Disaster communications conference coming to Auckland

An Auckland Council-sponsored disaster communication conference is coming to Auckland in May.

Attendees will hear some of the world’s leading disaster communications professionals discuss their experiences and give advice and tips on how to lead the community through a disaster.

Auckland Council is working with Australian not-for-profit group Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) to bring the conference to New Zealand for the first time.

Glyn Walters, Auckland Council’s Public Affairs and Media Manager, says EMPA has run successful emergency communications conferences for some years in Australia.

“I am pleased to say we’ve managed to secure a fantastic line-up of international and local speakers in a great location, and it’s priced to be affordable.”

“I encourage anyone with an interest in emergency management and communications to come along.”

He said anyone involved in emergency management, crisis communications or the media would find the conference valuable. Because EMPA is a not-for-profit organisation, the cost of the two-day event was much lower than similar forums, at just $750.

Any proceeds will be channelled into research on communicating more effectively with communities during emergencies – a field where EMPA is already active through its partnerships with several Australian universities.

Keynote speakers include:
Bob Jensen, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Washington DC. Bob will update the conference on the aftermath of the latest disaster response campaigns in the US.

Denis McLean, Chief, Communications Branch, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Geneva. Denis is returning from deployment in the Philippines.

Mark Crosweller, Director-General, Emergency Management Australia. Mark is renowned for his insights into all aspects of response and recovery.

John Hamilton, Director, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management. Formerly a senior commander in the Royal NZ Air Force, John has been national controller of emergency response since the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

David Morgan, Chief Pilot, Air New Zealand.

The two-day programme also includes:
A ‘fast five’ session with some of New Zealand’s most experienced public information managers sharing their top tips for communicating in emergencies
Communicating in recovery
Interactive panel discussions
Conference dinner.

When: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May
Where: Heritage Hotel, 35 Hobson Street, Auckland Central

Full details are on-line at: www.emergencymedia.org
Book before 28 February to get the early bird discount.

ENDS.

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