Global and national first responders, fire, and emergency management sector to convene at AFAC22 for the most vital industry meeting in recent years
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Embracing the opportunity to further develop the sector after a series of significant emergency events felt right across Australia, AFAC22 welcomes an even wider and more diverse group of industries and services for face-to-face collaboration and knowledge exchange. In addition to first response agencies, government, academia, not-for-profits, building, environment, and engineering sectors, AFAC22 will include increased participation from defence, space, health and community services.
Reflecting on the past and looking to the future, research, resilience, preparedness, risk reduction, culture and inclusion, mental health and climate are just some of the subjects to be explored in a jam-packed four days featuring over 90 speakers across seven immersive streams. The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference, and the Professional Development Program are incorporated in the extensive agenda.
Ahead of the opening ceremony, AFAC will host its Research Day, featuring the latest research and utilisation that informs the work and practice of fire and emergency services.
Tackling some of the industry’s toughest topics, internationally acclaimed keynote speakers include:
Head of the Climate and Security Policy Centre at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
Head, Biosecurity Program and Professor of Global Biosecurity at the Kirby Institute, and NHMRC Principal Research Fellow
CEO, Southern Launch
Over the following two days, the conference streams will showcase an impressive line-up of speakers leading cutting-edge conversations, and sharing stories of inspiring action including:
Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Victorian Government
Founders, Orange Sky Australia
Artist, Published Author, Musician and Award-winning Director/Producer
President and Chief Executive Officer, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Rob Webb, CEO of AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, commented on the significance of this conference and exhibition for the region and associated sectors.
“AFAC22 will be a turning point in collaboration and innovation across all sectors involved in the event. With some of the most impactful and unique challenges faced by our region in hundreds of years, our industries have had to rapidly evolve and re-focus on a 360-degree approach to emergency management; from predictions and preparedness, through to resilience and long-term community-led recovery.
By gathering the current and emerging leaders of the many hundreds of invested groups and communities that make up our emergency response, we can come through emergency situations stronger and more resilient than ever,” said Mr Webb.
Rounding out the program of conference speakers will be the Professional Development Program, onsite appearances by government ministers, fire and emergency service commissioners and chief officers, executive representatives of South Australian conference host agencies, and leaders and experts in the field of emergency management.
On Wednesday 24 August, fire agency commissioners, chief officers and senior leaders from each state and territory will come together to launch the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2022 – providing the first glimpse into the anticipated conditions for the beginning of Australia’s 2022–23 fire season.
Exhibition
The AFAC22 Exhibition, powered by INTERSCHUTZ and co-produced by Deutsche Messe, features the largest exhibition of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Showcasing both national and international brands providing first responders with the latest innovative products, services, and solutions in over 12,000sqms of combined indoor/outdoor space. An extensive program will see the return of the popular Expo Stage, Demonstration Zone and the AIDR Knowledge Centre.
Expo Stage – has free-to-attend sessions with senior speakers covering industry topics focusing on the latest vehicle technology, aerial solutions, geospatial/mapping, fire prediction and detection technologies, emergency management, first responders, communications/data management and more.
Demonstration Zone – an exciting live demonstration program will again be a visual highlight, and will include accident scene extrications, truck lifting off vehicle techniques, robotics, virtual reality firefighting triaging equipment, and much more.
AIDR Knowledge Centre – an extensive educational frontline program will showcase emerging knowledge and ground-breaking research from across the industry.
Exhibition entry is free, allowing anyone from the sector from any level gain insightful industry updates via the Free Visitor Exhibition Only pass. Register here: https://www.afacconference.com.au/2022-pricing-registration
For further information about the conference please visit: www.afacconference.com.au
