NEMA Annual Forum

NEMA’s mission is to provide national leadership and expertise in comprehensive emergency management. The organization’s focus on building resilient communities through policy advocacy, professional development, resource sharing, and fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local emergency management partners. NEMA works to ensure states have the tools and support needed to protect lives and property during disasters.

NEMA membership is primarily available to state emergency management agencies and their personnel. However, it welcomes participation from federal agencies, local emergency managers, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners through various membership categories. You can also engage by attending forums, participating in committees, contributing to policy discussions, and accessing professional development resources that NEMA organizes.

The NEMA Annual Forum brings together emergency management leaders for two days of strategic discussions, professional development, and networking. You’ll participate in sessions covering federal policy updates, emerging challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions. The event includes committee meetings, general sessions, exhibits, and networking receptions designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Attendees include state emergency management directors and their staff, federal emergency management officials, local emergency managers, non-profit organization representatives, academic researchers, and private sector partners. The forum attracts decision-makers and practitioners at all levels of emergency management, creating valuable opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.

The forum offers multiple networking venues, including welcome receptions, exhibit halls, committee meetings, hospitality suites, and informal gathering spaces. Special events like the President’s Reception provide opportunities to connect with peers that often lead to lasting professional relationships and collaborative partnerships.

The New State Director Welcome Reception is a special event held during the NEMA Annual Forum to recognize and introduce newly appointed state emergency management directors. This reception offers an opportunity for new directors to connect with their peers, NEMA leadership, and key partners in a welcoming environment. Attendance typically includes state directors, senior emergency management officials, sponsors, and invited guests focused on fostering collaboration and support for new leaders in the field.

NEMA offers various sponsorship levels, from Bronze to Diamond, each providing different benefits such as exhibit space, networking reception access, branding opportunities, and attendee list access. Sponsorship supports NEMA’s mission while giving organizations visibility among emergency management decision-makers. Tidal Basin is a veteran Platinum Sponsor.

Exhibiting provides direct access to state emergency management leaders and federal officials who make purchasing decisions. Approved exhibitors, like Tidal Basin, showcase solutions, demonstrate capabilities, and build relationships with key stakeholders. Exhibitors receive networking opportunities, brand exposure, and the chance to participate in the broader emergency management community dialogue.

NEMA offers year-round professional development through its Mid-Year Forum, webinar series, policy briefings, committee participation, and resource publications. The organization also provides networking opportunities, best practice sharing, and access to emergency management research and guidance documents. These resources support continuous learning and career advancement in emergency management.