New Experiential Zone to demonstrate services and solutions effective in scenarios such as the Haiti earthquake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 8, 2010 -- For immediate release: July 08, 2010

The annual Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) returns to Washington D.C. and for the first time, will include an Experiential Zone providing visitors with the unique opportunity to experience elements of relief and development that can have a crucial effect in disaster situations and those of ongoing poverty. The exhibition takes place at the Walter E. Convention Center on the 22 and 23 July from 9am – 5pm.

The Aid & International Development Forum (previously International Aid & Trade) is the world's leading forum for humanitarian relief professionals to cement relationships, build partnerships, gain understanding and share experiences. The event successfully brings together the international humanitarian community - including UN, NGO, governmental and intergovernmental organizations and the private sector - to network and improve coordination and communication, thereby increasing the effectiveness of humanitarian aid response and relief while driving investment towards the suppliers of fundamental and innovative goods and services.

New for this year, the Experiential Zone will demonstrate solutions - technologies, services and approaches - available for use in the field in three given scenarios based on past and present crises. Visitors will have the chance to witness cross-sector collaboration in action as companies, NGO’s and government agencies work together to present challenges and the methods, systems, goods and services available to resolve these.

Based on the Haiti earthquake (urban natural disaster in a tropical climate), scenario 1 will allow visitors to gain a unique insight into operations used during this devastating natural disaster plus proposed new solutions for the future. Exhibitors include Mortuary Response Solutions demonstrating their patented mass fatality cooling system providing a temporary, completely portable morgue cooler. Plus with maintaining the spread of disease being one of the primary concerns in Haiti, Clarke will be presenting solutions to protection from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease.

Scenario 2 will be based on the earthquake in Kashmir and Pakistan in October 2005 (Rural disaster in a remote area experiencing conflict, landslides and harsh winter weather) and will see OODAlink demonstrating their ODDAKit that is able to keep people connected even when there’s no power or networks available. Other exhibitors include Adventure Medical Kits doing an “in field” first aid demonstration, providing improvisational tips when away from immediate medical attention. In addition, NRS International will provide their solution to the challenge of being able to provide adequate shelter before freezing conditions set in with their new prototype of transitional tent-house, the Transhome.

The final scenario will look at the ongoing development issues addressing poverty, hunger and drought, particularly focused on specific areas of Africa. Seattle Tarp will be demonstrating their geo-membrane fabricated water filters that provide safe drinking water whilst ToughStuff will show visitors how their simple 1 watt solar panel can charge an LED lamp, mobile phone connector and radio connectors.

Experts from the field will be on hand to answer questions and share their first-hand experiences throughout the tours including Governor Scott McCallum, President and CEO of the Aidmatrix Foundation and Mark Prutsalis, President and CEO of the Sahana Software Foundation with over 18 years of operational disaster response and emergency management experience.

The Experiential Zone will introduce a new dimension to the Aid and International Development Forum and is an experience not to be missed. Visitors can register for tours in advance through the website – www.aidforumonline.org or on the day at the event.

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For further information or details on the press tour please contact:
Sula Bruce, Project Director, Aid and International Development Forum (AIDF)
Tel: +44 20 7871 0188, Email: sbruce@aidforumonline.org

Information for Editors about the Aid & International Development Forum - Facts & Figures
There will be over 1600 visitors and in the region of 120 exhibitors, 100 of which will be businesses, 20 of which will be NGOs, UN and Government stands

For lists of speakers, exhibitors and the workshop agenda, please use the following links:
Speakers: http://www.aidforumonline.org/event_guide/speakers/category/event_2010/
Workshop Agenda:
http://www.aidforumonline.org/event_guide/workshops/
Exhibitors: http://www.aidforumonline.org/event_guide/exhibitors/category/event_2010/

Contacts

Diva Rodriguez, Communications. Email: drodriguez@aidforumonline.org
Andrew Matthewson, Sales Manager. Email: sales@aidforumonline.org
Telephone +44 207 871 0188

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