FEATURED SESSIONS
Big Data and Cloud: Business Continuity for Outside the Enterprise
 Cloud storage is the next frontier for business continuity and disaster recovery professionals, and to make sure you're covered, DRI2015 will feature Computer Science Corporation's Daniel Mikulsky, MBCP, for a session focusing on cloud computing.
The breakneck implementation of cloud computing into almost every IT shop has propelled mission-critical processing outside the control of the IT organization. The experts of "big data" analytics are pulling in data from multiple sources from way outside to generate information that drives revenues. The boundaries for disaster recovery are now more porous than ever, and every business continuity planner needs to devise strategies for cloud and big data within the business continuity management framework.
 As CSC's Offering Manager for Business Continuity, Daniel Mikulsky is at the forefront of his organization's expanding cybersecurity, cloud, and big data practice. He has over 20 years of business continuity experience, implementing BC/DR and crisis management plans for several U.S. federal agencies as well as commercial and nonprofit organizations.
You can learn more about this and other exciting sessions on the DRI2015 conference program page. Check it often, as we're adding new sessions and speakers all the time!
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Register for DRI2015 At Early Bird Prices!
Now's the time for you to register for DRI2015 at the Wyndham Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio on March 1-4, 2015. Sign up today and take advantage of discounted early bird rates!
Click here to get started, and claim your spot at all our sessions, volunteer opportunities, gala dinner and awards ceremony and much more.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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If you weren't able to attend DRI2014 last May in Atlanta, GA, our photo gallery offers plenty of pictures to show you what a successful and engaging conference looks like. And if you did participate in DRI2014, enjoy the trip down memory lane (and see if you're featured in them)!
Here, conference attendees get the chance to share their ideas and concerns at one of our networking roundtable events.
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The 2015 DRI Awards of Excellence: Get Your Nominations In Today!
 One of the most anticipated events of each DRI conference is the Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, where the best and brightest in the business continuity and emergency management fields are recognized -- and it all starts with nominations by peers like you! These awards don't just honor veterans in the field, but recent additions as well. With the Newcomer of the Year Award, up-and-coming business continuity leaders are recognized by their peers. Nominees will have no more than two years of business continuity experience, and demonstrate an original and inventive approach to their work. Do you know someone who deserves the spotlight for their contributions (including you or your team)? Log into your MyDRI account and click here to offer up your nomination. You can read the complete list of winners here. Maybe you or your organization's name will be on that list after DRI2015!
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Conference Tips: 'Going Deep' on Handshakes
 DRI2015 is a unique networking event -- which means you're going to be shaking a lot of hands while you're there. But are you sure you're doing it right?
On his National Geographic TV series Going Deep, author and humorist (and artisanal pencil-sharpener) David Rees decided to take a very, very close look at all the tiny factors that go into producing a firm, confident handshake.
He spoke with professional arm-wrestlers about grip strength, a neurologist about making eye contact, a former cultural attache to the White House, and many more, all to learn how to make the perfect handshake (which he made into a helpful how-to infographic), including:
- "Beware of Hand-Crushers" -- grab deep inside the webbing of the hand, making contact between the thumb and forefinger
- Handshake Etiquette -- "Use a slow, steady approach so your partner can mirror your approach"
- "Find Hacks for your Trouble Areas" -- Not great at eye contact? Focus on the bridge of your partner's nose.
You can watch clips from the episode here, or click the video link below to watch David learn about proper grip strength by trying out his handshake against an arm-wrestler's mega-grip.
 | | Grip It -- Going Deep with David Rees |
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See San Antonio:
River Walk Attractions
DRI2015 will be held close to one of San Antonio's most lovely claims to fame, the River Walk.
Also known as the Paseo del Rio, the public park is a picturesque, five-mile network of walkways built one story below the streets of downtown San Antonio.
With its numerous shops and restaurants, it's a major tourist attraction in its own right. It's also a direct passage for visitors to other sights, including the Alamo, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Pearl Brewery (we'll tell you more about all those in a future column!).
The best way to see the whole thing? Book a river tour with Rio San Antonio Cruises, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Group rates are available, so feel free to bring your fellow conference-goers!
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Featured Sponsor
Many thanks to our gold sponsor,
Booz Allen Hamilton
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Pre-Conference Courses
Business Continuity Planning
BCLE 2000: This 4-day course includes 32 hours of instruction followed by the Qualifying Exam that will be taken online. Instructors offer a fast-paced overview of DRI International's continuity planning model and delineate the knowledge, skills and procedures needed to effectively execute each stage. (Feb. 26 - Mar. 1, 8:30-5:00)
Business Continuity Planning Review
BCP 501: This 2-day refresher course offers a fast-paced approach to business continuity Professional Practices, with an emphasis on BC planning. (Feb. 26-27, 8:30-5:00)
Masters Case Study Review
BCP 601: Addressing all phases of business continuity planning, this course prepares students for the MBCP (Master Business Continuity Planner) Case Study Exam. (Feb. 26-27, 8:30-5:00)
Business Continuity Planning for Auditors (Condensed)
BCP AUD: This course provides an overview of the Audit process and teaches the student to audit a Business Continuity Management program for conformity to the chosen standard. (Feb. 26 - Mar. 1, 8:30-5:00)
Risk Management for the Business Continuity Professional
RMLE 2000: Students will learn risk management roles and responsibilities, risk analysis and communication, establishing risk tolerance levels and measures, and establishing resource requirements. (Feb. 26 - Mar. 1, 8:30-5:00)
Business Continuity for the Healthcare Industry
HCLE 2000: This course is designed to provide business continuity, disaster recovery, and emergency management professionals a fundamental understanding of the unique aspects of business continuity in healthcare, particularly hospitals. (Feb. 26 - Mar. 1, 8:30-5:00)
Business Continuity for the Public Sector
GCP 501: Federal, state, and local government agencies require their professionals to use different regulations and specifications. This class covers common issues specific to public sector work, such as HSPD5, HSPD8, HSPD20, Federal Continuity Directive 1 (FCD1), and HSPD51. (Feb. 26-27, 8:30-5:00)
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Accommodations 
Featuring a rooftop swimming pool with hot tub, valet parking, fitness center, business center, Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the hotel, and other amenities, this luxury hotel meets all your needs while attending the conference. Click here to make your reservation. To use San Antonio's VIA public transit system for transport to and from the hotel, click here.
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