Overview
The AFS Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Conference returns for its 38th year as the premier event for foundry industry EHS professionals. Taking place October 6 – 8, 2026, in Louisville, KY, the conference brings together leading experts and peers to discuss the latest developments, innovations, and best practices in foundry EHS. From foundry case studies to updates from Washington D.C. to networking with other professionals, this event has what you need to enhance your knowledge, EHS programs, and performance.
At the 38th EHS Conference, you’ll get the latest in information-sharing, with insights from EHS experts who lead the way in foundry safety and environmental advancements. This conference features speakers presenting novel approaches to EHS management, vendors highlighting cutting-edge products, and foundry members-only sessions where you can find answers to your most pressing EHS questions.
Exhibits - Sold Out
| AFS is looking for exhibitors and sponsors to show off their latest EHS innovations, products, and services and to show support for AFS. Exhibitors will be given an eight foot black skirted table and two chairs. Wi-Fi is included and electricity will be made available, as needed. Seventeen exhibits are available and exhibits are on a first come, first served basis. Exhibits are located near the conference room in the same area where the lunch/breaks and evening reception will take place. Exhibits for AFS Corporate Members cost $1,725 ($2,050 for non-Members) and comes with one attendee registration with meals for the conference. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring door prizes to place on their exhibit table. Exhibitors can collect business cards from attendees that approach their table and there will be a drawing for each participating exhibitor towards the end of the reception on October 7th, 2026. Only attendees that visit participating exhibits throughout the day are eligible to win that exhibitor’s door prizes. The exhibits will be on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Click here to download the exhibits form. |
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Sponsorships
Sponsor logos will be included in pre-event print and digital marketing materials, on the event webpage, in various communications, and onsite on posters and attendee guides. Sponsors will be formally recognized during the event and during presentations. Sponsorships are $950.
For more information on exhibits or sponsorships, please contact Kim Farrugia at kfarrugia@afsinc.org or click here.
For more information on the 38th Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, please contact Kim Perna at kperna@afsinc.org.
Location
- The Galt House
- Louisville, KY
- October 6 – 8, 2026
Hotel Information
140 North Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Standard room rate of $189/Night + Fees. To make a reservation, click the link provided. The hotel’s check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-in prior to the hotel’s published check-in times are subject to availability. Check-out time is 11 a.m. Room block closes 9/14/2026.
Conference Agenda
Jenny Pappalardo
AFS EHS Division Chair, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
George W. Curry, Jr.
AFS EHS Technical Director
Schaumburg, IL
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Mickey Hannum
Optimized Safety Solutions, LLC
Gulf Breeze, FL
Daniel Moravej
Hiler Industries
La Porte, IN
Mickey Hannum
Optimized Safety Solutions, LLC
Gulf Breeze, FL
Brad Kline
National Safety Council
Minneapolis, MN
Dan Engling
KERAMIDA, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Austin Yurt
Industrial Safety and Training Services Inc.
Shelbyville, KY
This 45-minute Arc Flash presentation explores current industry trends, critical statistics, and key NFPA 70E 2027 standard updates. This session will examine why 5 to 10 Arc flash incidents still occur daily in the workplace and provide insights to improve safety. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of Arc Flash PPE requirements and the ability to proactively recognize Arc Flash hazards within their facility.
Key Takeaways
- NFPA 70E 2027 Updates: Understand the latest regulatory changes and compliance standards.
- Incident Prevention: Understand why arc flash events still happen and how to prevent them.
- Hazard Recognition: Learn to identify dangerous situations before they lead to accidents.
- PPE Familiarization: Gain clarity on selecting and utilizing the right protective gear working around Arc Flash Hazards
Brian Bigley
McWane, Inc.
Oskaloosa, IA
As soon as you receive a citation from a regulatory agency, the clock starts and deadlines begin. You have several paths and choices, but do you know what to do if you choose to not immediately pay? This program is a quick primer on your options for conferencing or contesting agency citations. We will discuss the difference between the conference and contest process, and how to prepare for both, as you timely proceed with your agency interactions.
Mickey Hannum
Optimized Safety Solutions, LLC
Gulf Breeze, FL
Katie Hensley
Cottingham & Butler
Dubuque, IA
Moderator:
Earl Miller
Hiler Industries
La Porte, IN
Panelists:
James Hart
Milwaukee Valve
New Berlin, WI
Glenn Hunneycutt
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
Kristi Yates
Lodge Mfg. Co.
South Pittsburg, TN
Amanda Fedorko
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
George W. Curry, Jr.
AFS EHS Technical Director
Schaumburg, IL
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Kristi Yates
Lodge Mfg. Co.
South Pittsburg, TN
James Hart
Milwaukee Valve
Prairie du Sac, WI
Stephanie Salmon
AFS Washington Office
Washington D.C.
Christian Richter
The Policy Group
Washington, D.C.
Jenny Pappalardo
AFS EHS Division Chair, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
George W. Curry, Jr.
AFS EHS Technical Director
Schaumburg, IL
- Divisional Awards
- AFS Metalcasting Safe Year Awards
- Green Foundry Awards
- Innovation & Insight Awards
Air Quality
Jeet Radia
KERAMIDA, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Water, Waste, & Byproducts
Bryant Esch
Waupaca Foundry, Inc.
Waupaca, WI
Health & Safety
James Hart
Milwaukee Valve
Prairie du Sac, WI
Colin Green
Cottingham & Butler
Dubuque, IA
George W. Curry, Jr.
