When Disaster Hits: Is Your Organization Prepared?
May 8, 2026 (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) (PDT)
Description
Join us at the The Vancouver Golf Club for a dynamic breakfast event bringing together leaders at the forefront of emergency management and climate readiness.
As wildfires, floods, extreme weather, cyber threats, and infrastructure disruptions grow in frequency and complexity, the question is no longer if a crisis will happen—but how prepared we are when it does.
Hear from industry-leading experts across government, critical infrastructure, insurance, restoration, and academia as they share real-world insights, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of disaster preparedness in British Columbia and beyond.
This highly engaging session will feature a live demonstration of SkyScout AI—an innovative, BCIT-developed platform using drone-based AI to map wildfire risk before disasters begin—showcasing how cutting-edge technology is transforming early detection and response.
Key themes include:
- Practical strategies for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery
- The role of AI, data, and predictive technologies in crisis management
- Building resilient communities through smarter infrastructure and planning
- The power of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening climate resilience
Whether you’re a business leader, municipal decision-maker, or community advocate, you’ll leave with actionable insights to better protect your organization and community.
Do not miss this opportunity to hear directly from leaders shaping the future of emergency management!
SPEAKERS

The Honourable Minister Kelly Greene, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR)
Minister Kelly Greene was first elected as the MLA for Richmond–Steveston in 2020 and was appointed Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness in November 2024. She previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for public education, as well as social and environmental issues across British Columbia.
Prior to serving in the legislature, Kelly was elected to Richmond City Council, where she worked to preserve Richmond’s farmland and protect the local environment. She also co-founded a community advocacy group dedicated to keeping Richmond’s public schools open, properly funded, and seismically safe—goals the group ultimately achieved.

Dr. Michal Aibin, Program Head of the Master of Science in Applied Computing, BCIT
Dr. Michal Aibin is Program Head of the Master of Science in Applied Computing at BCIT and Vice Chair of IEEE Vancouver Section. His research focuses on AI-driven disaster management, particularly wildfire prediction and detection using UAV-mounted computer vision systems. With over $1 million in Mitacs funding secured across multiple industry partnerships, Dr. Aibin leads collaborative projects developing next-generation technologies to protect BC communities and critical infrastructure.
Video Global News BC story Mapping Wildfire Risk with Drones
BCIT News Story Disaster Resilience Research Interns

Caleb Donald, Senior Project Manager, Barclay Restorations
Caleb Donald is Senior Project Manager, Complex & Large Loss, with over 25 years of experience leading technically demanding restoration projects. He specializes in high-impact losses where rapid stabilization, risk containment, and operational continuity are critical to recovery. Caleb regularly works across insurers, property owners, and restoration teams in high-pressure environments where coordination, clarity, and execution directly shape outcomes. His perspective brings together technical depth and practical field experience in disaster response and recovery.

Pedro Bilbao, Acting Manager of Emergency Management, BC Hydro
Pedro Bilbao is the Acting Manager of Emergency Management at BC Hydro, responsible for leading emergency preparedness, planning, and responsible readiness across the province's critical electricity infrastructure. Pedro brings over 19 years of experience in the emergency field, having served as a fire service officer and incident commander in a fast‑paced urban environment, supporting provincial emergency operations and large‑scale nuclear planning and exercises, and consulting for major banks and pension plans on enterprise emergency preparedness. His perspective combines hands‑on operational response with strategic planning and coordination across government, critical infrastructure, and the private sector.

Jaci Edgeworth, Vice President, Contact Centres, People and Facilities, ICBC
Jaci Edgeworth leads ICBC’s customer contact centres, overseeing large-scale operations that support customers when they need it most. She is also responsible for aligning the key components that create a great place to work and fostering an environment that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive for both customers and employees. Jaci has more than 20 years of experience in strategic human resources and operations across large private and public sector organizations.
MODERATOR

Ben Peco, Director, Security & Emergency Management, BC Hydro
Ben provides strategic leadership and oversight for programs that safeguard BC Hydro’s people, assets, and operations. He ensures organizational resilience through a comprehensive, risk-based approach encompassing physical security, emergency preparedness, business continuity, public safety, and wildfire and fire risk management.
Sponsors
Member: $65 + tax
Non-member: $85 + tax
Member Table (8): $500 + tax
Non-Member Table (8): $650 + tax
771 Austin Avenue
Coquitlam, BC V3K 3N2 Canada