Good Work Deserves to Be Shared.
Great Work Deserves to Be Celebrated.
Two opportunities. One deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026.
Dear Construction Mental Health Community,
Across the construction industry, something remarkable is happening.
Crew leaders are finding better ways to check in. Contractors are building mental health into their safety practices. Unions, associations, researchers, and advocates are challenging old assumptions and creating healthier workplaces.
And much of this work is happening quietly, without much fanfare.
We want to change that.
As co-chairs of the 6th Annual Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference, February 22–25, 2027, in Chicago, we're inviting you to help us recognize the people and organizations making a difference and share practical ideas that others can put to work.
We have two opportunities for you, and both submission deadlines are November 6.
1. Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Industry Awards
Who in our industry deserves some recognition? Maybe it's you!
These awards celebrate organizations and individuals advancing mental health, suicide prevention, substance use recovery, and worker wellbeing in construction.
Seven award categories are available:
Mental Health Visionary Awards
Large Construction Company (more than 1,500 employees)
Mid-Size Construction Company (1,500 employees or fewer)
National Association
Regional/Chapter Organization
Local Union
Additional Awards
Shining Light Through Media Award: Recognizes impactful journalism, storytelling, and media efforts that elevate construction mental health and inspire change.
Academic and/or Applied Research Award: Recognizes research that advances our understanding of construction mental health and translates knowledge into practical solutions.
What are the judges looking for?
The evaluation is grounded in four criteria:
Impact (40%) — Who have you reached? What has changed? What evidence or stories demonstrate a difference?
Initiatives (30%) — What programs, practices, and resources have you put in place?
Instituted (20%) — When did your efforts begin, and how have you sustained your commitment?
Innovation (10%) — What creative approaches have you developed to address the challenges facing your workforce?
You do not need a perfect program or a massive budget to be worthy of recognition. We want to learn about meaningful action, real-world results, and the lessons you've learned along the way.
Why submit?
Recognition honors the people who have championed this work, often against considerable resistance. It gives your team a moment to celebrate how far you've come, demonstrates your organization's commitment to its workforce, and shows others what is possible.
Award recipients will be recognized at our Awards Celebration Dinner on February 24, 2027, at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile and featured through conference publicity.
Self-nominations and nominations of others are welcome, with the nominee's permission.
SUBMIT AN AWARD NOMINATION
Need a little inspiration? Meet past award recipients and hear their stories.
2. Mental Health Toolbox Talk Competition
Got 3–5 minutes and something worth saying? We want to hear it.
Some of the most important mental health conversations in construction don't happen in a conference room. They happen at the start of a shift, around a tailgate, or between coworkers who trust each other.
A great Toolbox Talk can open a conversation, teach a skill, challenge stigma, or help someone find support.
We're inviting construction professionals, crews, companies, and unions to submit a 3–5-minute video demonstrating a mental health Toolbox Talk.
Choose one topic that matters to your workforce. It could be burnout, suicide prevention, grief, sleep, stress, substance use, recovery, loneliness, psychological safety, or simply how to look out for a coworker.
What makes a strong submission?
Our judges will consider:
Content: Is the message focused, accurate, and useful?
Safe and effective messaging: Does it use respectful, non-stigmatizing language and promote hope, help-seeking, and practical solutions?
Engagement: Would construction workers connect with this message? Does it invite reflection, conversation, or action?
Video quality: Can the audience clearly see and hear the talk?
Here's the important part: We are NOT looking for Hollywood production values!
smartphone, decent lighting, clear audio, and an authentic voice are plenty. We'd much rather see a genuine conversation that resonates with a crew than a beautifully produced video that misses the mark.
The strongest submissions will give workers something they can understand, remember, and use.
Why enter?
Because the talk that works on your jobsite might help hundreds of other crews.
Our judging committee will select three finalists, whose videos will be showcased at the Chicago conference. Attendees will vote live to determine first, second, and third place. Winning videos will also be shared on the conference website and YouTube channel. At least one representative from each finalist team must attend the conference.
Your practical idea could become a resource for the entire industry.
SUBMIT YOUR TOOLBOX TALK VIDEO
Building New Horizons Starts With Sharing What Works
Construction has always been an industry of problem-solvers. We learn from each other. We borrow good ideas. We find a better way and pass it along.
That's exactly the spirit behind these two opportunities.
Maybe you're leading an organization doing groundbreaking work. Maybe you're a superintendent who found a better way to talk with your crew. Maybe you know a union leader, researcher, or storyteller whose contributions deserve a bigger spotlight.
Don't keep that work a secret.
Submit your work. Nominate someone who inspires you. Forward this invitation to a colleague who deserves encouragement.
Deadline for BOTH opportunities: Friday, November 6, 2026.
We can't wait to see what you're building!
See you in Chicago,
Your Conference Co-Chairs,
Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
Eli Embleton
Michael Schneider
6th Annual Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference
Building New Horizons | February 22–25, 2027 | Chicago, Illinois