pre-conference sessions with practical tips from EH leaders like Terri Williams and Mel Knight. In fact, we feel so strongly about it that we’ve sponsored the pre-con session Tools for Working Better, Smarter, Cheaper as you Utilize Data and Planning to Ensure Environmental Health Program Success: A Workshop for Current and Aspiring Environmental Health Leaders. Mel and Terri will discuss communication, leadership, being data-driven, how to reduce dependencies on tax dollars to fund programs, and many other useful insights during the four hour session.
fun with photography
Even the photography exhibition will touch on communication! We can’t wait to see all of the great environmental health submissions at the photo exhibition and contest with Gina Bare, NEHA Associate Director of Program and Partnership Development (and photographer). As an added bonus—Gina and Chicago photographer Lloyd DeGrane will also discuss the impact photography has when communicating about environmental health.
Speaking of photography, Hedgerow is excited to sponsor the photo booth again! Make sure to stop by and take a few fun photos with your team and meet Adam Souza, Hedgerow Software’s Head of Business Development and Robyn Coates, Director of Operations. They claim to have tips about how to take the most photogenic pictures possible. :)
What are you most excited about? Leave a comment below or connect with me on LinkedIn. Also, make sure to stop by the exhibit hall booth #409 to say hello to the Hedgerow team. We’ll see you in New Orleans!
