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So your AHMP Board has authorized two task forces to assist with these objectives.
Task Force #1 is really a new initiative without an existing committee to support it. This is an exciting initiative, led by our own Comfort Agara. Several AHMP Board Members are assisting Comfort in this initiative and we are seeking others willing and able to make this initiative a success.
This Task Force is focusing on a 2026 Professional Networking Series with the primary goal of significantly increasing AHMP membership and engagement. This initiative will provide high-value, in-person networking opportunities for EHS professionals—fostering meaningful connections, strengthening community, and attracting new members.
The series will begin with a pilot program, launching the first networking event in Los Angeles, a key strategic market. The program will be introduced in close partnership with AHMP, leveraging Comfort's established expertise in event production and project management to ensure high-quality, cost-efficient execution.
This initiative is designed to serve as a direct catalyst for membership growth by actively engaging professionals in targeted regions and showcasing AHMP’s commitment to career development and networking. Similar to open houses and membership orientations, the series will position AHMP to reach and engage new audiences.
Those interested in supporting the Networking Task Force are encouraged to contact Comfort Agara at [email protected].
The second Task Force is one near and dear to my heart – the Desk Reference and EHMM Course update project. Our Professional Development Committee is working in collaboration with the AHMP Board of Directors to facilitate this project. We have 47 Chapters in our desk reference and content is 6 years old. It’s time not only for a face-lift, addition of new content, correction of inadvertent errors, and so forth, but also an opportunity to look at new ways to more easily and frequently keep the content current.
We have created 7 Teams with specific content aligned with subject matter expertise. Each of these teams will be provided with recommendations for changes which have been researched ahead of time and made available to the teams to review, confirm sources, correct, change wording and decide on pertinent content. An AHMP Board Member will be leading each team and providing support, linkage to our resources and can escalate any roadblocks to the AHMP Board for quick decisions.
We have a rather lofty goal of completing the updates to these 47 chapters along with the accompanying EHMM Modules by the end of 2026. I also have a “stretch goal” of completion by 10/1/26 so we can roll it out at the EHS HazMat Summit 2026.
Those who volunteer to assist with one of our seven teams will receive three benefits:
- Credit as an editor for the associated chapter(s)
- You can count your time working on this task force as contact hours for your CEUs
- Those who actively participate in at least 5 chapter updates will receive a free PDF copy of the finished desk reference.
I know I said three benefits but I think there’s a fourth: paying it forward to the next generation of CHMMs. There were others who paved the way for our success in our chosen career and this is a tangible way we can give back. For those who are interested, please email Jennifer Koenig at [email protected] or call me (812) 945-1541.
Now I can’t write any newsletter without discussing the upcoming EHS HazMat Summit 2026. For those who are on the fence – I’m challenging you to sign up now and quit waffling. We have so many exciting things in store and you can’t go wrong with an event hosted in New Orleans in the fall. We are accepting abstracts right now and you can get a significant discount on your conference fee for participating as a speaker. Additionally, you can attend as a chapter delegate. We now allow up to 3 delegates per chapter. You need to come a day early and participate in a 1 day training session but you get a very nice discount as well.
We’re also accepting sponsorships and exhibit hall registrations. This year, we’re adding a new feature of the “Rich Pitch” in honor of our beloved Rich Cartwright. This is a 10 minute stage talk in the exhibit hall with sound system and a audience listening not your “pitch”. It is only available to those who have registered as an exhibitor or sponsor. Sign up soon since space is limited.
One more bit of housekeeping for your information. We are changing the PO Box to one that our admin team has easier access to. Please advise your office of this change of payment information if you typically pay via check. The new address is: PO Box 12, Brunswick, OH 44212. The old address is still in existence (it’s actually Jennifer’s business mailbox) but we’re trying to migrate as much as possible to the new one.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting and fulfilling year for AHMP. I hope you are an active participant and get the most our of your AHMP membership.
Blessings,
Jen Koenig, CHMM
Chair, Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, Inc.
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2026 EHS HazMat Summit - Registration, Exhibit Booths, Sponsorships, Speaking Opportunities
Call for Abstracts is Ending Soon! — Present and Save 30%
Share your expertise and help advance the profession. Submit an abstract highlighting regulatory insight, project experience, innovative approaches, or case studies. Accepted presenters receive a 30% registration discount.
Abstract Submission Deadline Extended Until May 15, 2026
Registration is Open!
What to Expect
- Pre-conference workshops
- Advanced technical sessions
- Keynote and plenary presentations
- Full exhibit hall featuring leading solutions and technologies
- Targeted networking with EHS and HazMat professionals
- The culture and energy of New Orleans including local museum tours!
Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the field, this Summit delivers practical value, current insight, and meaningful connections. Reserve your seat early and secure your place
Group Rates Available as well as Special Rates for Chapter Delegates and Government Employees. Email [email protected] for details.
Hotel Information — Group Rate Available
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70140
Nightly Rates:
Single/Double: $269 | Triple: $299 | Quad: $329
Additional $30 per night for each guest age 18+ beyond double occupancy.
Group rate reservation deadline: September 5, 2026
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Exhibit booths and sponsorship opportunities are now open for the 2026 Summit.
Connect directly with EHS and HazMat decision-makers and increase your organization’s visibility through expanded sponsorship options. Early reservations receive priority booth selection.
2026 Exhibitors
- IHMM
- Olsson
- Republic Services
- Veolia
2026 Sponsors
- Track Sponsor: Eagle Certification Group
AHMP Award Program - Deadline April 30th
Time is Running Out to Submit Your Nominations!
Award submissions are accepted until April 30, 2026.
This year we’ve streamlined the award process so that submissions can be completed online.
The AHMP Awards Program recognizes and honors individuals, chapters, and organizations for outstanding contribution in education, training, research, organizational development, operations, and performance that further AHMP's Strategic Plan. There are four Professional Member awards, three Chapter awards, and two AHMP "Friend" awards.
AHMP Chapter Trivia Contest
What Is It? A 10-month, recurring trivia series sponsored by the Johns Hopkins ERC and hosted via Kahoot on Zoom. The ERC is covering the platform subscription and custom trivia content, created specifically for AHMP by the HazMat Scholar duo, Kurt and Phil.
Next Session: April 30 at 7:00 pm EST
Current Standings:
- Kentuckiana, Cyber and Chicago Chapters are in a three-way tie for first (each with one win)
- Heartland Chapter is in second place
This series is about:
- Building stronger connections within and between chapters through friendly competition
- Creating a space where it’s perfectly fine to be anonymously right — or wrong — about all things hazmat
- Encouraging engagement from students and early-career professionals
- Bringing members together outside of formal meetings and webinars
- Earning continuing education credits
- And yes — spirited banter is absolutely welcome!
IHMM News
If your chapter/section would like to submit information to be included in upcoming newsletters,
please send your content to [email protected].
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