(Today, on the 100th anniversary of the Great Earthquake and Fire, we would like to welcome Chris Polard, President, Degenkolb Engineers 
. His 30 years of professional experience include projects of all construction types—including new design, seismic retrofit and rehabilitation, and historic preservation. Chris routinely develops federal documents and national standards related to earthquake engineering. )
As residents and businesses try to figure out how to prepare themselves for the next major quake, more than 2,500 scientists, engineers and preparedness experts will be gathering in San Francisco for the biggest earthquake conference ever held —starting on the 100th anniversary of the 1906 quake.
Here’s what we’re thinking about going into the 100th Anniversary Earthquake Conference is a central theme: while many areas of California are better prepared than ever before, we are not yet ready for the next great earthquake.
The conference will focus on three tracks to change that:
1. Develop a culture of preparedness.
2. Invest in reducing losses.
3. Ensure resiliency in recovery.
Over the past 100 years we’ve done a lot to reduce earthquake vulnerability. We’ve made major changes in planning, preparedness, building codes, education, and training. Scientists know more about the dangerous faults in California than ever before. Engineers know more about how to construct buildings and infrastructure that will withstand strong shaking and ground shifts. Policy makers, community leaders, businesses, emergency responders and the general public know they need to reduce damage and improve response.
The conference, April 18-21 at Moscone Center, is jointly convened by the California Office of Emergency Services , the Seismological Society of America and the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute .
Each day of the conference will begin with a joint multi-disciplinary plenary session devoted to the lessons learned from the great 1906 earthquake and the vision for reducing earthquake risk in the 21st century. Technical sessions, poster sessions, exhibits and tutorials will cover a wide range of topics of particular interest to practicing professionals, business managers and educators. More information is available on the conference web site www.1906eqconf.org
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