News, Business, Disaster Relief: The 2008 International Aid + Trade Event brings together the global humanitarian relief, aid and development community to share knowledge and experience, improve coordination and communication, increase the effectiveness of aid response and humanitarian relief and embrace the challenge of integrated aid and development.

Experts from the United Nations and aid agencies, NGOs, governments, businesses and academia will discuss the complex international relief issues, share knowledge about how to improve international disaster relief efforts and foster relationships for improved communication and coordination. The event includes workshop panel discussions and instructive learning centre sessions moderated by celebrity BBC journalists Kate Aidie and Brian Hanrahan.

Alongside the conference there is an exhibition featuring a range of interactive exhibits where providers of the latest humanitarian relief goods and services will come together with leading agencies and organisations administering relief in the field, bringing the challenge of humanitarian relief to life. NGO and UN pavilions give UN agencies and NGOs the opportunity to meet other agencies, decision makers, visitors and businesses.

A number of companies from the communications area are participating including Danimex, Gateway Communications, Global TT, HP, Satcom Global, Talia and Thuraya. The annual event is held at PALEXPO, Geneva, Switzerland between January 29th - 30th, 2008.

more info: www.aidandtrade.org/