WIREDGOV

Now in its 45th year, the joint Defra and Environment Agency flood conference is the leading event of its kind for flood and coastal management professionals.

The three-day long conference will cover the spectrum of flood and coastal erosion issues, with a strong emphasis on the need to adapt to a changing climate and balance new initiatives with increased efficiency and financial responsibility.

Conference attendees will be encouraged to explore new ways of working together to share best practice, innovative approaches and new technologies. 

The opening session of the conference will feature a number of high profile speakers, including Paul Leinster, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, and Mary Dhonau, Chief Executive of the National Flood Forum. 

The conference will also provide UK flood management professionals with an international  perspective on flood risk management.  Peter Rabbon, of the US Army Corp of Engineers, will give insight into flood risks and management practices in the US, and how lessons learnt across the Atlantic can be applied in the UK.  

Other conference highlights include:

• Learn first hand from key Defra and Environment Agency staff what the Flood and Water Management Act will mean for you
• Hear Cumbria County Council share their experiences of the November 2009 floodsand incident management practice
• Share your experiences with other professionals through informal discussions sessions on a range of key topics including emergency planning, coastal change and flood warnings

With over five million people and their property at risk of flooding in England and Wales, the conference will address how to manage flood and coastal erosion risk, prepare and protect people, property and the environment.

FCRM10 brings together academics, consultants and contractors to stimulate ideas and discussion around the future of flood and coastal risk management. Those who have been affected by floods, government representatives, NGOs and environmental groups are also invited to attend.

All 55 stands in the main exhibition hall have now been taken. Companies exhibiting at the conference include HR Wallingford, Atkins Global and Halcrow Group Limited.

Robert Runcie, Director of Flood for the Environment Agency said: “FCRM10 provides industry professionals with the chance to explore latest thinking in the management of flood and coastal erosion risk. This year will also provide the opportunity to share best practice, practical demonstrations and technology solutions.

“Ultimately this enables industry professionals to better engage people at risk to help them reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.”

Log on to http://www.hg3conference-secretariat.co.uk/ea/registration.aspx to register and buy your conference package before midnight on 1 June and save £100 on attendance rates.

Full FCRM10 Conference Program attached. 

ENDS

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

FCRM10 Conference - Managing flood and coastal erosion risk, preparing and protecting people and property

• International Conference Centre, Telford
• 29 June – 1 July 2010

Log on to http://www.hg3conference-secretariat.co.uk/ea/registration.aspx to register and buy your conference package before midnight on 1 June and save £100 on attendance rates.

A full three day package is currently £332, or opt for a one-day rate of £170.

Themes for each day are:

• Tuesday 29 June: new directions in policy and investment
• Wednesday 30 June: preparing for and responding to flooding, and managing our assets
• Thursday 1 July: assessing risk and where to invest in defences.