Event to focus on workplace safety, leadership and professional development
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Oct. 13, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College will host the Midwest Women in Safety Conference on Thursday, Oct. 15, bringing together safety professionals from across the region for a day of education, networking and professional development.
The conference, themed “Lead Without Limits: Elevating Women Who Protect Workplaces,” will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center, 1770 Boyson Road in Hiawatha. The event is designed to help women working in occupational safety strengthen their leadership skills, share experiences and explore strategies for creating safer workplaces.
Attendees will have opportunities to participate in educational sessions covering workplace safety standards, hazard recognition, leadership development, mental health and other challenges facing safety professionals. The conference will also feature networking opportunities and vendors showcasing personal protective equipment and other safety-related products.
“Women play an increasingly important role in protecting workers and building strong workplace safety cultures,” said Kirkwood Program Developer of Continuing Education and Training Services Ian LeMaster. “This conference provides an opportunity for safety professionals to learn from one another, develop their leadership skills and explore new approaches to workplace safety. By bringing together professionals with different experiences and perspectives, we can help strengthen the safety profession throughout the Midwest. Ultimately, the goal is to give attendees practical tools and connections they can bring back to their organizations.”
The conference will feature keynote speaker Barb Allen, a former construction executive, author and leadership speaker with more than 30 years of industry experience. Her presentation, “One Ladder to Leadership,” will examine challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated industries and strategies for overcoming barriers to career advancement.
Additional sessions will address topics such as fall protection, respiratory safety, workplace mental health, employee engagement and supporting women through pregnancy and parenthood. The conference will also recognize outstanding contributions to workplace safety through its 2026 Safety Woman of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards.
A pre-conference networking event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cedar Rapids.
The conference is open to all interested participants. Registration is $75 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.kirkwood.edu/womeninsafety or call 319-398-1022, option 5.
*****EVENT*****
What: 2026 Midwest Women in Safety Conference
Where: Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center, 1770 Boyson Road in Hiawatha
When: Thursday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Who should attend: Safety professionals in Eastern Iowa
To register: Visit www.kirkwood.edu/womeninsafety or call 319-398-1022, option 5