Keynote Speakers:
First Lady Sharon Davis
First Lady Sharon Davis will address the general session regarding her new Disaster Preparedness Education Initiative scheduled for kick-off October 2003.

 

Honorable John Garamendi, California State Insurance Commissioner
Will address the general session on insurance issues and their relation to disaster recovery.

 

Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, 30th Fire Commissioner of New York City.
Appointed by Mayor Rudi Giuliani, Commissioner Von Essen was a voice of leadership during the terrible events that occurred on September 11th. He will share his experiences and how he has been working with business and industries to implement innovative management strategies that address a variety of corporate issues ranging from reconstruction to new marketplace innovations.

Nextel, in partnership with the Disaster Resistant California (DRC) Conference is proud to sponsor Commissioner Von Essen as the keynote speaker during the Dinner Banquet of Tuesday, April 22, 2003.

 

International Sessions:

Concurrent Breakout Sessions
A variety of timely topics emphasizing successful systems, technologies and partnering used to implement hazard mitigation measures and programs will be discussed. Sessions were formed from the abstracts submitted and speakers will include high level officials; nationally known experts; local, state and federal government representatives; emergency managers and practitioners; and researchers interested in reducing the risks from natural and man-made disasters.

Professional Development Courses (PDC)
Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon.
The courses are designed to meet the requirements of the Disaster Resource Institute (DRI) and International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) emergency management certifications. Certificates will be provided following course completion.

Exhibitors Showcase & Outdoor Dynamic Displays
Exhibitors, Vendors, and Agencies demonstrating successful systems, technologies, and strategies to implement hazard mitigation measures and programs, and the latest development in emergency products that address planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Disaster Canine Demonstration
See cadaver dogs and their handlers from the Menlo Park Task Force 3, used in the search for the Columbia shuttle astronauts, the World Trade Center and the Oklahoma City disasters, hone their skills. Also, see bomb-sniffing and narcotics dogs from the San Jose Police Dept. practice their skills and SJPD police dogs at work in real life situation demonstrations.

Reception & IMAX Movie at the Tech Museum of Innovation
(Located within walking distance across the park from the Fairmont Hotel)
Technology from Silicon Valley and beyond comes alive in this unique museum featuring interactive exhibits for all ages. The Tech is a place about real technology changing the way people work and play, create, harness and share information, how we innovate, how we do things differently. The Sponsors of DRC will host a special IMAX movie for registered conference participants. (Limit: 295 seats; First come, first served)

Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Walking Tour
The City of San Jose retrofitted 13 Fire Stations, the Police Administration Building and the Art Museum (next to the Fairmont Hotel) with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Funds. Privately owned buildings, including URM’s in downtown San Jose were also retrofitted using other funds. This walking tour will take you through Downtown San Jose where you will see buildings that were retrofitted for earthquake safety. The buildings include the Montgomery Hotel (currently under retrofit), the De Anza Hotel, the Jose Theatre, the old Allen’s Furniture Company, and others. Join us in this exciting tour and come prepared by wearing comfortable shoes!
FREE (Sign-up requested at registration)

History of San Jose Walking Tour
Enjoy a walk through San Jose’s past and join History of San Jose docents for a walking tour of Downtown San Jose - California’s oldest city founded in 1777 and site of California’s first State Capital founded in 1850. See some of the City’s most notable buildings, including The Peralta Adobe, The Fallon House, Santa Clara County Courthouse, St. James Park and its statues, and the St. James Post Office.
FREE (Pre-registration required; Limit: 60)