The ARRL promoted Amateur Radio at the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Mid-Year Conference February 12-15 in Washington, DC. With help from Maryland-District of Columbia Section Emergency Coordinator Mike Carr, WA1QAA, and Assistant Section Manager and Emergency Coordinator Jim Cross, WI3N, ARRL Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG, staffed an Amateur Radio exhibit booth at the gathering.

"This event provided excellent exposure for Amateur Radio to the larger emergency management community," Miller said. "Interaction with those representing many diverse levels of emergency management is a win-win proposition." Miller said the ARRL's presence further established the League as a national point of contact to answer questions about Amateur Radio's emergency communication capabilities. At the same time, he said, it gave League representatives a chance to hear the concerns of emergency managers for followup with local ARES teams.

The conference also offered an opportunity for NEMA members--ARRL included--to discuss the many challenges facing the emergency management world, to share solutions, grow professionally, network with peers and strengthen relationships with partner organizations. NEMA also shared with federal officials its views on emergency preparedness for all hazards. Individuals and organizations involved in shaping the future of homeland security and emergency management offered presentations and forums.

Miller said many of the nearly 350 attendees representing federal and state emergency management and other agencies around the US stopped by the ARRL booth to complete a short questionnaire and to discuss Amateur Radio--with a focus on emergency communications.

Source: The ARRL Letter, Vol 24, No 09