On Feb. 7-8, the International Disaster Conference & EXPO (IDCE) will host the #DisasterTechHackathon, an event that partners first-hand input from emergency responders with the tech-savvy skills of civic technologists. Possible apps and digital solutions will be tailored to such topics as public engagement, volunteerism, disaster preparedness and community resilience. Key to the two-day event is an emphasis on using information in new ways and through new channels — communication tactics that enable faster decision-making during crisis.
The impetus behind the event, to be coordinated by hackathon organizer "CODEMKRS," is to facilitate partnerships between the tech community and first responders who don't always have access to digital talent. Some of these challenges, according to the IDCE, are gaps centered in research needs, tech development, implementation and proper evaluation.
Attendees are expected to design working prototypes for their disaster solutions and present them to a panel of judges consisting of tech innovators and government leaders within local, state and federal jurisdictions. On Feb. 11, winners will be recognized with awards and prizes — to be released soon.
Event details are posted below, and more information can be found at the IDCE’s #DisasterTech page, or by visiting the event’s registration site.
Event Details: #DisasterTech Hackathon
Price: Free
Ticket Registration: Eventbrite.com
Website: Internationaldisasterconference.com
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, La., 70130
