Paralysis redirected Convention keynote’s life into safety advocacy

Paralysis redirected Convention keynote’s life into safety advocacy

Hall of Fame speaker will offer tips for leaders ‘when safety isn’t optional’

Chad Hymas and his son, Kyler Hymas.

Chad Hymas suffered a debilitating injury in 2001 and could have spent the rest of his life bemoaning the farm accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Instead, he became a safety advocate, travels the world delivering inspirational messages and is the youngest person to earn induction into the National Speakers Association (NSA) Hall of Fame, achieving that in 2011 at age 37.

As keynote speaker for ATSSA’s 2026 Convention & Traffic Expo, Hymas, now 51, will address the topic of “Leadership in the Line of Fire – When Safety Isn’t Optional.”

He will talk with the gathering of roadway safety professionals about the true cost of shortcuts and complacency in safety practices, why great safety cultures are led from the top and reinforced on the front line, the mindset of resilient leadership in high stakes industries, and how personal leadership and daily decision-making directly affect teammates, families and company futures.

Hymas’ son, Kyler Hymas, 25, will join him to share his perspective on the accident that impacted the entire family and meant he grew up with a Dad confined to a wheelchair.

Hear from Chad and Kyler Hymas during ATSSA’s 2026 Convention & Traffic Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Feb. 20-24.

The event kicks off on Friday, Feb. 20 with the two premier fundraisers of the year for the American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation – the 34th Annual Golf Classic Tournament and the 13^th Annual Sporting Clays Event.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, roadway safety professionals will convene for committee and council meetings throughout the day.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the day will kick off with education sessions followed by the grand opening of the Expo Hall.

On Monday, Feb. 23, ATSSA’s general session provides an industry update, a legislative briefing, announcement of the year’s national awards, the keynote speaker and a tribute to the men and women lost in roadway work zones. The Expo Hall opens again afterward with food and refreshments on the Traffic Expo floor as Convention attendees explore the vast array of innovative solutions to roadway safety.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Circle of Innovation kicks off the morning followed by additional hours in the Expo Hall and micro sessions on the show floor.

Check back often to Expo.ATSSA.com for updates and additional details.

Register now for ATSSA’s 2026 Convention & Traffic Expo and take advantage of discounted flights to Houston via United Airlines. Use discount code ZRBU839702 when buying tickets online or by calling the United Meetings Reservation Desk, Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122.