A host of national disaster recovery and reconstruction experts are set to headline the first National Disaster Reconstruction Expo’s conference program, scheduled for Jun. 17-18 at the Morial New Orleans Convention Center. 
   The NDRExpo was developed to unite the numerous vertical markets associated with disaster preparation, response, recovery and rebuilding.

   “Our conference agenda reflects the level of knowledge and expertise that we are dedicated to providing our participants,” said Jimmy Mouton, president of Imago Trade Shows, the producer of the NDRExpo. “NDRExpo is the only trade show offering such valuable information to the professionals of this industry.”

   Scheduled to deliver the NDRExpo keynote speech is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's assistant administrator of mitigation who, at deadline, has not been maned by the incoming administration. However, as part of the agency’s National Mitigation Directorate, the administrator manages the National Flood Insurance Program and programs designed to reduce future natural disaster-related losses. The keynote address will focus on how, through the National Mitigation Directorate, FEMA seeks to break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage.

   In addition, AidMatrix Foundation’s president and CEO, and former Wisconsin Governor, Scott McCallum is scheduled to lead a general session at the event. AidMatrix Foundation is a nonprofit that uses advanced information technology to create efficiencies between donors and those in need, managing $1.5 billion annually with operations in six continents to 35,000 nonprofits.

   Recently employing systems for flooding in India and Honduras and fires in California, the AidMatrix Disaster Relief Network covers 75 percent of the U.S. population though FEMA, in addition to its global reach.

   Other general session speakers on tap include Col. Alvin B. “Al” Lee, the New Orleans District’s 60th commander and district engineer, and the Restoration Industry Association’s executive director, Don Manger and development adviser and facilitator, G. Pete Consigli, CR, WLS.

   Lee’s session will explore his experience in the New Orleans District’s jurisdiction which includes 2,800 miles of navigable waterways, 1,300 miles of levees and floodwalls, eleven navigation locks, six major flood control structures, and other projects to create and protect coastal wetlands.

   Having ushered the Restoration Industry Association through recent transformations, Manger and Consigli will share their experiences and RIA’s role within the industry. RIA is a professional association comprising more than 1,300 member organizations, representing over 20,000 cleaning and restoration professionals.

   A full conference schedule and additional information can be found at www.NDRExpo.com. Conference papers may be submitted until Jan. 31.