Kansas City, Missouri
Cynthia Van Roden Quartet, an experi- enced local jazz band, provided enter- tainment. Throughout the evening, the quartet performed jazz classics alongside local melodies, which created a lively yet relaxed atmosphere for attendees. Attendees were encouraged to explore the various areas and levels of KC Live!, with lawn games strategically placed throughout the venue providing additional entertainment and conversation start- ers. A photo booth, provided by KC Photo Booth Co., was set up on the venue’s cen- ter platform and featured unique props that generated plenty of laughter and memorable moments. Our 2026 photo booth sponsor was Hedgerow Software. Guests also enjoyed a full Kansas City BBQ-inspired menu, offering a true taste of the local culinary tradition. The Mashed Potato Bar was a huge hit with attendees. Later in the evening, an ice cream sundae bar opened as a fun dessert surprise, giv- ing guests another opportunity to gather and indulge. Throughout the week, attendees were invited to submit candid photos captur- ing their AEC experiences. Screens on the stage displayed these photos, creating a fun visual showcase of the week and giving attendees a chance to see themselves and their colleagues enjoying the conference. Although the evening brought the hot and humid Kansas City weather, the atmosphere remained upbeat and ener- getic. The EH Networking Social gave attendees the opportunity to step away from the conference room, experience a taste of Kansas City, and make new con- nections with colleagues in a fun and friendly setting.
Career Connections Lounge The Career Connections Lounge returned at the 2026 AEC as a dedicated space for attendees to focus on career development, professional connections, and opportuni- ties within environmental health. Located directly behind the Registration Desk and open throughout the conference, the lounge gave students, emerging professionals, and experienced practitioners an informal place to connect, explore employment opportunities, and continue career-focused conversations outside of scheduled edu- cational sessions. A career bulletin board allowed employers and organizations to share current job openings and gave attendees another way to discover opportunities across the pro- fession. The lounge complemented NEHA’s online Career Center and the Student & Young Professional Career Development educational track, extending career devel- opment beyond a single event and connecting attendees with resources they could continue using after the AEC. The bulletin board also created opportunities for contin- ued employer outreach after the conference, with more than 20 organizations posting employment opportunities.
recognized an important organizational milestone following the membership’s approval to move NEHA’s state of incorpo- ration from California to Colorado. Audience questions and discussion reinforced the purpose of the Town Hall as a two-way conversation. The program closed by returning to our conference theme—Woven Strong: The Environ- mental Health Tapestry—and reminding attendees that members, affiliates, stu - dents, seasoned professionals, partners, and volunteer leaders each contribute a thread to the strength of the association and profession. AEC Bingo AEC Bingo continued to be a popu- lar way for attendees to engage with the conference, connect with colleagues, and explore activities throughout the event. Participants completed squares by visiting exhibitors, attending conference activities, and making new con- nections. More than 300 bingo cards were submitted for the prize drawing. Courtney Langosch won the grand prize of a complimentary registration to AEC 2027 in Port- land, Oregon. Melissa O’Brien and Erica Shenoi each received a $100 coupon redeemable toward NEHA purchases, membership renewal, or AEC 2027 registration.
Elect Scott Holmes and, just as impor- tantly, to share their own perspectives on the needs and future of the environmen- tal health profession. Building on last year’s conversational, member-centered format, Ramdin and Holmes discussed the challenges and priorities shaping environmental health. Their conversation highlighted what NEHA is hearing from members and how the association is responding through initiatives focused on workforce devel- opment, credentialing, leadership and resilience, professional development, advocacy, and strengthening connections across the profession. The conversation highlighted sev- eral ways member feedback is shaping NEHA’s work. Topics included NEHA Thrive and its focus on resilience and leadership; expanded credentialing and career-development resources; scholar- ships, mentoring, the Career Center, and programs for students and emerging professionals; expanded access to edu- cation through webinars, online learning, the Journal of Environmental Health , and other formats; and efforts to strengthen the visibility and voice of environmental health professionals. The Town Hall also provided an oppor- tunity to recognize the individuals who contribute to the association throughout the year, including Affiliate Certificates of Merit and Presidential Citation recipients (see page 62), NEHA Technical Advisors (see pages 48 and 49), Regional Vice-Pres- idents (see page 48), and incoming and outgoing Board members. Leadership also
Member Town Hall Breakfast
The Member Town Hall Breakfast, held on Thursday, August 6, gave members an opportunity to hear directly from NEHA President Larry Ramdin and President-
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November 2026 • Journal of Environmental Health
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