The Business Continuity Institute (BCI) was established in 1994 to enable members to obtain guidance and support from fellow business continuity practitioners. Through its Certification Scheme, the Institute provides internationally recognized status to its members as professional membership of the BCI demonstrates the members’ competence to carry out business continuity management (BCM) to a consistent high standard.

The Business Network of Emergency Resources (BNet) is a not for profit corporation and developer of the Corporate Emergency Access System (CEAS), a program that permits businesses, through a written agreement with their local municipality, to enroll their most critical employees to receive a secure identification card recognized by local law enforcement officers for access into restricted areas following a severe emergency or disaster.

Continuity Insights addresses the corporate-wide priorities that mandate the need for continuity planning at the highest levels of the organization. Continuity Insights magazine is continuity from a management’s perspective. It speaks directly to the strategic view, embracing the issues and concerns of senior-level managers. It is a discussion of the “why’s” of business continuity and its prominence within the organization.

DRI International (DRII) was first formed in 1988 as the Disaster Recovery Institute when a group of professionals from the industry forecast the need for comprehensive education in business continuity. Alliances with academia helped shape early research and curriculum development. The group also understood that individual certification and establishing a common body of knowledge (standards) could only enhance industry professionalism.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency - a former independent agency that became part of the new Department of Homeland Security in March 2003 - is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disasters. As it has for more than 20 years, FEMA's mission remains: to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of "A Nation Prepared." At no time in its history has this vision been more important to the country than in the aftermath of Sept. 11th.

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology and telecommunications industries. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. Over 775 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. For more than 40 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting http://www.idc.com.

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)® is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members.

New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate, and plan and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; collect and disseminate critical information; and seek funding opportunities to support of the overall preparedness of the City of New York.

The New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) is responsible for coordinating all activities necessary to protect New York's communities from natural, technological and manmade disasters and other emergencies that threaten the State. NYSEMO coordinates Emergency Management Services for the State by providing leadership, planning, education and resources to protect lives, property and the environment.