Fire and emergency management sector to convene virtually at AFAC21

Research, resilience, preparedness and new services are just some of the subjects to be explored at AFAC21, a comprehensive emergency management exhibition that will be held as a virtual event, 5–8 October. Powered by INTERSCHUTZ, it is the first time in its 26-year history that the event will be delivered virtually, with content available to delegates online and on demand.

Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, AFAC21 brings the first response agencies, government, academia, community, not-for-profit, building, environment and engineering sectors together for collaboration and knowledge exchange. More than 100 conference presenters — including keynotes — convene across seven immersive streams that will take a holistic approach to emergency prevention, management and recovery.

This year’s theme is ‘Balancing impact and expectations’, and the event is designed to take the opportunity to further develop the sector after a particularly eventful last few years. It has attracted an even wider and more diverse group of industries and services this year, featuring the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference, the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference and the Professional Development Program as part of its agenda.

“AFAC21 will be a pivotal occasion in the event’s history,” said the Chief Executive Officer of AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, Stuart Ellis. “Not only were we unable to bring the sector together in person last year, but we’ve also faced some of the most extraordinary and unique challenges in recent history since our last meeting in 2019.” International keynotes for the event include: 2021 Australian of the Year and advocate for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, Grace Tame; Commissioner, Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM; Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, Dominique Hogan-Doran SC; and the ABC’s International Affairs Analyst, Stan Grant.

The event is co-produced by Deutsche Messe and features the largest exhibition of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing both national and international brands delivering emergency management first responders with the latest innovative products, services and solutions. The decision to move the event online was taken to remove risk and uncertainty and allow a focus on all the industry has achieved and what is strived for in the future, the organisers said. “We thank you for your understanding and we look forward to delivering an incredible virtual event — until we can meet face to face again at AFAC22 in Adelaide, 23–26 August 2022.”

To register for AFAC21, visit www.afacconference.com.au/pricing-registration.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/VAKSMANV