Safety comms: learning from Hurricane Sandy

The 10th annual APCO Australasia conference and exhibition got underway in Adelaide today, with this year’s theme being ‘Breaking the status quo: Freedom to try new thinking’.

The event is bringing together key emergency service professionals, government agencies and product and service providers to discuss improvements in community support during crisis situations.

Over the three days the annual event is expecting over 600 attendees with local and international keynotes, expert Q&A panels, preconference workshops and access to an extensive exhibition where over 40 leading vendors are showcasing their innovative products to the public safety sector.

Of special interest will be a presentation by James Esposito, Chief of Operations for the New York City Fire Department, who will speak about the effects of Hurricane Sandy and the shutting down of the largest city in the US.

Key CEOs and CIOs including Cameron Crampton (Ambulance Victoria), Stephen Crombie (New Zealand Police) and Mark Burgess (Police Federation Australia) will give presentations on government networks, mobility solutions and improved agency outcomes.

Department of Treasury and Finance, South Australia will discuss the current challenging financial climate. ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority Council) will share its thoughts on dedicating spectrum to the public safety sector. NBN Co for the first time will share the national broadband network application for the public safety sector.

Key service and technology providers such as Motorola Solutions, Telstra and IBM will present on communication technology advances and improvements to communities and the public safety sector.

The conference and exhibition is running from 12 to 14 March at the Adelaide Convention Centre.