PRE-CONFERENCE Workshops

Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your skills and boost your learning by participating in a pre-conference workshop. Learn from experienced practitioners who will address your concerns about ergonomics. They are open to all registered in-person conference attendees and require a separate fee.

Monday, March 22

BCPE Ergonomics Certification

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Presenter: Robert J. Smillie, President, Foundation for Professional Ergonomics

Part 1: Review of Requirements 
Overview/Abstract: Participants will learn what certification means and what are the basic steps to become certified. To become certified, participants will learn about the core competencies and of what topics they will need to have some knowledge and understanding.

Learning Objectives: Participants will become familiar with the core competencies required for certification and work with instructors and peers to review their relevant coursework and work products, which will yield a gap analysis of their intended certification application materials. 

Part 2: Preparing for BCPE Exam
Overview/Abstract: Participants will review the BCPE Core Competencies, of which the exam is based. They will learn what percentage of questions go with each competency, what the sub competencies are, and what knowledge and skill are considered critical for each competency. Participants will review all the major subject areas and get an understanding of which areas they will need to address before sitting for the exam. Overall subject reviews of key competency areas will be provided.

Learning Objectives: The outcome of the course is that participants will have developed their own specific study plan that they can use to prepare for the exam.

Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever in the Age of AI

8 a.m. – Noon
Presenters: Tami Blackwell, Ergo410, LLC

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the practice of ergonomics. Tasks that once required significant technical expertise, including data analysis, report writing, risk calculations, and even portions of ergonomics assessments, can now be completed faster and more efficiently through AI-powered tools. As technology continues to evolve, many ergonomists are asking an important question: What is our unique value as professionals?

The answer is not found in our ability to calculate risk scores or generate reports. It is found in our ability to influence a risk factor. AI can calculate a lifting figure. AI can write a report. But AI cannot walk onto a production floor, build trust with employees, inspire leaders to act, create a culture of caring, and help an organization embrace ergonomics as a shared value. That's our job!

Successful ergonomics programs are rarely limited by a lack of technical knowledge. More often, they struggle because employees, supervisors, and leaders are not engaged in the process. Sustainable ergonomic improvement requires trust, communication, empathy, leadership, coaching, and culture change. It requires people who can connect with others, inspire action, navigate resistance, and help organizations embrace ergonomics as a way of working rather than a one-time fix.

This highly interactive workshop will help participants develop the human-centered skills that make ergonomists indispensable. Through discussion, reflection exercises, role-playing activities, and practical application exercises, attendees will learn how to build credibility, communicate with influence, gain organizational buy-in, foster meaningful relationships, and create lasting ergonomic cultures.

Participants will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply to strengthen their influence, increase engagement in their programs, and become more effective advocates for positive change.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand why human-centered skills are becoming increasingly important in the age of AI.
  • Learn practical communication and influence techniques that increase acceptance of ergonomic recommendations.
  • Develop strategies for building trust and credibility with employees, leaders, and stakeholders.
  • Apply leadership and relationship-building principles to create sustainable ergonomic cultures.
  • Create a personal action plan for becoming a more influential ergonomics professional.
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