2026 Emergency Management Conference: Security. Continuity. Resilience. Register Now

Registration

Conference Begins 
Welcome and HAP Emergency Management Update
Christopher Chamberlain, MS, RN, CHEP, Vice President, Emergency Management, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
 

The Changing Federal and State Landscape
Randy Padfield, Director, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Emergency management is entering a period of significant transition as federal priorities shift, funding pressures intensify, and states assume greater responsibility for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. This session will explore the evolving relationship between federal and state emergency management programs, including the implications of regulatory changes, resource constraints, and the growing expectation that states, local partners, and private industry, such as hospitals and health care systems, will lead critical emergency preparedness activities. Participants will gain insight into Pennsylvania’s priorities, coordination efforts, and strategies for maintaining readiness in an environment of uncertainty.
 

Business Continuity Ignite Talks
 

Business Continuity Update: Strengthening Health Care Resilience
Ed Wurster, MS, CBCP, CM, Manager, Business Continuity & Cyber Resilience, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania

Health care organizations continue to face a growing range of operational, technological, and workforce-related disruptions that threaten continuity of care. This business continuity update will explore strategies for aligning emergency management with operational resilience, addressing staffing, IT, and clinical service continuity challenges, and strengthening coordination between hospitals, nursing homes, and other care settings. Attendees will gain practical insights to help sustain critical operations, maintain patient care services, and enhance organizational preparedness in an evolving risk environment.
 

How Technology Makes Healthcare Emergency Management and Business Continuity Executable
Rob Whitzman, Partner, Technology & Resilience, Agilitas Advisory, Battleground Group

Technology can be a powerful force multiplier during emergencies—but only when it is coordinated, integrated, and aligned with incident response operations. Rather than focusing on individual tools, this session explores six practical measures that help hospitals leverage technology to improve communication, maintain situational awareness, support decision-making, and accelerate operational recovery during crises. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, participants will learn how to strengthen resilience by connecting existing systems and processes before an emergency occurs. Time permitting, the session will also provide an overview of implementation considerations and how coordinated technology can complement the tools and platforms hospitals already have in place.
 

Networking Break
 

Nurse-Led Downtime Strategy for Business Continuity and Patient Care Excellence 

In the context of health care, the escalating cybersecurity threats, highlighted by 2,365 cyberattacks in 2023 affecting over 343 million victims, underscore the urgent need for robust downtime workflows. With a staggering 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, and the average global cost of a data breach reaching $4.88 million in 2024, it's clear that proactive measures are critical. The growing dependence of clinical staff on EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems as indispensable tools in patient care further amplifies this necessity.
 

Fireside Chat | Working Together: Bristol Nursing Home Explosion
Michael Mott, Lower Bucks
Representatives from Lower Bucks and surrounding communities
 

Group Luncheon
 

Supply Chain and Innovation
 

Crisis to Recovery: Lessons from the Lehigh Valley Dickson City Fire and Evacuation
Joshua Houck MBA, FP-C, NHDP-BC, CHEP, Director, Emergency Preparedness, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Operations, Lehigh Valley Health Network

When an emergency threatens hospital operations, leaders must make critical decisions under immense pressure. In this session, you will hear firsthand insights about the Lehigh Valley Dixon City fire and evacuation, rapid response, patient movement, staff coordination, and continuity of care. You will gain practical lessons on emergency preparedness, communication strategies, and organizational resilience that can strengthen your own response plans for future crises.
 

Physical Security
 

Networking Break
 

Tower Health – AI technology 
Brian W. Swearingen, CPP, CHPA, CHEP, CHSP, System Director, Security, Tower Health

• Discussion around the use of technology and analytics as a force multiplier
• Use of facial/license plate recognition technology to support investigative, threat assessment and visitor management programs (with associated successes provided)
• Use of situational awareness tools to support investigative, threat assessment and executive protection programs
   

Building True Resilience—Moving Beyond Preparedness
 

Adjourn