A sure sign of summer is the arrival of APCO International's Annual Conference and Expo! This year’s event will include the first-ever FirstNet track, featuring panels and sessions about the nation’s only broadband network dedicated to public safety. First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) leadership and public safety representatives will be in Baltimore from August 11-14 to discuss the latest FirstNet developments and operational use cases nationwide.
On August 13, FirstNet Board Chair Edward Horowitz will deliver a keynote address on FirstNet’s progress and efforts to develop a FirstNet Authority Roadmap to guide future network enhancements.
The FirstNet Authority team will also lead a variety of sessions covering hot topics like NG9-1-1, rural broadband and response, securing public safety information, and public safety apps. Join the FirstNet Authority to learn how FirstNet is transforming the public safety marketplace.
Sunday, August 11
Charting a New Roadmap for the Future of Public Safety Broadband
Executive Director of Enterprise Strategy Jeremy Zollo
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. ET, Room 324
Jeremy will provide an overview of how the FirstNet Authority is working with public safety and industry to evolve the FirstNet network and operationalize broadband use in emergency communications, discussing efforts such as the FirstNet Authority Roadmap and Experience Center.
The Future of NG9-1-1 and FirstNet: 360 Degree Incident Insight
Senior Public Safety Advisor and 9-1-1 Subject Matter Expert John Hunt
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. ET, Room 324
John and a panel of public safety experts will discuss how broadband technologies are helping to improve access to real-time data and end-to-end situational awareness.
The Future of FirstNet: Deployment, Devices and Developing Apps
Senior Director of Products Dr. Jennifer Harder
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET, Room 324
Jennifer leads a panel discussion about what is new and upcoming as the network continues to evolve and new apps and devices emerge.
Mobile Broadband for Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Personnel
Senior Product Advisor Randy Kerr
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. ET, Room 324
Randy will walk through how ECCs can relay more accurate, robust information during search and rescue operations, damage assessments, evacuation scenarios, and other incidents.
Monday, August 12
Local Control for FirstNet Users
Senior Product Advisor Randy Kerr
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, Room 324
The panel will examine how to prioritize and manage FirstNet users during mutual aid incidents or incidental incidents involving off-duty responders.
Managing Data in a Connected Public Safety World
Senior Public Safety Advisor Kristi Wilde
3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ET, Room 324
Kristi will be joined by a panel of emergency communications experts to talk about incorporating data usage into operational plans and implementing FirstNet services for ECCs.
There’s an App for That: FirstNet’s App Ecosystem and the Modern First Responder
Senior Public Safety Advisor Bill Schrier
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ET, Room 324
Bill will explore the apps that public safety agencies are using and what stakeholders need for future app development.
Tuesday, August 13
Keynote Speech, Distinguished Achievers Breakfast
FirstNet Authority Board Chair Edward Horowitz
8:00 a.m. ET, Baltimore Convention Center Ballroom
Board Chair Edward Horowitz shares progress updates on FirstNet and discusses the FirstNet Authority’s efforts to enhance the network now and looking to the future.
First Responder Network Authority: Investment Roadmap Update
Executive Director of Enterprise Strategy Jeremy Zollo
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. ET, Exhibit Hall (Presentation Theater)
Jeremy will provide an update on the FirstNet Authority Roadmap and the principles that will guide future investments in the FirstNet network.
FirstNet in Action: Public Safety Leaders on their FirstNet Experiences
Ret. Assistant Chief for Baltimore City Fire Department Ray Lehr
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET, Room 324
Ray will be joined by a panel of FirstNet users who will share their experiences with the network and how they are operationalizing public safety broadband in everyday operations.
Connecting and Protecting Rural Responders
Senior Product Advisor Randy Kerr
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. ET, Room 324
This panel of FirstNet users will discuss the unique needs of rural first responders and how FirstNet is working to address rural coverage and capacity.
Wednesday, August 14
Building Smart Communities with Public Safety
Senior Public Safety Advisor Bill Schrier
9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Room 324
Bill will highlight the importance of public safety in “Smart Community” initiatives, and how FirstNet and NG9-1-1 can enhance emergency communications for communities during response and recovery.
Securing Public Safety’s Vital Information
Executive Director of Technology and Innovation Mark Golaszewski
10:15 – 11:15 a.m., Room 324
This panel will explore best practices and initiatives to secure information for public safety agencies.
FirstNet Authority Townhall
FirstNet Authority executives
1:45 – 2:45 p.m., Room 324
The townhall will discuss FirstNet Authority initiatives, including the FirstNet Authority Roadmap, and include a Q&A session with FirstNet Authority leadership.
You Tell Us: Putting Innovation in Public Safety’s Hands
Senior Public Safety Products Advisor Amy Haukeness
3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Room 324
Amy will lead an interactive discussion about the future of public safety communications technology, including location-based services, sensors, and the Internet of Things.
Also, be sure to visit the FirstNet Built with AT&T exhibit booths located at three locations – #623, #901 and #NP3.
Be on the lookout for FirstNet Authority blogs, podcasts, and videos from APCO, and share your experiences with FirstNet using #FirstNetatAPCO!
For more information on how to register for APCO 2019, click here. You can also find more information on the FirstNet track here, and a full schedule of events here.
