Agenda and Keynote Speakers

Monday: March 24^th Conference

8:30 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.	Registration and Breakfast
9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.	Welcome Professor Graham Wilson – BU Initiative on Cities, Co-Director President Robert A. Brown – Boston University
9:10 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.	Morning Keynotes: Leading Through Crisis What was the immediate leadership response? What did we learn about the need to communicate with the public, while identifying and diffusing other threats, coordinating agencies, and rallying and deploying staff? How do we prepare cities to stop crises before they happen, and recover swiftly when they do? Governor Deval Patrick – Commonwealth of Massachusetts Thomas M. Menino – Former Mayor of the City of Boston and Co-Director of the BU Initiative on Cities
9:50 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.	Panel Session 1: Caring Amid Crisis How did Boston’s medical and emergency response community prepare for this type of catastrophic event? How did they respond to the immediate crisis and what were the critical tools and resources? What were the lessons learned for future preparedness?
10:55 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.	Break
11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.	Panel Session 2: Crisis Reporting What role did the media play in the immediate aftermath of the Marathon attacks, as well as the days and months that followed? How does reporting on “heroes” and “villains” help a community make sense of tragedy? And how has the evolving media landscape changed the way crises are covered?
12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.	Lunch
12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.	Midday Keynote: Resilient Cities How can leaders contribute to a community’s swift recovery in the aftermath of catastrophe? What role does financial remuneration play in helping a community to rebound, both practically and psychologically? Why do some cities reemerge with a new spirit, while others remain diminished? Kenneth Feinberg – One Fund Boston
1:35 p.m. to 2:35 p.m.	Panel Session 3: Revitalizing Business – “Back to Boylston” What were the challenges businesses along Boylston faced immediately after the attacks and in subsequent weeks? How did the City, State or Federal government and other partners help them get back to business swiftly? What tools and resources were needed for initial outreach and coordination, as well as ongoing care?
2:40 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.	Break
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.	Panel Session 4: Healing a City What were the physical and emotional health needs of the Boston community and visitors? How did coordinated partners provide the necessary care and contacts throughout the region and outside of Boston? What role did community play in the recovery process?
4:05 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.	Closing Keynotes: Creating a Ready and Resilient Security Force: What contributed to Boston’s readiness for the attack? How has the BPD supported the resiliency and recovery of its own force? Edward Davis – Former Commissioner of the Boston Police Department Finishing the Race: What role does the Boston Marathon play in the resiliency and renewed vibrancy of Boston and the region? Tom Grilk – Boston Athletic Association, Executive Director Closing Remarks Thomas M. Menino