Mission Statement:

To provide education and networking conference opportunities for DRI Certified Professionals and continuity leaders and introduce the profession to interested college seniors, graduate students and university faculty in a day-long regional event format.

Seven years ago, DRI International, created a 45-hour academic course (BCLE1500) which is used by Higher Education Institutions (HEI) to provide students with the opportunity to earn credits toward a degree, as well as earning a DRI International credential. The partnership was extended in 2015 to include one-day conferences held in conjunction with a number of Higher Education Institutions and called the DRI Collegiate Conferences. These DRI Collegiate Conferences consist of a series of full one-day programs with presentations from experts in the private and public sector as well as from academia. There will also be an opportunity for students to network with professionals in the fields of business continuity, disaster recovery and risk management. To encourage attendance by all professionals, the cost of attendance (including meals and materials) will be a minimal donation (no more than $50) to the DRI Foundation, the charitable arm of DRI International. We hope that this will allow those who cannot afford to attend more costly conferences an opportunity to have access to information and network with professionals and academics.

Goal:

The goal of every DRI Collegiate Conference is to provide DRI's Certified Professionals, as well as other professionals and students in related fields, an opportunity to experience and develop thought leadership in business continuity and resilience today.

Objectives:

• A diverse program presented by subject matter experts in their respective fields with real-world perspectives and/or academic expertise.
• Interdisciplinary and thought-provoking presentations by speakers that challenge or validate assumptions in the world of business continuity, risk management and related disciplines.
• Regional programs that showcase the current trends in business continuity and its related fields for local and under-visited audiences.
• A low-cost/no-cost opportunity for certified and other professionals to gain worthwhile knowledge and information.
• A chance to collect the necessary units, points or experience needed to maintain certifications through DRI or other certifying organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are the DRI Collegiate Conferences different from the annual DRI 4-day conference?

There is no substitute for the international attendance, high-level networking, and fun social events at the DRI annual conference. But not every company or government agency can afford the cost or time commitment for a multi-day out-of-town conference. So DRI created the Collegiate Conference to offer similar professional development benefits in a lower-cost format, in different regions where DRI Certified Professionals live and work. The eventual goal is to host Collegiate Conferences in as many underserved areas as possible, wherever there are Certified Professionals, suitable for a day trip or single night's stay.

Why is the registration cost so much less for a Collegiate Conference than an annual DRI 4-day conference?

The costs associated with a Collegiate Conference are much lower than the costs for a DRI full-scale annual conference. The college or university donates the meeting space, as opposed to a full conference which takes place at a commercial hotel or conference center. There are fewer planning personnel involved, lower food and hospitality costs, and an overall less demanding process.

Are the Collegiate Conferences just for college students?

No, these events are designed primarily for business continuity professionals. They will take place on college campuses, but the content will cover professional-level business continuity issues. College students will be invited to attend, learn, and network with business continuity professionals, but the content will not be simplified to a college level.

Will I get Continuing Education Activity Points for attending?

Yes, attendance at a DRI Collegiate Conference will earn each participant a FULL 8 CEAPs. The number of CEAPs allotted to DRI Certified Professionals is based on the Guidelines for Continuing Education Activity Points. Attendees from outside of DRI will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Do I need to register in advance?

Advance registration is preferred, due to space limitations of the various schools. If we run out of open seats, we won't be able to accept any more attendees, so advance registration is strongly recommended.

Can I just come and register on-site?

YES. We will accept walk-in registrations. A walk-in registrant will be required to provide contact information including email address. Walk-in registrants will be subscribed to a DRI account on-site or after the conference.

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