AGENDA
sessions and times are subject to change
Day 01
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- 8:45 AM EDT
Start the conference with a practical working breakfast focused on how artificial intelligence can be a tool to strengthen resilience planning and operations. This session will explore using AI to improve decision-making across the resilience lifecycle using case studies.
- 9:00 AM EDT
- 8:59 AM EDT
- 9:05 AM EDT
- 9:30 AM EDT
This opening fireside chat will frame the landscape right now and address how we can prepare better, spend smarter, and build more resilient communities.
- 10:00 AM EDT
Envision a future where every small business, no matter its location or industry, is equipped with the essential tools, resources, technology, and support to navigate and thrive through disruptions. This session will unveil groundbreaking national insights into small business preparedness, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation with support from Verizon.
- 10:15 AM EDT
Explore how platforms like GoFundMe enable rapid, direct support in the earliest moments of a crisis. CEO Tim Cadogan will share insights from leading through the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and discuss how real-time giving complements broader relief efforts, with implications for long-term recovery and resilience.
- 10:30 AM EDT
- 11:20 AM EDT
This session will delve into effective risk management strategies for upcoming major events like the FIFA World Cup. Following an insightful presentation, a panel of experts will discuss a comprehensive, whole-community approach to foster seamless multi-agency coordination. The focus will be on ensuring these global events are not only safe and secure but also resilient against potential challenges.
The Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is a multi-year initiative supporting preparedness for small businesses affected by disasters. Founding sponsor FedEx, along with supporter Fiserv, new partners American Red Cross and Verizon, will discuss the impact of R4R, how small businesses can participate, and how new and existing partnerships can be used to enhance R4R’s reach to the small business community.
- 12:00 PM EDT
This session will showcase insights from cross-sector leaders in a state recognized for its proactive approach to disaster resilience and preparedness.
- 1:15 PM EDT
- 1:30 PM EDT
- 2:05 PM EDT
When disaster strikes, immediate relief is critical, yet the path to rebuilding is often slow and fraught with challenges. This session will explore the key obstacles in managing post-disaster reconstruction efforts and discuss strategies to accelerate recovery while ensuring effective and sustainable rebuilding practices.
- 2:40 PM EDT
Communities affected by disasters often face significant delays in long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts, largely due to a shortage of skilled labor. This session will delve into the critical role of advancing training in skilled trades, highlighting how it can contribute to the construction of storm-resistant housing and foster a more resilient, prepared community.
- 3:15 PM EDT
Artificial intelligence (AI) is swiftly becoming critical infrastructure, joining power, water, communications, and finance as an essential foundation for modern society. This session delves into the implications of communities, businesses, and critical services increasingly depending on AI for continuity. Topics include setting reliability standards, designing fail-safe systems, defining risk ownership, and ensuring sustainable investment. Industry leaders will share insights on managing AI with the same rigor, trust, and resilience Americans demand from traditional lifeline systems.
- 3:50 PM EDT
Experience a dynamic and interactive natural disaster simulation designed to help organizations evaluate their response plans, uncover vulnerabilities, and strengthen resilience. Participants will navigate a realistic natural disaster scenario, working to assess preparedness, implement mitigation strategies, respond effectively, and plan for recovery. Engaging live polls will involve the audience in real-time decision-making, offering valuable insights into the complexities of disaster management and fostering a deeper understanding of effective strategies.
- 4:10 PM EDT
- 5:20 PM EDT
This interactive session will delve into scalable and adaptable strategies designed to enhance the effectiveness of disaster management efforts. Drawing from real-world case studies that integrate preparedness, immediate response, and long-term recovery, speakers will share insights on successful approaches.
With the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the need for adaptable and innovative funding solutions has never been greater. This interactive session will offer actionable insights on effectively combining FEMA funds, state resources, private investments, and philanthropic contributions. Participants will explore cutting-edge financial strategies to drive impactful and sustainable resilience initiatives.
- 5:30 PM EDT
- 6:30 PM EDT
Day 02
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- 9:00 AM EDT
- 9:00 AM EDT
- 9:02 AM EDT
- 9:30 AM EDT
Global conflicts are reshaping trade flows, supply chains, markets, and the broader risk environment for U.S. businesses and communities. This session will examine the emerging economic and security implications and identify practical opportunities to strengthen coordination among the private sector, state and local governments, and federal partners. Speakers will discuss how companies can assess exposure, build resilience, hedge geopolitical risk, and highlight strategies to invest in key industries that underpin U.S. economic security.
- 9:50 AM EDT
In partnership with The Civic Trust, this session will highlight groundbreaking ideas from America’s youth, focusing on innovative approaches to disaster preparedness and resilience.
- 10:05 AM EDT
This TED-style talk will emphasize the power of everyday decisions paired with strategic policy changes to shape a future where communities grow stronger and more adaptable. Looking forward, it is essential to identify the knowledge and skills required to address emerging challenges and cultivate leaders capable of navigating complexities, driving innovation, and building safer, more sustainable communities on a global scale.
- 10:20 AM EDT
- 11:00 AM EDT
This session will look at how we can reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience by better connecting people to the resources, relationships, and support systems they need to navigate disruption. We will examine how access to nutritious food, affordable resources during disaster, and opportunities to connect with others can help communities recover and thrive. We will take a “whole of community” approach to ensure we are building stronger, more resilient systems into the future.
- 11:15 AM EDT
- 12:30 PM EDT
In this interactive session, participants will use meta-leadership concepts and tools to find opportunities amidst challenges and forge new pathways to readiness and resilience. Participants will discover new capacity and capability despite perceived constraints.
Explore the transformative potential of viewing resilience as a strategic investment that safeguards budgets, strengthens businesses, and fortifies communities. This session will highlight cutting-edge and actionable tools, including coalition building, nature-based solutions, and parametric insurance, designed to shift risk management from a reactive approach to a proactive strategy.
- 1:00 PM EDT
Lunch will be provided at AIA for field trip participants. Please note AIA is a 0.4 mile walk from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Should you have mobility issues, please let Kathy Mumford know.
- 3:30 PM EDT
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the built environment stands at a crossroads facing rising disaster costs, aging infrastructure, and severe weather. We’ll visit the renewed American Institute of Architects Global Campus for Architecture & Design to experience how great design shapes a better world, and gather for dialogue on how cutting-edge resilient design and advanced materials can deliver lasting strength and readiness for generations to come.