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1997 Annual Conference
National Emergency Number Association (NENA)

Sunday, June 15th

by Gary Allen

[links are photos]

(Baltimore, Md., 11:12 p.m.) -- The NENA conference has barely begun but it's a winner already--the nation's top law enforcement officer will give the keynote speech at the opening ceremonies tomorrow morning.

But the Honorable Janet Reno, Attorney General of the United States, isn't coming to praise NENA for its stand on 911, or to bring honor to Baltimore for pioneering 311. She's reportedly coming to talk about equal access to the emergency telephone system for those with disabilities.

Reno will visit the Baltimore Convention Center for just 30 minutes and will return immediately to Washington for other engagements. Even so, her visit may have an noticeable impact on the nation's most prominent emergency number association. According to insiders, Reno will be remarkably frank in her demand for allowing those with hearing impairments and the blind access to the same technology now afforded others. She will warn PSAP managers and supervisors from NENA that she has a staff of U. S. Attorneys trained in pursuing these cases and prosecuting cities or other jurisdictions who don't meet the federal standards.

Besides Reno's appearance, NENA will announce a ground-breaking alliance with Dave Thomas, owner of the Wendy's hamburger chain, to educate the public about when to dial 911. Thomas, who suffered a heart attack last year, reportedly had corporate connections with a film production company in Columbus (Ohio) that also did work for NENA. A recently survey fond that Thomas is the second most-recognized face in America, so he's a natural to explain 911. A suggestion from NENA got the ball rolling and Thomas was more than happy to make 15 and 30-second public service announcements (PSA).

NENA has opposed 311 for several reasons, not the least is that the group feels that public education about 911 has been lacking. After discussing a national education campaign, NENA settled on just three elements that simplify their education effort--call 911 when there's a fire, when you have a medical emergency, or when a crime is occurring. By reducing the campaign to just three elements, NENA hopes to impress more people with the proper use of 911.

NENA will reportedly distribute the tapes to some stations, but is encouraging members to approach their local television stations to promote the PSAs.

The Kick-Off

Sunday consisted mostly of arrivals from all parts of the U.S. and several foreign countries. There were many languages and accents heard walking the streets near the convention center, or riding the elevators in nearby hotels. NENA held day-long classes on E911 databases and managing a 911 center. But most of the activity was centered around the registration desk on level 3 of the convention center, right across the road from Camden Yard, the elegant home of the Baltimore Orioles.

The downtown is a mix of old brick buildings and new metallic skyscrapers. The weather was perfect for baseball (the Orioles are in town Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), or dinner at a sidewalk cafe. Or if you just wanted to walk the streets, it was fun to watch the rosy sun go down and put a golden glow on all the buildings.

If you were a party-goer, NENA formally kicked of the conference with a welcome reception and party in the ballroom of the convention center. Hundreds of NENA members and vendor representatives started by listening to a steel drum band in the foyer, and then they headed to the cheese and vegetable table. Afterwards, it was over the the drink bars.

Inside the huge convention center, scores of tables were decked out with balloon animals and decorations. Food bars in every corner served up a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, roast beef, chicken wings and sandwiches. Within 90 minutes a glittery band cranked up and started rocking the ballroom with music and song, and within minutes couples took to the dance floor. Others tried to trade stories and catch up on what's happened during the past year.

No doubt the party was still going on when it was scheduled to end at 11:00 p.m. Knowing that I had to get this report to you, I headed back to the hotel and a night's sleep.