LDRPS Training
Friday to Sunday, March 14-16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Strohl Systems will offer LDRPS 10 training classes at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes at the conference. Seats in these classes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, contact Chrissy Muller at 800-634-2016.

PLANet Training
Saturday, March 15, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Strohl Systems will offer PLANet training classes at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes before the conference. Seats in this class are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, contact Chrissy Muller at 800-634-2016.

Introduction to Business Continuity Planning
Sunday, March 16 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
New to continuity planning? If so, BCP can seem like a confusing maze of responsibilities. This workshop provides an overview of the entire BCP process. Specific topics include how to conduct a business impact analysis (BIA), definitions of threats and risks, and how to utilize LDRPS effectively.

For information and to register, contact Kathleen Aris at (800) 634-2016 or karis@strohlsystems.com.

Making the Case for Continuity
Sunday, March 16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Earn 8 Continuing Education Credits by attending this exciting new one-day training program).

A business continuity professional’s most important task is working to gain focus and commitment for BCP. Our planning efforts have little value if we fail to secure the support needed to make our plans successful. When we fall short with this critical task, the tendency is to blame ignorance or complacency. But what if the real problem is the way we go about trying to convince people?

Making the Case for Continuity is a consistent, repeatable, and strategic process specifically designed to gain support for BCP at all levels of an organization. The process guides the user through the development of living action plans based on the specific needs of his or her particular environment.

This exciting new methodology combines BCP’s natural inclination toward process with time-tested persuasion and relationship management techniques. The result is a scaleable worksheet-based resource that will help you achieve your objectives year after year. Whether you are targeting the mail room or the board room, Making the Case for Continuity is a powerful business continuity asset.

Training and education in this area has traditionally been ineffective because of an over-dependence on a single person's experience or environment. In contrast, Making the Case for Continuity is an entirely practical application. The process allows the user to apply proven best-practices to their specific environment.

One of the most valuable aspects of Making the Case for Continuity is the training experience itself. Most of the program is based on hands-on workshops. Attendees often say the opportunity to share ideas with peers from other organizations is worth the price of admission.

Participants receive electronic and hard copy worksheets suitable for individual and team planning, a helpful reference guide, and 8 continuing education credits.

For information and to register, contact Kathleen Aris at (800) 634-2016 or karis@strohlsystems.com.

DRI International Education Program
March 20, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March 21, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Qualifying Exam: March 22, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI International) will offer the Business Continuity Planning Review class (BCP 501) and Business Continuity Qualifying Examination in conjunction with the 2008 Strohl Systems International User Group Conference. The review course offers professionals an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of the professional practices.

To qualify as a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), applicants must be able to document a minimum of two years of experience in business continuity/disaster recovery planning after successfully passing the qualifying exam and must be approved by DRI’s Certification Commission. DRI International also provides the Associate Business Continuity Planner (ABCP) level of certification for those who pass the qualifying exam, but have not yet accumulated the two years of experience.

If you are interested in taking the exam or would like additional information on professional certification, please contact DRI International at 202-962-3979 or visit www.drii.org.

The review class costs $1495 and includes the cost of the exam. The exam can be taken alone for $500, payable directly to DRI International and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete.