“Training like this helps us work more effectively with partners across the state around issues of climate change, public health, accessibility, conservation, and community benefit. This ‘whole community’ approach will help build North Carolina’s capacity in mitigating and preparing for the effects of climate change.”

REID D. WILSON, SECRETARY OF THE NC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

“Hosting the Art of Mass Gatherings is a significant step towards strengthening our collective commitment to a safer, more prepared, and more responsible industry. With everyone doing their best to independently survive and thrive, building a consistent and supportive network requires a concentrated forum for knowledge sharing and an exchange of best practices. This timely and thorough gathering is exactly that!”

AENGUS FINNAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL

“Before this, I myself had never stopped to think how everything we have been discussing with regard to [accessibility in] emergency planning could relate to mass gathering events. It was like an aha moment: you have to make sure that you’re taking into consideration the needs of everyone in order for your event to be truly successful and to be truly inclusive of people with disabilities, whom I’m sure would love to– and need to– participate in these events and feel they are part of the community.”

BETZAIDA RAMOS CHÁRRIEZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MOVIMIENTO PARA EL ALCANCE DE VIDA INDEPENDIENTE (MAVI) IN PUERTO RICO