AFS EHS Technical Director
Schaumburg, IL
The classification of thermite materials has become an increasingly important issue for manufacturers, suppliers, and foundries that produce, distribute, transport, or use thermite-containing products. In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued guidance explaining its approach to the classification of thermite mixtures, renewing industry focus on how these materials are regulated during transportation and handling. This presentation reviews PHMSA's classification approach, the criteria used to distinguish thermite mixtures from explosive materials, and the resulting regulatory requirements that may apply when thermite products are classified as Division 4.1 flammable solids. The session is intended for EHS professionals, shipping and transportation personnel, foundry managers, and procurement and supply chain professionals responsible for purchasing and handling thermite-containing materials. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how these classifications affect the transportation, storage, handling, and use of thermite-containing products, as well as the potential impacts on foundry operations, compliance programs, and supply chains.
Ryan Burke
OSCO Industries Inc.
Portsmouth, OH
Earl Miller
Hiler Industries
La Porte, IN
OSHA has regulated formaldehyde since 1987, but EPA is now developing a second, separate limit under TSCA that would apply to nearly every chemically bonded sand operation. This session brings foundry EHS professionals up to date on where the rule stands, what OSHA already requires, and what the underlying science does and does not support.
- The SBREFA (Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act) panel process and the foundry industry's position in both rounds of comments.
- OSHA's limits versus EPA's proposed 0.300 ppm and international standards.
- What "sensory irritation" means, and what we found when we read the third-party studies behind the number.
Kayla Gibbons
KERAMIDA, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Cheryl Curry
Plumb Tree Psychology
St Charles, IL
A Gen Z, generally encompassing those born between 1997 and 2012, has often been stereotyped as lazy, needy, bubble-wrapped, entitled, soft, and spoiled. But like all stereotypes, these don’t give credit to the exceptionally hard-working and talented members of this generation, who now match the number of baby boomers in the workforce. Surveys are showing that companies find their youngest employees, Gen Z, the most difficult to work with and the most mystifying to managers. But they are here to stay and have much to offer! Gain insight into this generation so as to bring out the best qualities for mutual benefit and retention.
With practical advice, useful take-aways, and a good dose of humor, this presentation will shed some light on this generation, providing insight and data from the perspective of Gen Z’ers themselves, research on how industry is successfully responding to the differences in the workplace, and what is really behind the stereotypes.
Moderator:
Jenny Pappalardo
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
Panelists:
Bryant Esch
Waupaca Foundry Inc.
Waupaca, WI
Craig LeNoble
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Neenah, WI
Ryan Burke
OSCO Industries
Portsmouth, OH
Networking, time with Exhibitors, hors d’oeuvres, & refreshments for all.
Jeet Radia
KERAMIDA Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
George W. Curry, Jr.
AFS EHS Technical Director
Schaumburg, IL
Mike Lenahan
Badger Mining Corp.
Berlin, WI
Dr. Janet Anderson
Exponent, Inc. Health Sciences Practice
Austin, TX
Dr. Sara Hearon
Exponent, Inc. Health Sciences Practice
Austin, TX
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to be a major focus of state legislative and regulatory activity across the United States, creating new compliance, liability, and operational challenges for the metals industry. While much of the national conversation has focused on consumer products and drinking water, metal producers, processors, fabricators, recyclers, and finishing operations are increasingly affected by PFAS requirements related to manufacturing processes, wastewater discharges, residuals management, environmental investigations, and supply chain reporting obligations.
This presentation explores how evolving state legislation may affect the metals industry and examines the potential sources of PFAS-related liability throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Topics include historical and current uses of PFAS in plating and finishing operations, industrial wastewater and residuals management, site investigation and cleanup obligations, recycled material considerations, and supply chain disclosure requirements. The presentation will also review key state legislative trends, discuss how differing state definitions of PFAS can influence compliance obligations, and identify practical strategies for managing regulatory, environmental, and commercial risks in an increasingly complex PFAS landscape.
Emily Henderson
TRC
Atlanta, GA
An overview of how hazardous waste is defined and practical implementation of characterization and tracking requirements. The goal of the presentation is to generate discussion around the following questions:
- Why is identifying hazardous waste important? How can we determine if a waste is hazardous or not?
- What are the requirements for tracking hazardous waste?
- What types of hazardous waste treatment are allowed?
Carl Raycroft
McWane Inc.
Birmingham, AL
Greg Kramer
Badger Mining Corp.
Berlin, WI
- Ventilation design guidelines and how foundries can be misguided.
- Interactive demonstration on system measurements and foundry specific ventilation issues and solutions.
- Minimum transport velocity vs. material pick-up velocities: how much valuable raw materials are you losing?
Moderator:
Jenny Pappalardo
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
Panelists:
Amanda Fedorko
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Co.
Oakboro, NC
Earl Miller
Hiler Industries
La Porte, IN
Bryant Esch
Waupaca Foundry, Inc.
Waupaca, WI
Kristen Belcredi
KERAMIDA, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Registration
AFS Member:
$990.00 Early Registration (Ends 9/1/2026)
$1,115.00 Standard Registration
Non-AFS Member:
$1,365.00 Early Registration (Ends 9/1/2026)
$1,515.00 Standard Registration
AFS presents a variety of technical and management conferences (in both in-person and virtual formats). The refund policy for AFS conferences is as follows: 1) Substitutions are accepted at no charge at any time up until the start of the conference; 2) Full refunds are offered if AFS is notified in writing of cancellation at least 30 days in advance of the conference. No refunds or credits are available for less than 30 days written notice.
Sponsors
Gold
