Humboldt and wildfires provide lessons to disaster recovery professionals

Disaster recovery conference is part of Business Continuity Awareness Week

EDMONTON, Alberta, May 14, 2018 — Natural disasters, data breeches, and other issues that can strike an organization will be center stage at the Disaster Recovery Institute’s Collegiate Conference, May 17, 2018, at NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alberta.

“Organizations, large and small, find that many things ranging from severe weather to social media can suddenly impact their operations,” states Chloe Demrovsky, International President, Disaster Recovery Institute. Demrovsky will be at the conference to present the institute’s Annual Predictions Report that forecasts the trends that are most likely to disrupt business-as-usual. “By looking ahead at the serious consequences organizations could face, professionals are better able to strategize and be properly equipped.”

The conference, themed Working Together to Improve Organizational Resilience, is being held during Business Continuity Awareness Week, May 14-18. That week, countries spotlight the Business Continuity profession and the value that effective business continuity management can have to organizations.

Last month’s Humboldt Broncos traumatic accident is the conference’s most timely session. It is being presented by Garth Tucker, who worked in the Emergency Operations Centre in Humboldt, Saskatchewan the week following the incident. He states, “That team’s tragedy brought the town to a standstill. Crises are more than flashing lights. An enormous amount of work was needed after the emergency was over.”

Another session will be on communications. “Connectivity is essential in our day-to-day lives, especially when disaster strikes,” states Ramon Zulueta, Telus’ Risk Manager. His presentation describes how responders and the public stayed connected during the Fort McMurray wildfires and the Quebec floods. These concepts are applicable to any organization that needs to stay up while others struggle.

In addition to co-hosting the recovery-focused conference, NorQuest College will be presenting a session on Cyber Security/Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Management. “Most organizations would not be able to function if their IT was suddenly impacted,” states Claire Mechan, Business Continuity Coordinator at NorQuest College. “We are pleased to collaborate with the Disaster Recovery Institute Canada and share best practices in this vital area.”

This is Canada’s second Collegiate Conference. DRI’s certified professionals, as well as other professionals and students in related fields, will be participating to meet and learn from thought leaders on Business Continuity. People can get more information and register at www.dri.ca.

About NorQuest College – www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College is the Edmonton region’s community college serving 17,592 students annually throughout the province in full-time, part-time, distance learning, and regional programs. NorQuest College helps learners with diverse educational backgrounds complete or further their studies through foundational and continuing education programs. Our post-secondary diploma and certificate programs offer career paths in health, community studies, and business. By collaborating with business, industry, government and communities, we ensure our post-secondary education is necessary and workforce relevant.

About Disaster Recovery Institute Canada (DRIC) – www.dri.ca
DRIC is a non-profit organization that provides internationally recognized education and certification to business continuity, disaster recovery and emergency management professionals in Canada. These professionals empower Canadian organizations, communities and businesses to be resilient and better prepared for any emergency or disaster.  DRIC is affiliated with the Disaster Recovery Institute International.  Founded in 1988, Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) has 15,000+ certified professionals in more than 100 countries and conducts native-language training in more than 50 countries, offering in-depth courses ranging from introductory to masters level, as well as specialty certifications.