Conference confusion

By JOHN HULTGREN
Kentucky EMS Connection

LOUISVILLE — The Kentucky Emergency Services Conference and the Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo are both in Owensboro this September. So which conference is which?

The Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo is the conference sponsored by the Kentucky Ambulance Providers' Association and co-sponsored by the Kentucky Board of EMS, State Fire Rescue Training (KCTCS), EMS Educators of Kentucky, Louisville Medical Center STATCARE, Green Rivers Firefighters Association, and the Kentucky Association of EMTs.

The Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo, in its 15th year, includes the Kentucky EMS Golf Scramble, the Elected Officials and EMS Managers Pre-Conference, and a 3-day main conference that offers continuing education hours for EMTs and nurses. It is concluded with the Kentucky EMS Awards Banquet and a post-conference for EMS educators. The conference runs from Sept. 25 through Oct. 2, with the main conference being held Sept. 28 - 30.

The Kentucky Emergency Services Conference is co-sponsored by the Kentucky Emergency Number Association, Associated Public Safety Communications Officials, Kentucky Emergency Management Association, and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. This conference includes tracks on 9-1-1/Public Safety, Professional Development, Haz-Mat, LEPC, Emergency Management, and Telecommunications. There is also a banquet where U.S. Rep. Hal Rodgers is scheduled to speak. This conference runs from Sept. 6 - 8.

Both conferences will be held at the Executive Inn Rivermont in Owensboro.

"There has been some minor confusion about which conference is which," said Joe Bradshaw, president of the Kentucky Ambulance Providers' Association and chair of the Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo.

Calls and e-mails to the Kentucky EMS Connection have also expressed confusion, suggesting that the two conference names are similar enough -- combined with the location and month held being the same -- that it is making it difficult for some people to distinguish between the two. The name "Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo" is a registered Service Mark owned by the Kentucky Ambulance Providers' Association.

"However, we do wish them the best," Bradshaw said.

For more information:

• The Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo Internet site: www.hultgren.org/conference

• The Kentucky Emergency Services Conference Internet site: www.kena-apco.org/

Copyright © 2005 The Kentucky EMS Connection. All rights reserved. News stories may be copyrighted by another organization. Original material may be reproduced provided source is credited.