Disasters: Managing the Unexpected November 2, 2005 - Wednesday - The half-day Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Conference VI at NASA-Ames. The Collaborative for Disaster Mitigation and The City of San Jose are pleased to introduce this year's theme - Disasters: Managing the Unexpected - Learning from Katrina, which reflects the challenges faced by businesses during unexpected disasters like the recent hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast States. NASA-Ames Research Center and Genentech Corporation, recognizing the importance of BCP for the economic well-being of the Greater Silicon Valley area, are hosting this conference. Plenary session speakers will provide relevant information for dealing with, and managing, unexpected disasters since it is only by preparing and planning for unexpected interruptions that continuity can be maintained. The first plenary speaker, James O. Arnold, Ph. D., NASA-Ames Center for Nanotechnology, will be speaking on his Personal Thoughts on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board Activity and its Report. Next, a Special Session on Lessons to be Learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, will address the effect these natural disasters had on the built environment and social systems, including the immediate response effort required and the challenges associated with long term recovery. Bob Dolci, NASA-AMES Research Center, will be discussing the Impact of Katrina on Business Continuity of NASA Centers. This will be followed by a presentation on Katrina's Impact on Social Systems and Businesses by Phil White, South San Francisco Fire Department. After the break, Bud Souza, California Task Force 4, will talk about Search and Rescue in the aftermath of Katrina. Harold Schapelhouman of the Menlo Park Fire Department was invited to speak on the Rescue Efforts in New Orleans - Individuals, Communities and Businesses. Next, a representative from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services will address the State Level of Cooperation in Responding to Disasters. Lastly, Frances Edwards, San Jose State University/City of San Jose, will do a Summary of Lessons Learned from Katrina and Implications for the San Francisco Bay Area. This conference venue is also an excellent opportunity for networking between the public and private sectors. Corporate personnel and business professionals will have the opportunity to meet and interact with emergency preparedness professionals from local jurisdictions, leading to an improved understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each other. For further information and early registration, please visit the conference website at: www.sjsu.edu/cdm/bcpconference. Don't miss out on this exciting conference series!