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The Emergency Management Association of Tennessee (EMAT) invites emergency management professionals, first responders, and industry experts to submit presentation proposals for the 2027 EMAT Educational Conference.

We are seeking high-quality, unique, and dynamic presentations that deliver actionable insights, innovative solutions, and practical takeaways for a diverse audience of public safety decision-makers.

Suggested Topics & Tracks

We welcome proposals across a wide range of emergency management disciplines. Recommended tracks include, but are not limited to:

• Mitigation & Response: Case studies, lessons learned from recent disaster operations, and tactical execution strategies.

• Technology & Innovation: Emerging tools, crisis communications, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision-making.

• Leadership & Workforce Development: Staff retention, mental health and wellness, equity in public safety, and executive decision-making.

• Whole-Community Resilience: Public-private partnerships, non-governmental organization (NGO) coordination, and vulnerable population outreach.

• Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery: Lessons learned, real-world case studies, and scalable operational models.

• THIRA Development: Conducting Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments for evolving community profiles.

• Mass Care & Safe Schools: Multi-agency coordination for shelter operations, school safety planning, active threat response, and student reunifications.

• Cybersecurity & Use of Drones: Tactical applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), securing critical infrastructure, and managing cyber incidents.

• Mass Communication & Social Media: Public warning systems, crisis communication tactics, combating misinformation, and leveraging social channels during active disasters.

• Climate Change & Adaptation: Building long-term climate resilience, hazard mitigation strategies, and sustainable infrastructure planning.

• Grants & Financial Recovery: Navigating federal/state funding streams, FEMA reimbursement protocols, and pre-disaster mitigation grants.

• Private Sector Integration: Fostering public-private partnerships, supply chain resilience, and business continuity.

• Whole Community Diversity & Inclusion: Addressing access and functional needs (AFN), language access, and equitable disaster outcomes.

• VOAD & Volunteer Engagement: Coordinating Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), managing spontaneous volunteers, and long-term recovery committees.

 

Presenter Guidelines and Submission Requirements

Presenters are responsible for all travel-related expenses, such as airfare, mileage, parking, hotel, meals, etc. unless otherwise agreed upon by the EMAT Conference Committee. 

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

To ensure your proposal receives full consideration by the Conference Committee, please adhere to the following standards:

1. Format: Breakout sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes (inclusive of Q&A). Panel presentations are limited to 2–3 presenters to allow adequate discussion time.

2. Objective & Focus: Presentations must be issue-focused and educational, not vendor or product sales pitches.

3. Submission Package:

   • Presentation Title and short Abstract (max 250 words).

   • 3 Clear Learning Objectives/Takeaways for attendees.

   • Speaker Biography (max 300 words) including relevant credentials.

   • Selected Track & Primary Audience Level.

4. Speaker Commitment: Selected presenters agree to provide session handouts/slides for the conference app prior to the event. (Note: Presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses unless otherwise noted).

 

How to Submit

Submit your complete proposal online through the EMAT portal at

2027 EMAT Conference Speaker Proposal - EMAT 2026.

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For questions regarding proposal topics, speaker requirements, or submission logistics, please contact the EMAT Conference Chair at outreachcoord@emat.org