EMCOMM - The Event

EmComm (n) 1. Contraction for Emergency Communications. 2. Communications during disasters or other natural or man-made catastrophes.

EMCOMM has been a vital part of all the emergency and disaster operations since the invention of the radio. It plays a very important part in getting messages to the right place and person when all other modes of communications have failed.

In 1999 a group of avid Amateur Radio operators interested in improving emergency communications got together to host the very first EMCOMM symposium of its kind. Bringing together all facets of emergency communications and the organizations that rely on this type of communications.

EMCOMM 1999 was the spring board for this symposium that has grown in scope and participation every year since its inception. 

EMCOMM 2000 was attended by about 100 emergency communications-minded ham operators in an effort to bring like thinking ham operators together to discuss the problems and needs of the emergency communication community.

EMCOMM 2001attracted an even larger number of emergency communications ham operators and lots of displays from various agencies that the amateur radio community serves in times of emergency and disaster. 

EMCOMM 2002, there were over 150 amateurs, non-amateurs and state and local government officials attended this two-day emergency communications conference --- and the interest continues to grow especially after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. This was the first year that this conference was sanctioned by the ARRL and to which a representative attended. Steve Ewald, WV1X from ARRL headquarters, Supervisor of the Field and Public Services Team, was one of the keynote speakers.

EMCOMM West 2003 was held in Reno, NV for the first time, on May 31, 2003. The event was highlighted by a seminar given by Dan Miller, K3UFG Emergency Communications Course Manager for the ARRL Headquarters in Newington, CT. This event attracted well over 100 emergency communications-minded Ham operators from Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona.

EMCOMM West 2004 was held in Reno, NV this year. An educational and fun time was had by all those who attended the event.

Preliminary plans are being made for EMCOMM West 2005 to be held in Reno, NV Keeping watching this site for more information on this upcoming event.

Click on the buttons below to view pictures of the events and related stories.