The official website of the State of Mississippi

Conference Information

In an effort to better support Mississippi’s State Agencies and local municipalities, that play many vital roles in serving the State in the event of a disaster and recovery efforts, the Mississippi PIP Association has been created as a non-profit organization and assumed the role of hosting the 2024 Mississippi Partners in Preparedness (PIP) Conference. The 2024 conference will take place at the IP Casino & Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi on April 30 – May 3, 2024. We realize this function is not possible without the critical assistance delivered by our private and public sector partners and sponsors. We thank you and look forward to seeing all of you on the coast!

This is an opportunity for all of the organizations at the state, county, and private sector levels to come together and discuss current issues and receive training that effectively addresses current challenges and opportunities in specific areas such as emergency management operations, public health, medical countermeasures, emergency response and preparedness, volunteer service, transportation programs and initiatives, homeland security procedures, and environmental improvements and regulations in order to better serve the citizens of Mississippi.

During the last PIP Conference, 400+ personnel attended with over 40+ vendors supporting and taking part in the display hall and in the breakout classroom area. We expect the turnout will be greater for PIP 2024.

Thank you in advance for your participation in the 2024 Mississippi Partners in Preparedness Conference. We look forward to seeing you on the Gulf Coast in May 2024.

Additional Vendor/Sponsor Information: 

  • Exhibitor Representatives
    • Exhibitors must provide an attendant during the hours of the day the convention is officially open. All exhibitor representatives are to register and must pick up their official name badges at the convention registration desk. Companies are only allowed the number of representatives permitted for each registration level. There is an additional fee of $200 for each additional representative to attend any part of the conference.
  • Liability and Security
    • Each exhibitor is responsible for safeguarding his goods, materials, equipment, and displays at all times. Mississippi State Department of Health and the state agencies and associations sponsoring the summit are not responsible for the loss of or damage to any exhibit material or are they liable for injury to any individuals associated with or representing the exhibitor.
  • Hotel Reservations
    • All guests may make their reservations by calling the IP Casino Resort Biloxi In order to obtain the special group rate, please ask to be placed in the Partners in Preparedness block. A valid credit card is required to make reservations. Reservations must be made by April 15, 2024 in order to receive the special rate of $79.99 for single or double rooms. All rates are subject to fees, state, and local taxes. Tax exempt entities must provide the hotel with a photocopy of certification of exemption with payment.
    • For additional information please refer to the Hotel Reservation Instruction Guide.
  • Social Functions
    • Social functions sponsored by exhibitors must not be scheduled during the hours the convention is in session and must not conflict with the activities conducted as part of the convention. All paid exhibitor representatives are entitled to the meals provided throughout the conference.
  • Booth Assignments
    • Assignment of booths will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. The PIP Summit Committee (a representative of which will serve as exhibit hall coordinator) reserves the right to allot space and to accept or reject all booth requests.
  • Exhibit Fee
    • The rental fee for all booth spaces is noted on the Conference Fee Page. An application is invalid without payment, or a specific and satisfactory arrangement being made for payment. Full payment of any sponsorship upon registration or no later than 30 days prior to the conference. Failure to show up for the conference without a written notice to Teresa Windham (teresa.windham@msdh.ms.gov) will result in forfeiture of registration and booth and/or sponsorship fees.
  • Subleasing
    • Exhibitor shall not sublease his space, nor any part thereof, nor exhibit, offer for sale, give as a premium, or advertise articles not produced or sold in his own name, except where such articles are required for the proper demonstration or operation of the exhibitor’s display, in which case such articles shall be limited to other exhibiting companies’ articles and their identification shall be limited to the regular nameplate, imprint, or other identification which in standard practice appears normally on them.
  • Failure to Hold Exposition
    • Should any contingency prevent holding the Partners in Preparedness Summit, the Mississippi PIP Association may retain such part of exhibitor’s rental as shall be required to recompense it for all expenses incurred up to the time such contingency shall have occurred.
  • Fire and Safety
    • All materials and exhibits are subject to fire and safety regulations enforced by federal, state, or local authorities. Volatile or flammable fluids, substances, or materials of any nature prohibited by insurance carriers are prohibited in any booth
  • Shipping Information
    • Please ship boxes to arrive no more than one week prior to your arrival. Please mail all packages to the following address:

      • Attn: Your Name (or person within your organization responsible for receiving packages)
        Vendor Name:
        Convention Name: Partners in Preparedness Summit
        c/o IP Casino Resort & Spa
        850 Bayview Avenue
        Biloxi, MS 39539

    • Any packages to be shipped by an outside freight company will be the responsibility of the guest to package, label and contact carrier for pickup.

  • Additional IP Hotel Information for Vendors/Sponsors
    • Please click HERE to view the IP Hotel Vendor Information Packet
    • Backpacks are prohibited in many businesses and casinos. Please be aware that they are discouraged in the Conference facility.
    • Please direct all exhibit requests and questions to the following email address or phone number so that you may be connected with your event's Convention Services Coordinator: