The clock is ticking for those looking to shine in the world of disaster response. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is calling for nominations for its annual Emergency Management Awards, with the deadline just around the corner on April 26, 2024. High-flying emergency management professionals and volunteers from across Texas are eligible for these accolades, which span categories from Leadership to Hometown Hero.
In a push for nominations, Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd spoke about the range of awards that, running through Friday, seek to find the best in emergency management, leadership, and service. "The Texas Emergency Management Awards honor leaders across the public and private sectors, including government, media, and volunteerism," said Kidd, as noted in TDEM's official press release. "We look forward to recognizing this exemplary commitment to service of Texans in need."
Among the new additions to the annual pageantry is a slate of awards specially earmarked to hail the efforts of selfless volunteers. Nomination submissions, as per the TDEM guidelines, are done online at their conference portal.
The acclaimed awards will make their recipients known at the Texas Emergency Management Conference Awards Luncheon on May 30. The event promises to be a grand affair held at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The Luncheon will include the announcement of the Hall of Fame inductees in a room, according to a statement, bursting with first responders, elected officials, emergency managers, and decision-makers.
As part of the larger Conference – an extravaganza expected to draw in upwards of 3,500 participants – there's also a buzz for the creatively inclined. Shutterbugs have until May 1, 2024, to send in their powerful imagery for The Conference Photo Contest. Potential entries for the contest and more details are visible for interested parties on The Conference website.
The Conference is not just about recognition; it's a networking hub and educational coliseum where attendees rub shoulders with industry peers, sprawled across an exhibit hall with a whopping 180,000 square feet. Furthermore, updates and insights about the event, including its aftermath, can be scooped from The Conference's social media channels.
