The Communications Academy is open to anyone with an interest in emergency communications, volunteer or professional. The presentations are designed to promote the development of knowledgeable, skilled emergency communicators who will support their local communities during a disaster or emergency response.

New: Sessions #22 and #27 are free to community groups.

Keynote Speaker: This year's keynote speaker is Barb Graff. Graff was appointed Director of Seattle Office of Emergency Management in June of 2005. Her responsibilities include managing the multi-hazard interdepartmental emergency management program for the City of Seattle and coordinating its relation to other emergency response agencies and community groups. Before joining the City of Seattle, Graff worked for the City of Bellevue for 21 years; seven of those in the City Manager's Office and fifteen as Emergency Preparedness Manager.