Exhibit hall highlights flood barriers, mobile shelters and recovery supplies for hurricane response

An exhibit hall of emergency-response equipment on display at a preparedness event showcased aquafences, sandbags, mobile trailers with portable bathrooms and showers, tents, generators and other recovery supplies, attendees and vendors said.

The display drew interest from responders and property owners because it grouped many forms of flood- and disaster-response gear in one place, speakers said. "I would get one of those for every property I could because those are just the coolest things out there," an attendee said of an aquafence on display.

Vendors displayed a range of products intended for field operations: trailers configured to house workers, portable sanitation, sturdy tents, generators, lights, protective clothing, and food and beverages. "We're selling the premium electrolyte beverages," a vendor said. Organizers also offered classes, speakers and panel discussions at the event.

The coverage noted that some national experts did not attend because of federal budget cuts, but state-level experts and attendees from across the country were present, including visitors from Hawaii. "We've had some hurricanes in the past, but we haven't had really, like, a direct hit compared to what Florida has been through," a vendor said, describing the value of learning from others' experience.

Reporters and attendees identified specific product examples in vendor booths, including sandbag systems and so-called aquafences marketed for property protection, and a vendor described "personal waste bags" and other small items intended for field use. The report did not specify the event name, date or exact location.

Cheryl Conn, a reporter for WPB TV, covered the event.