NOSHCON 2011, held from the 23rd to 26th of August at Champagne Sports Resort was a tremendous success, with the breakaway sessions and the exhibition enjoyed by the more than 700 local and foreign delegates who attended this year's event. 

 

The conference opening address by Lewis Gordon Pugh, was an inspiring session, described by his audience as one of the best sessions they have ever attended. His awe-inspiring address set the tone for rest of the conference proceedings. With a number of acclaimed international speakers and leading experts in the South African SHEQ industry, delegates were exposed to the latest developments, practical case-studies and solutions, covering a wide range of topics such as, HIV/Aids, workplace wellness, environmental control and behaviour based safety  all the sessions proved to be of great value to all attendees. Most sessions were filled to capacity with no less than 520 delegates per keynote session this is the highest number ever achieved during a NOSA conference.  

 

The eye-opening “Snakes for Safety” session by Rick Melvill drew much attention and gave delegates new insights into behavioural based safety issues in the workplace. Our expert panel shared “Questions of Safety” with delegates, and this interactive session received nothing but positive feedback, with delegates appreciative of this type of innovative conferencing. Delegates participated with enthusiasm and the debate continued long after the session  
was over with no less than 250 sms'e received by panel members to deal with! This is exactly what we strive for interactive intensive debate around SHEQ issues. NOSA is proud to offer this type of platform for debate and we trust that these discussions will lead to more questions, and that questions will lead to solutions…and solutions will lead to healthier, safer and greener work places for all.

 

We thank all our NOSHCON 2011 presenters and panel members for their time and effort, and for sharing their valuable knowledge and insights with us. We are all enriched after a NOSHCON week of conferencing, interaction, socialising and empowerment. 

 

The exhibition was very well supported and exhibitors provided a one-stop source of products and services for our industry. According to a number of exhibitors it was one of the most successful NOSHCON exhibitions ever, and we would like to thank all exhibitors for their support. Congratulations to Drizit for winning the 'Best Stand” award! The NOSA climbing wall proved to be a favourite! With teams competing and individuals trying to 'reach for the stars' – enjoyed by all who learned more about NOSA's 'working at heights' during their wall climbing experience.

 

A record number of guests were welcomed at this year's banquet more than 700 people attended the NOSA international awards banquet that was held on the Thursday evening. It was truly an evening of winners, champions, outstanding achievements and honour! Among the achievements celebrated was NOSA's 60th anniversary, NOSHCON 50th and the many outstanding achievements by NOSA client companies and individuals during the year in review. Congratulations once again to all the winners and we trust that NOSA's recognition will give you the inspiration to continue the outstanding work you were honoured for.

 

Thank you, once again, to all delegates, speakers, sponsors and NOSA staff members, who all contributed in making it the success it was.

 

Next year's event…

 

The organisers are already hard at work planning for next year's event by innovating, challenging and taking NOSHCON to yet another higher level. We look forward to welcoming you at Champagne Sports Resort next year – diarise 11 to 14 September 2012!

 

Please visit www.noshcon.co.za on a regular basis for up-to-date information on next year's event. Should you have any suggestions, feel free to email us at noshcon@nosa.co.za. 

Opening Address at NOSHCON: