NSCA event to address mass notification, emergency communications systems

The National Systems Contractors Association's (NSCA) Mass Notification & Emergency Communications (MNEC) Symposium will be a featured track at the upcoming PSA-TEC conference in Westminster, CO. To be held May 9, the event will include a keynote address by Michael Mulhare, director of the office of emergency management at Virginia Tech.

Recent changes to NFPA 72, along with other various standards, have established new requirements for intelligible emergency communications systems. These changes provide a business opportunity for audio and security integrators to combine their expertise and provide intelligible emergency communications systems. “NSCA is hosting the MNEC symposium as an industry outreach event to educate integrators on this emerging marketplace and highlight a great business opportunity,” comments Chuck Wilson, NSCA's executive director.

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Wilson adds, “It’s important for NSCA to be an advocate for the integrators who will lead this opportunity, educating the AHJs and their customers on the products and services available to create a strong MNEC system that ensures public safety. There will be a constant need to understand the changing codes, working with public officials to incorporate the codes and standards and utilizing the latest and greatest technology for this critical marketplace.”

NCSA says that attendees of the MNEC Industry Symposium will learn how to:

-- Build knowledge of MNEC including terminology, modified codes and regulations, constituent groups impacted, and inherent risks and rewards.
-- Build strategic partnerships between A/V, fire, life-safety, and security industries.
-- Communicate with customers/facility managers on the value of emergency systems.
-- Assist clients with a risk assessment to determine vulnerabilities to build the right MNEC system.
-- Provide opportunities to see the technologies and applications through table-top displays and representatives from leading manufacturers and consultants.

The highlight of the event will be its keynote presenter, Michael Mulhare, who will provide details of the emergency notification systems, special alerts and protocols refined over the last few years at Virginia Tech, and discuss ways these may be applied to the corporate, healthcare and education markets. As the number of natural disasters and acts of mass violence continue to climb, the sense of urgency to disseminate information quickly, effectively, and intelligibly to those in the affected areas has increased exponentially, notes NSCA.

Registration is $249 to attend the day-long event. For more information or to register for the MNEC Symposium, visit www.psatec.com.

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