8:10 a.m. - An opening address by John Copenhaver, President and CEO, DRI International.

8:30 a.m. - A presentation by Dennis S. Mileti, Former Director, National Hazards Center, University of Colorado, that will summarize how ongoing research is used to shape public education programs in an effort to ensure risks are mitigated and households are prepared.

10:00 a.m. - Robert C. Chandler, Chair, Communication Division, Center for Communications and Business at Pepperdine University (California), will pose the question, “Are you ready to reach the right people with the right message at the right time?” as he discusses the many challenges in maintaining effective communication during a crisis.

11:00 a.m. - Joseph McMenamin, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP, will discuss Pandemic and Pandemic Preparedness and the legal issues they raise, including litigation related to insurance coverage and pandemic communications, and questions of whether to provide vaccines, etc. Observing litigation arising after other catastrophes, it’s known that claims may arise against companies perceived as ill-prepared. By identifying legal issues and taking proactive steps to deal with them, companies improve their ability to avoid claims or prevail in claims brought against them.

12:15 p.m - Closing luncheon and address by Ontario Deputy Minister of Emergency Planning and Management Jay Hope.