In last week's Drive, our one-question survey focused on succession planning:  How involved is your business continuity team with succession planning?  Some 32 percent of respondents say they don't know if they're organization has succession plans.  However, another 13 percent work closely with human resources on succession planning.

For the full survey results and comments, visit the DRI International LinkedIn today.  That's where our survey discussions take place every week.  And if you've got a suggestion for a survey question, contact Buffy Rojas at brojas@drii.org.

Not only will DRI International be a next week's National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT) Conference & Expo in Baltimore, we've also invited a facilities expert to speak at our own conference! If you'll be in Baltimore next week (March 13-15), stop by to see us at booth 2392. We can tell you all about our certification and training...and you can even win a cash prize!

And be sure to attend DRI2012 to catch this just-added session: "Facility Management and Business Continuity: Two Sides of the Same Coin!" Although most corporations have business continuity, disaster recovery, and risk departments, many are not able to identify potentially catastrophic risks, prepare a facility, and even reconstruct a facility after the crisis. Facility professionals can assist with identification, preparation, and control before, during, and after events. By encouraging business continuity, DR, and facilities departments to work in unison, corporations can better formulate plans to increase the resiliency of their organizations and that of their suppliers.

In this session, Anthony Pizzitola, a facilities and disaster recovery professional with Goode Company Restaurants and Commissary in Houston, TX, will provide you with critical guidelines to protect the organizations you serve by addressing the following:

1. Exactly what is the facility management?
2. What do facility management and DR/BC have in common?
3. How can facility management play a major role in risk evaluation and control?
4. How can facility management support business impact analysis?
5. How can facility management influence emergency preparedness and response?
6. What can you ask of your organization's facility management team?

For more information on DRI2012 or to register, click here.

Today's Associated Press coverage of the tiny nation of Kiribati, reveals an interesting - and extreme - continuity plan.  "Fearing that climate change could wipe out their entire Pacific archipelago, the leaders of Kiribati are considering an unusual backup plan: moving the populace to Fiji," the AP reports.

According to the article, "Kiribati President Anote Tong told The Associated Press on Friday that his Cabinet this week endorsed a plan to buy nearly 6,000 acres on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu." The $9.6 million purchase "could provide an insurance policy for Kiribati's entire population of 103,000." Tong is quoted as saying, "It's basically going to be a matter of survival."

Equatorial Kiribati is hard hit by climate change as many of its atolls are just a few feet above sea level. "Tong has been considering other unusual options to combat climate change, including shoring up some Kiribati islands with sea walls and even building a floating island. He said this week that the latter option would likely prove too expensive, but that he hopes reinforcing some islands will ensure that Kiribati continues to exist in some form even in a worst-case scenario," according to the AP.

While your alternate site plans are probably less extreme, the question of how far is far enough is always one that inspires debate.  Click here for this week's one-question survey on alternate sites.

"Spring forward, fall back!" That old saying is the best way to remember which way you should move the hands on the faces of your clocks (or their digital numerals) as part of the annual Daylight Saving Time (DST) process. This year's rite of Spring, and springing forward, will take place this coming Sunday, March 11, 2012. And it's the perfect time to practice a little continuity planning at home too!

While you're changing your clocks, also take the time to check the batteries in all of the smoke detectors and alarms in your home and change them, if necessary, as well. Test each alarm to make sure that it is proper working order and replace any that are defective. Failure to do so could result in a tragedy that was easily preventable.

Although you'll be attending DRI2012 to build BCP muscle by participating in great sessions and terrific workshops provided by stars in our industry, don't miss the chance to tone up and tune in! A great workout (professional or physical) always has a motivating soundtrack, and the music of New Orleans is sure to put a little pep in your step. Whether it's the bold sound of a traditional brass band or the up-beat , high energy sound of zydeco, if you are a lover of music you will quickly see (and hear!) that New Orleans has it all.

Walk just a few blocks on Bourbon Street and you'll hear a little bit of everything -- Dixieland, rock, swing, jazz, zydeco, funk, hip hop, Cajun and blues. And then hit up the cool little clubs on Frenchman Street, where famous musician are known to wander in and sit in with the band. And there's always the House of Blues, where internationally known famous acts play in a small venue.

Here's a short list for you to consider:

The Palm Court Jazz Café on Decatur for traditional jazz

Pat O'Brien's Piano Lounge on Bourbon Street, for recent hits & oldies

Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street for real New Orleans Jazz in an authentic setting

The Funky Pirate on Bourbon Street for blues with a suggestive flair sung by 550 pound Big Al Carson

Howl at the Moon on Bourbon for dueling pianos

Tipitina's for a great music and atmosphere with a view of the big river

Cat's Meow if karaoke is your thing

My favorite places are really on Frenchman Street (a short walk or faster taxi ride from the quarter). There's no neon, no glitz, and in most places no cover charge. Try Apple Barrel, Snug Harbor,  Blue Nile, or the Spotted Cat to name just a few.  And by the way the food venues on Frenchman are also outstanding - try Adolfo's (Creole Italian), where some of the famous musicians like to eat.

The music scene is vibrant and plentiful in this amazing city. If you are interested in a quiet night of music (even opera) or a night of rock or reggae ... this city has it all. Take a peek here for more detail: http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/clubs.html 

So get ready to learn BCP best practices and new ideas from the best in our field, but while you are at it take some time to experience the music that thrives in a city where music is king. Jump in on a "Second Line" and let the music take you away!