November 21, 2005 (Park Ridge, IL) – The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) announced today a new educational partnership. The associations will jointly present the First Annual “Geospatial Integration for Public Safety Conference” (GIPSC). Designed for 9-1-1 professionals, GIS professionals, addressing coordinators, incident management and emergency response specialists, GIPSC will provide a dynamic and interactive educational forum that addresses the challenges and opportunities of mapping and addressing in public safety and emergency management, while giving participants a guide to understanding the latest technology and resources.
“The technology is advancing in leaps and bounds,” said Rob Martin, NENA Executive Director, pointing to the rapid pace of change in geospatial technology as a catalyst for the conference. “During NENA’s series of Critical Issues Forums and in its ongoing committee work in 9-1-1, geographic information systems, mapping, and addressing issues have consistently been at the forefront of integration discussions,” he said. “This new partnership makes effective use of common resources and promotes the kind of positive collaboration between individuals and organizations that result in better understanding and better outcomes.”
“NENA has endorsed URISA’s GIS in Addressing Conference for many years and the conference attendees and presenters have typically represented both associations,” explained Wendy Francis, Executive Director of URISA. “This new expanded conference then, is a logical next step. We’ll still meet the needs of those who look forward to our Addressing conference while encouraging collaboration between the disciplines and expanding the reach of the event.”
GIPSC is scheduled for unveiling in April 2006, with the venue and specific dates to be announced soon. For the latest information about the conference, go to www.urisa.org or www.nena.org.
About the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)
URISA is considered to be the premier organization for the use and integration of spatial information technology to improve the quality of life in our urban and regional environments. URISA is the founding member of the GIS Certification Institute, the organization that administers professional certification for the field. Through its international, national and local chapter operations, URISA serves nearly 7,000 professionals worldwide. To carry out this mission, URISA provides professional education, fosters communications among IT/GIS management professionals in all levels of government, and encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to the design and use of urban and regional information systems. Visit www.urisa.org for more information.
About the National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
NENA is “The Voice of 9-1-1™.” Now celebrating its 25th year, NENA was established to promote implementation and awareness of 9-1-1 as North America’s universal emergency number. NENA has grown to become the leading professional non-profit organization dedicated solely to 9-1-1 emergency communications issues. NENA serves its more than 7,000 members in 46 chapters across the U.S. and Canada through policy advocacy, establishment of technical and operational standards, certification programs and a broad spectrum of educational offerings. Find out more at www.nena.org.