ABC, Mader present the annual Central Florida Safety Champions Conference in Orlando
On Thursday, May 28th the Central Florida Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) will host the 2026 Safety Champions Conference in Orlando. The second annual conference is a daylong program that features keynote presentations, breakout sessions, training and equipment demonstrations.
ABC Director of Safety & Industry Engagement Stephanie Kress and Mader Southeast Safety Director Timothy Bernardi developed the Safety Champions Conference in 2025. The first event welcomed more than 200 participants – attendees, speakers and vendors.
“Champs is an exceptional program,” Tim explains. “It provides its audience with genuinely innovative approaches to hazard management. People walk away with the new information and tools they can deploy immediately to be more effective safety leaders.”
For Stephanie, the goal was to create a multifaceted program highlighting
“The speakers at Safety Champions are all top shelf,” she explains. “The content presented covers everything from technology to interpersonal communication to hands-on emergency management training. It’s an impressive agenda.
Featured in this year’s program is keynote speaker Sam Goodman – an expert in Human Organizational Performance, podcaster and author. Breakouts include presentations on challenges related to culture and risk perception, OSHA compliance, human resources and mental health.
Perhaps the best part of the conference is how it brings together the Central Florida community of safety professionals -- providing these leaders with an opportunity to connect, reestablish professional alliances and discuss emerging trends and new, innovative approaches to hazard management.
The 2026 Safety Champions Conference will take place at the Orlando Marriott Downtown from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Attendees can register at ABC Central Florida. Registration includes access to all presentations, training and vendors. It also covers lunch and a post-event reception.
