The 2026 Safety and Health Conference, hosted by MCAA, SMACNA, and TAUC, will take place January 12–15 at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas. This conference brings together industry leaders committed to advancing safety and well-being in the construction industry. Among this year’s featured keynote speakers is Patrick Nelson, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and nationally recognized leadership expert whose story and strategies will inspire lasting change.
About Patrick Nelson
Nelson’s leadership journey spans military service, academic achievement, and professional development. As an inaugural NFL-Tillman Military Scholar, Nelson earned both local and national recognition for his commitment to excellence. He served nearly seven years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, completing three combat deployments and earning prestigious honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal.
After his military career, Nelson transitioned into leadership development, working with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses across diverse industries. His engaging facilitation style and practical approach have made him a sought-after speaker and trainer. Beyond the stage, Patrick actively supports wounded veterans through Tee It Up for the Troops, a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to those who served.
Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University (Magna Cum Laude) and advanced degrees in Sport Management and Organization Development from Minnesota State and Pepperdine University.
Keynote Session: Front-Line Leadership – How to Eliminate Complacency and Build All-In Engagement
In this impactful keynote, Patrick Nelson draws on his military experience and leadership expertise to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in today’s organizations: complacency. Through compelling stories—including the greatest failure of his life, which resulted in the loss of a soldier in combat—Patrick delivers a powerful message about accountability, trust, and engagement.
Attendees will learn:
- How to eliminate complacency and inspire proactive safety behaviors
- Strategies to ignite full engagement at every level of the organization
- Practical tools to foster trust, build accountability, and empower teams
Patrick’s session goes beyond theory, equipping leaders with actionable insights to create a culture of continuous improvement and personal responsibility for safety.
Join us January 12–15 in Austin, Texas, for the 2026 Safety and Health Conference, hosted by MCAA, SMACNA, and TAUC.
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