The Meta-Leadership Summit for Preparedness is a dynamic curriculum designed by Harvard University faculty and tailored to the challenges business, government and nonprofit leaders face.

The Meta-Leadership Summit for Preparedness initiative is supported by a generous grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

FAQ

Q: Who is hosting the Meta-Leadership Summit for Preparedness?
A: The summit is an initiative of the CDC Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Preparedness Leadership Initiative* - Harvard School of Public Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In addition, local hosts help facilitate the event in each summit location.

Q Who should participate in the summits?
A: The summits are targeted to senior level leaders from the business, government and nonprofit sectors in a city or state. (Who Should Attend?)

Q:  What are the benefits of attending a summit?
A: The summit offers a unique opportunity for leaders to prepare collaboratively for a major crisis − whether it be a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, or a pandemic flu outbreak. Through your participation in the summit, you will learn to reach decisions in the face of uncertainty, fear and stress; practice skills and behaviors necessary for effective action during times of crisis; gain the confidence to lead up and across organizational lines; and connect with other leaders who can provide access to critical information, expertise and resources.

Q:  Do I have to work in the emergency preparedness field to attend the summit?
A: No. The summit is designed for key decision-makers who will be called upon to act during an emergency. Many of these high-level leaders will not have specific training in the preparedness field but will be expected to give direction in a crisis.

Q What can I expect to learn from attending the summit?
A: You will learn skills and behaviors to enhance your leadership in times of adversity and get to know leaders across the sectors of business, government and nonprofit who you may need to call upon in a crisis. The skills taught are transferable to other situations and can enhance your personal leadership style.

Q What exactly is a meta-leader?
A: A meta-leader is a leader of leaders who mobilizes people and organizations to collaborate in times of crisis. Meta-leaders recognize that achieving national preparedness demands linking, leveraging and galvanizing the efforts and resources of many agencies across government, business and nonprofit sectors.

Q Will I be expected to lead emergency preparedness exercises, training, drills, etc. in my community as a result of attending this summit?
A: No. You will be expected to leave the meeting with a different mindset and the willingness to go about your business in a different manner, which might include participation in exercises, training, drills, etc.

Q: Will I receive continuing education credits for attending the summit?
A: No, we do not provide continuing education credits at this time.

Q: Is there a fee to attend the summit?
A: No. The Meta-Leadership Summit for Preparedness initiative is supported by a generous grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. At this time, the cost of bringing the summit to most locations is covered by local sponsors.

Q: Do I have to pay for my own hotel room?
A: Yes, you are responsible for your lodging.

Q: May I bring a guest with me?
A: Participation is by invitation only. We encourage you to suggest others who should be invited by either calling 404.523.1788 or e-mailing us at

summit@cdcfoundation.org.

Q: What is the attire for the summit?
A: The attire for the summit is business casual. We encourage you to dress in layers, as it is sometimes difficult to ensure that the room temperature is comfortable for all attendees.

Q: Can I attend a summit in another state?
A: No. Participation in the summit is by invitation only. Summits are designed to bring together leaders from a particular city, state or region who are likely to work together in an emergency.

Q: When is the registration deadline?
A: The registration deadlines vary. Please check the information page pertaining to the particular summit you are interested in attending on the Registration section of the web site.

Q Can I register online?
A: Yes, we encourage you to do so by visiting the Registration section of the web site.

Q: How long does it take to receive a registration confirmation letter?
A: Your e-mail registration confirmation letter is sent immediately after you register online. If registering by mail or fax, an e-mail confirmation will be sent upon receiving the registration.

Q I need to cancel my registration. What should I do?
A: For any changes or modification to your registration, please go to the Registration section and click on the summit you are attending. Click on "Register Now." You will need to have the confirmation number that was included in your registration confirmation e-mail. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call 404.523.1788.

Q: Can I participate as a presenter at the summit?
A: No, not at this time. In the future, we may recruit additional trainers for the summits.

Q: How can I find out about bringing a summit to my community, city or state?
A: The CDC Foundation and its partners are currently planning summits to reach leaders in each of the 50 states. However, if you are particularly interested in hosting a summit, you should e-mail us at summit@cdcfoundation.org to express an interest. This does not guarantee that we will host a summit in your specific area.

Q: My question is still not answered, and I need to talk to someone. Who can I contact?
A: Please call 404.523.1788 and someone will be able to assist you.

 

*NPLI is a joint program between the Harvard School of Public Health and the Kennedy School of Government