SEMA News Release

Earthquake experts from across the region will gather at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, for the sixth annual Earthquake Summit. Located in the Bootheel of southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau is in the heart of the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

With approximately 500 professionals expected to attend, the event has grown into one of the largest in the country focusing on earthquake preparedness, response and recovery. Scientists, planners, researchers and emergency responders will lead sessions focused on the latest earthquake geology, best practices in planning and response, transportation technologies, hospital and health services, communication strategies, hazardous materials challenges and more.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is the most active seismic zone in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains, averaging more than 200 small earthquakes each year. In 1811-1812, it produced some of the strongest earthquakes ever felt in North America. While no one can predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, scientists agree that large earthquakes in this zone still pose a risk. A large quake could cause shaking and damage for hundreds of miles in every direction, including the cities of St. Louis and Memphis.

2024 Earthquake Summit

WHEN:    Thursday, March 21

                8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  

WHERE:   Show Me Center

                1333 N. Sprigg St.

                Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

MEDIA:    Open

For a complete agenda, please click here.

For more information, call 573-751-6294 or e-mail katy.linnenbrink@sema.dps.mo.gov