Third Annual SORM Symposium Sets a New Standard in Resilience Planning
The third annual SORM Symposium, held at the TEEX Complex in College Station August 13–15, 2025, delivered three powerful days of professional development, collaboration, and technological innovation. Under the forward-thinking theme “Speaking Each Other’s Language,” the event brought together leaders in continuity planning, risk management, emergency preparedness, and cybersecurity from across Texas and the nation.
The symposium kicked off with presentations on real-world lessons from a year of disasters, and a discussion on the city of Houston’s preparations for the World Cup. The day also included robust conversations on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, insurance strategies with FEMA, emergency response protocols, and building relationships in the continuity community for future employment and networking.
The Symposium welcomed the first keynote address by Nick Reese, CEO of Triantha and a researcher at Sam Houston State University, who challenged attendees with his discussion: “Awareness is SO 2024. 2025 Is About Implementation.” Reese emphasized the importance of embracing the reality of artificial intelligence and stressed the inevitable impact of quantum computing. Organizations should begin integrating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms to counter quantum decryption, and proactively adopt PQC standards.
The quantum discussion continued on the second day with a presentation on quantum risk management where attendees were challenged to think differently than traditional risk management models. A separate discussion gave first-hand accounts on HEB’s responses to hurricanes and other natural disasters and stressed the importance of collaboration between private and public sectors. Attendees also participated in a cyber threat tabletop exercise led by CISA Region 6, which offered a hands-on test of incident response strategies.
A second keynote presentation by Beth Anne Bygum, CISO at Q2, addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence and operational resilience. As AI rapidly evolves the way private and public sectors do business, continuity professionals are faced with harnessing AI’s capabilities, and effectively safeguarding essential services.
The final day emphasized the importance of cross-sector communication, cybersecurity, and collaborative planning. Sessions ranged from discussions on GPS as critical infrastructure, to emotional intelligence and effective communication during times of crises, and an in-depth cyber threat panel featuring experts from Q2, CONEXIG, Texas A&M University, and Applied Security Convergence. The event concluded with a strong message: enduring resilience is rooted in partnership, innovation, and continuous learning.
One aspect that made this year’s event especially memorable was the digital experience, powered by student innovation. A team of students from Texas State University built a web-based application that transformed the Symposium experience. The custom web app provided attendees with real-time access to session agendas, interactive maps, networking tools, and sponsor information.
The team and their professor worked closely with SORM and the Continuity Council to create a tech-forward solution that improved usability, accessibility, and engagement. Their work was recently profiled in the University Star, where the students shared how the project deepened their skills and demonstrated the practical impact of student-driven innovation.
Throughout the Symposium, the importance of proactive planning, shared language, and forward-thinking leadership echoed across sessions and side conversations. The event was made possible through support from sponsors like Arthur J. Gallagher, Belfor Property Restoration, TTP, and the Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University.
“This week was more than a professional development event,” one attendee wrote. “It was an energizing space to learn, connect, and grow alongside passionate public- and private-sector resilience professionals.”
As participants return to their communities and agencies, the message was clear: the future of risk management and continuity lies not just in knowledge, but in connection, collaboration, and action. Stay tuned for a save the date for the 2026 Symposium which is tentatively scheduled for late July or early August 2026.
