Background
The extent and consequences of recent flood events in the UK and worldwide has shown that existing flood defence structures do not guarantee a sufficient protection level for people and properties. The uncertainty of risk due to climate change and rapid urbanisation means that the situation is getting more severe.

As marginal areas are developed and pluvial flood risk becomes more significant, it is crucial that flood resilience, as well as the many other aspects of sustainability, are considered during the development of UK communities.  To address the challenges of future flood management it is necessary to consider new strategies that provide a more holistic approach to flood risk management.

Strategies for flood risk management
The most important aspect of new strategies is their adaptability and flexibility. The strategy, where the solutions can be gradually implemented, giving time for the system to develop the capacity for the changes, becomes an imperative for managing floods in urban areas.

The market has seen the emergence of the flood resilience technology in recent years which involves the adaptation or construction of the buildings themselves, but it also includes the use of flood resilient technology that can be used to protect the building, including barriers, protection walls and flood products. The technology is typically temporary in nature or at most semi-permanent and it is mobilised typically when there is a flood warning or heavy rainfall is forecast.  Such technology requires human intervention that may involve a householder or in more sophisticated flood technology the use of a specialised team from a local authority.

About the conference
The conference will bring together international and national experts to present research and translate the findings into actions that practitioners and communities can implement.

Delegates will:

• understand ongoing policy initiatives and research to address flood resilient communities
• hear the latest findings from the SMARTeST project* and other European and national projects
• take away actions for implementation
• receive is a complimentary copy of Flood-resilient building: Two part set published January 2012, worth £25
• see first-hand, new and innovative technology products at the exhibition
• network with experts and peers

*The SMARTeST project seeks to build on the drive for Flood Resilient technology. The development of smart products that work within a system of flood resilience and can be modelled and implemented within the national regulations and policy is important to flood resilient communities.

An accompanying exhibition will contain opportunities for companies in the field to demonstrate products to a range of stakeholders from the public and private sector.