CBRN Responder Conference Set May 15-16 in Washington, With Experts on Terrorism, Intelligence, Homeland Security.

WASHINGTON -- Speakers to Focus on Practical Lessons for Those Charged with Responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear Attack; U.S. Marines to Demonstrate Rapid Response

CBRN Responder, a conference and exhibition designed for those who must respond to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack (CBRN), will be held here May 15 and 16 at the Sheraton Crystal City. The conference features recognized world experts in directing responses to CBRN attack who will share practical lessons learned in both civilian and governmental operations.

CBRN Responder includes speakers from Austria, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Israel. Among the organizations represented are the Israeli Home Front Command, the United Kingdom Counter-Terrorism Security Office, the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard.

A highlight of the conference will be a demonstration from the U.S. Marine Corps' Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF). Gwyn Winfield, pre-eminent CBRN journalist and chairman of the conference, said the CBIRF is the pre-eminent organization of its kind in the Western Hemisphere charged with dealing with CBRN security.

"Equipped and trained as a rapid response force, they are America's 'go-to guys' when it comes to defense against weapons of mass destruction," Winfield said. "The clandestine world of special operations against weapons of mass destruction will also be studied. Special Forces and non-conventional forces, such as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, will give a rare insight into this dangerous world."

"The force will deliver a 60-minute physical demonstration of their capability enabling first responders, whether military or civil, to learn from the best," said Winfield, editor and publisher of NBC International, the world's leading magazine on CBRN defense.

Another highlight of the conference will be the U.S. Department of Defense exhibiting its Joint Program Executive Office, Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO CBD). The JPEO is the largest procurer of chemical and biological equipment globally and manages the budget for the world's leading peacekeeping force.

With participation by experts from around the world, CBRN Responder Conference & Exhibition will provide an opportunity for conference attendees to get current, in-depth information that could make a difference in their response to terrorism or other threats. The conference is structured to allow a wide range of individual choices from among carefully selected, comprehensive presentations. With some 30 international exhibits, the conference brings together perhaps the most comprehensive array of CBRN responder demonstrations ever assembled in one venue. Attendees will also have time to network and gain practical advice and lessons from others in their peer group. The exhibits will feature the most innovative products available in the field.

"Anyone involved in CBRN efforts, from sarin to Katrina to the World Trade Center, both military and civilian, will gain useful information on the challenges that are facing CBRN responders and how to deal quickly and effectively with an incident," said Winfield. "This includes fire, police, health, paramedic or key service providers who will be on the front lines in local responses. The conference gives them a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the world."

Hours for the conference and exhibition are from 8:50 a.m. until 6 p.m. on May 15 and 16. Cost is $595 for those from military, government and civil responders and $425 for all others. For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.cbrnevents.co.uk.