ADAO names performers, speakers and honorees for 2026 asbestos conference

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization has announced the performers, keynote speakers and honorees for its 21st annual conference in Washington, D.C., set for Sept. 25-26, 2026. The event spotlights asbestos prevention, public health and advocacy as the group pushes to end asbestos-caused disease.

Why it matters: - The annual conference brings together researchers, advocates, survivors and public health leaders around asbestos prevention. - ADAO is using the event to push its central message that prevention is the only cure for asbestos-caused disease. - The awards and program aim to amplify scientific research, policy work and personal advocacy tied to asbestos exposure.

What happened: - The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization announced the performers, keynote speakers and honorees for its 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, “Asbestos: Awareness, Prevention, and the Law.” - The conference will be held Sept. 25-26, 2026, in Washington, D.C. - Friday’s “An Evening Under the Stars” event will feature Jordan Zevon, Matt Cartsonis and Jordan Summers. - Dan Whu, MD, MPH, FACPM, FAAMA, chief medical officer of the International Association of Fire Fighters, will speak Saturday, Sept. 26 at the academic conference. - Julie Gundlach, a mesothelioma survivor and longtime asbestos-ban advocate, will give remarks Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Candle Lighting Virtual Vigil.

The details: - ADAO will recognize eight individuals and organizations at an awards ceremony following the academic conference. - John M. Dement, PhD, and Michael Crane, MD, MPH, will receive the Dr. Irving Selikoff Award for contributions to scientific research, occupational health and public health efforts to prevent asbestos exposure and disease. - Jordan Summers will receive the Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Award for using creative work to raise awareness and preserve the stories of those affected. - Mesothelioma UK will receive the Tribute of Hope Award for public service and policy work tied to a future free of asbestos-related diseases. - 9/11 Health Watch will receive the Tribute of Inspiration Award for leadership and achievements that inspire action and change. - Miles for Mesothelioma will receive the Tribute of Unity Award for collaborative leadership in prevention, education and public health. - Libby Brow and Penny Jo Major will receive the Alan Reinstein Tribute Award for courage, advocacy and commitment to asbestos awareness, prevention and policy. - ADAO also named conference sponsors, including Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP and Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLP as Platinum Sponsors. - The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC are Gold Sponsors. - Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is a Silver Sponsor. - More information and registration are available at conference information and registration. - ADAO was founded in 2004 and says it is the largest independent nonprofit in the United States focused on preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-caused diseases.

Between the lines: - The speaker and honoree list blends medicine, advocacy, survivor voices and music, signaling ADAO’s effort to frame asbestos prevention as both a public health and community issue. - The presence of fire service and World Trade Center health leaders points to the continuing relevance of asbestos exposure for workers and 9/11-related health programs. - The awards structure also shows how ADAO uses recognition to build momentum around policy, education and awareness campaigns.

What's next: - ADAO will hold the conference Sept. 25-26 in Washington, D.C. - The awards ceremony will follow the academic conference. - The Candle Lighting Virtual Vigil and Friday evening event will round out the two-day program. - Attendees can register through the conference website before the event.