ABAG announces The Pacific Security Expo -- The Premier Pacific Homeland Security and Natural Disasters Conference and Exposition, Oakland Marriott City Center, October 5-6, 2004.

News Editors/Business Editors

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2004

A Call to Exhibit, Participate, Share Ideas, and Services

Recent disasters, man-made and natural, have tragically proven we cannot ignore these threats to our security. Plans and strategies are necessary to avert or contend with disasters of all kinds. Marshalling together the latest technology, services, and programs is a vital part of ensuring homeland security and disaster preparedness. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Bay Area Economic Forum invite all businesses and government agencies in the business of safety and protection to share their ideas and services and to exhibit at the Pacific Homeland Security and Natural Disasters Conference and Expo from October 5-6, 2004, at the Marriott City Center in Oakland.

Sponsored by ABAG and the Bay Area Economic Forum, the Pacific Security Expo is the only national conference and exposition on homeland security and natural disasters on the West Coast. Decision-makers, policymakers, and emergency services providers representing local government, transportation, utilities, telecommunications, risk management, disaster response, medical services, and the business community will attend.

New and proven technologies and services alike play critical roles in preventing terrorist acts, minimizing their damage, and identifying risks. They are equally important for helping to minimize the threat and repercussions from earthquakes, fires, floods, and other disasters. Knowledge and access to this technology and all related services have never been more crucial. The Pacific Security Expo provides the venue to bring together public and private sectors involved in security and protection.

The Pacific Security Expo offers exhibitors the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn about regulatory issues, network with key decision-makers, and make known their business services and technology. Visit www.pacificsecurityexpo.com to learn more about exhibiting, advertising, and sponsorship or contact Rick Heim, Expo Excellence, at 650/494-1613 or [e-mail]. For conference information and registration, or for speaker consideration, contact Joanna Bullock, ABAG, 510/464-7968 or [e-mail].

Founded in 1961, ABAG is the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area and is recognized as the first council of governments in California.

  Pacific Homeland Security and Natural Disasters Conference and Expo
                     Oakland Marriott City Center
                           October 5-6, 2004

                              Fact Sheet

An important array of decision-makers, policymakers, and emergency
services providers will come together at the Pacific Homeland Security
and Natural Disasters Conference and Expo, representing local and
state government, emergency response agencies, energy and utilities,
transportation, public health and medical services, insurance and loss
prevention, construction, telecommunications, disaster recovery and
mitigation services, as well as other business and scientific
community leaders. The attendees will focus on issues, challenges, and
solutions related to homeland security and disaster mitigation.

                          Conference Program

The conference program will feature plenary sessions on state and
local security and disaster plans. ABAG will host its Fall General
Assembly "Taming Natural Disasters" on day two of the conference,
which will bring together the local elected officials and staff of the
101 cities and nine counties of the Bay Area. Over the two days
workshops will examine business recovery, airport security and
hazards, communication issues, utilities' preparedness, new
technologies in detection, tracking, and mitigation, food supply and
threat assessment, cargo and overland shipping, health care and its
state of readiness, and natural hazards and risk assessment. Training
sessions will be offered on first responder awareness and operations,
on scene incident command, corporate emergency response plans for
terrorism and natural disasters, retrofitting residences for
earthquakes, and a DOT Security module.

                         Products and Services

The Pacific Security Expo will place products and services related
to homeland security, disaster preparedness, response and recovery at
center stage for all attendees to evaluate and purchase, to enhance
supplier relationships and establish new ones, and to examine new
technology. From sensors to computers, analytical instruments to
databases, and a range of mitigation services, an array of new ideas,
services, and technological advances will be on display at the Oakland
Marriott City Center, located in downtown Oakland with spacious and
accessible convention facilities.

                               Sponsors

The Association of Bay Area Governments and the Bay Area Economic
Forum are sponsoring the Pacific Homeland Security and Natural
Disasters Conference and Expo. Co-sponsors include the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
U.S. Geological Survey, California Fire Chiefs Association, California
Sheriffs' Association, California Highway Patrol, the Port of Oakland,
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute--Northern California
Chapter, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National
Laboratories, and the Bay Area Science and Innovation Consortium.

Contact:    Rick Heim, Expo Excellence, to learn more about
            exhibiting, advertising, and sponsorship at 650/494-1613
            or [e-mail].

            Joanna Bullock, ABAG, for conference information and
            registration, or speaker consideration at 510/464-7968
            or [e-mail].

                  Visit www.pacificsecurityexpo.com.