About the Conference

Over the past ten years, New York State continues to be at heightened awareness regarding the risk of natural disasters, epidemics, and terrorism. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, New York's emergency response community faces new challenges.

Even as the recovery to those events continues, New York State is looking back at lessons learned and best practices that will make the response to, recovery from, and mitigation of future disasters easier on the people of New York and responders alike.

Earlier this year, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his plan to build a new approach to statewide planning and preparedness to build the best emergency response system in the nation.

The inaugural Governor's Conference on Emergency Preparedness brings together hundreds of the State's first responders and the world's leading experts and leaders in the fields of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Individuals who have dealt with some of the most devastating incidents since 9/11 will address current risks, articulate practical approaches to strategies for planning, response and recovery, and increase knowledge on how we can best prepare for disasters by using our resources wisely, responding more effectively, enhancing resiliency, and creating new partnerships.

The two-day conference will highlight new leadership and direction in the state's emergency services and homeland security. Leading experts include CNN's Peter Bergen, Rohan Gunaratna, Brian Michael Jenkins, and emergency management and intelligence leaders in various fields including terrorism, cyber security, and meteorology.