Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

MEMA Home > Programs> Communication> News > First Annual Preparedness Conference is "In the Books"

First Annual Preparedness Conference is "In the Books"

 

May 21, 2009

 

Lessons Learned Captured for the Next Time

It's an essential part of emergency management that every exercise or actual response holds an "After Action Review". What went well, that we should document and continue to do? What could we do better the next time?

So, soon after the lights dimmed on the First Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference, co-chairs Robert Gardner and Dwane Hubert began that critical review process. Gardner and Hubert first brought together the MEMA staff who had played critical roles in putting on the Conference, then conducted a second session with County Emergency Management Directors.

Some positive lessons include:

  • Schools track was excellent -- do it again
  • Value was excellent for the small registration fee charged
  • The food was terrific (kudos to the Augusta Civic Center caterers)
  • Content was varied, and instructore were knowledgable. Several were cited as outstanding.
  • "Case study" approaches in workshops were particularly well-received.

Suggested improvements include:

  • Have longer sessions for each workshop
  • Repeat popular workshops so attendees have more than one chance to participate
  • Enhance networking opportunities, especially opportunities to engage further with subject matter experts
  • Include more public health, communications and animal response offerings
  • Improve registration efficiency

Many presentations offered in the conference workshops are available online at http://www.maineprepares.com/conference MEMA's page on Facebook features photos from the conference.

Hubert and Gardner say they are pleased with the overall positive response to the conference.

They have already started applying the suggests for improvement to the planning for next year: The Second Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held April 29th and 30th at the Augusta Civic Center.

Mark your calendars! And if you have further comments about this year's conference, please contact us.

The First Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference was a joint presentation of the State Emergency Response Commission, the Maine Association of Local Emergency Managers and the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

 

Contact:

Dwane Hubert / Robert Gardner
800-452-8735 / 207-624-4420

 

Last update: 07/20/10