AGENDA
Day 01
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
- 1:00 PM EDT
- 1:05 PM EDT
Kicking off the 2025 Building Resilience Conference, themed “The Resilience Reset,” we will share ideas and develop solutions to shape a more resilient nation that can effectively navigate crises and overcome the urgent challenges posed by disasters.
- 1:25 PM EDT
This session will explore Harvard’s meta-leadership model that has been developed by observing and analyzing the actions of leaders in unprecedented crisis situations.
- 1:40 PM EDT
In this fireside chat, we'll sit down with a prominent crisis management expert who experienced some of America’s most challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous natural disasters. We'll look at how leaders can plan for the unexpected, make key decisions, and communicate effectively in demanding situations.
- 1:55 PM EDT
- 2:25 PM EDT
This session will explore strategies for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of state-managed resilience programs before, during, and after disasters. The discussion will focus on best practices, innovative approaches, and the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing resilience.
- 2:40 PM EDT
Preparation for disruption due to disaster can make or break small businesses. Strong partnerships and proactive planning assistance from nonprofits, foundations, and governments are essential.
- 2:55 PM EDT
- 3:30 PM EDT
Leading companies will share insights on reducing risk and enhancing resilience to support communities across the United States. The session will delve into strategies for businesses of all sizes to safeguard their operations and support their communities.
- 4:00 PM EDT
Mitigation is a critical component of building resilient communities, extending far beyond the scope of the federal government. This panel will explore the benefits of mitigation strategies, including economic savings and enhanced public safety. Experts will discuss how proactive measures, including strengthening historic structures and neighborhoods, can reduce the impact of disasters and address risk in creating resilient futures.
- 4:15 PM EDT
- 5:00 PM EDT
Leading experts will discuss key resilience topics, such as anticipating risk, balancing extreme weather and national threats, measuring impact of disaster management, accelerating resilience, and ensuring accessible insurance solutions.
- 5:15 PM EDT
Following the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, the L.A. Area Chamber and partners committed to supporting disaster recovery efforts for immediate assistance and long-term rebuilding.
- 5:20 PM EDT
- 6:30 PM EDT
Day 02
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- 9:30 AM EDT
- 9:40 AM EDT
- 10:10 AM EDT
This session will explore the pivotal role of business in shaping America's history and its global influence. We will examine lessons learned from events including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and recent disasters to inform strategies for business leaders and policymakers.
- 10:50 AM EDT
This panel will explore the critical role of civic engagement in building resilient communities before, during, and after disasters. Experts will discuss how fostering civic responsibility can enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, and the role national organizations can play. The session will highlight successful case studies, identify challenges, and propose actionable strategies to strengthen civic engagement in disaster resilience.
- 11:05 AM EDT
When disaster strikes, communication is more than critical—it's lifesaving. In this TED Talk-style presentation, hear how T-Mobile for Government is helping first responders and public safety agencies build communication resiliency using the PACE methodology: Primary, Alternative, Contingency, and Emergency. We’ll explore real-world scenarios where connectivity made the difference, and discuss how evolving technologies, reliable networks, and purpose-built solutions can keep mission-critical communication intact when it matters most.
- 11:30 AM EDT
- 12:30 PM EDT
This session will delve into reforms needed in federal disaster assistance programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Experts will discuss ways to streamline processes, simplify individual assistance, and enhance response capabilities. The session will also explore how to align federal incentives with community resilience goals and reduce delays in rebuilding infrastructure after disasters.
- 12:45 PM EDT
- 2:45 PM EDT
Building on insights from Harvard’s Dr. Leonard Marcus conference keynote, this workshop will instruct attendees in pragmatic Meta-Leadership practices and tools applied to today's leadership challenges: rapidly changing conditions, including crises, disruption, and risks. Among the valuable takeaways will be swarm leadership, leading through unknowns and knowns, and building situational insight and analysis. These tools build cohesion, confidence, and capacities in times of crisis.
Scenario planning is a strategic technique that engages participants and helps us envision and prepare for potential future circumstances. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and be an active part of this process.