As the world stands on the brink of reopening after the worst pandemic of modern times, the questions top-of-mind for all facility manager and business owner are, “How do we respond to—and recover from—COVID-19?”

The answers can be found at the COVID-19: Respond and Recover Virtual Conference, North America’s first and only virtual educational conference and expo focused on the pandemic as it relates to health care/infection-prevention, commercial cleaning and facilities management. The virtual event takes place April 30, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, and registration is free for attendees.

COVID-19: Respond and Recover is hosted by MCL Sustainable Cleaning Solutions and its strategic partner, the Canadian Association of Environmental Management (CAEM). All proceeds from the conference will be donated to the WE Charity, and the event will be kicked off with a message from Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

COVID-19: Respond and Recover is expected to attract an estimated 1,000 leaders from the health care, education, government, building service contractor, integrated facility services, property management and related sectors as well as business owners and operators affected by the pandemic. Registered attendees to date include:

MCL Sustainable Cleaning Solutions has donated over one million face masks to local organizations and hospitals and continues to provide infection-prevention supplies and cleaning materials to the largest health care and educational institutions in Ontario. According to MCL Sustainable Cleaning Solutions CEO Warren Jacobs, the conference is the company’s way of extending its help beyond supplies: ”If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we need to work together and be better prepared. We are at the forefront of the fight to contain the Coronavirus. As such, we need to be armed and ready with the true facts, best practices and resources to accept this challenge, and that is what we are offering participants of the COVID-19: Respond & Recover Conference. Of course, it also always feels good when we are able to give back through a charity, such as WE.”

COVID-19: Respond and Recover attendees will gain vital educational information during the 30 to 40 minute and 10 minute “lightning” sessions led by field experts. Attendees also will hear from leaders who are dealing with the operational challenges posed by the Coronavirus at some of Canada’s largest public facilities, including The City of Toronto, Toronto Transit Authority, University Health Network and the University of Toronto.

The exceptional speaker lineup includes such heavy hitters as Technology Guru TV/Radio Personality and YouTube Mega-Host Marc Saltzman; Chongqing, China, CTV COVID-19 Correspondent Jorah Kai; University of Guelph Visiting Scientist Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro; Clorox Canada Infection Control Specialist and Registered Nurse Barley Chironda; and 15 other top presenters and leaders in the fight to curb the Coronavirus and help prevent similar, future pandemics.

The sessions cover everything from cleaning and disinfection best practices, sustainability in the post COVID-19 world, and infection prevention in health care and other large facilities to staff and labor challenges, product emergency preparedness and virtual workplace solutions—and much more. There will even be a special session focused on mental well-being led by Leysa Cerswell-Kielburger and Craig Kielburger from WE, who will show attendees how to reduce anxiety and stress surrounding the pandemic by tapping into their superpowers—resilience, empathy and altruism. With the sessions streaming live, attendees will have a chance to ask and have their questions answered.

In addition to the impressive speaker lineup above, COVID-19: Respond and Recover will feature two superstars who know more than a thing or two about fighting—and winning—tough battles: Action Movie Star, Director and Kickboxing Champion Jean-Claude Van Damme and World-Famous Conservationist and Filmmaker “Lion Whisperer” Kevin Richardson. These two legends will share insights into what it takes to get through tough times and emerge victorious.

COVID-19: Respond and Recover will give attendees the chance to experience a cutting-edge virtual trade show where they can visit the booths of exhibitors whose products are on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. (For a sneak preview, visit sustainabilityconference.ca and click “Gallery.”) Cleaning robots, thermal imaging and infection control supplies are just a few of the latest innovations attendees will witness firsthand. The expo features suppliers such as 3M, Avidbots, Cascades, CloroxPro, Kaivac, Nilfisk, Rubbermaid and many others capable of helping attendees recover from COVID-19 and be better prepared for any future pandemic.

COVID-19: Respond and Recover attendees will have an opportunity to fill their virtual briefcases with speaker handouts and booth materials. They also will be able to earn points for attending sessions, visiting booths, and networking with their peers for a chance to win gift cards and other prizes. And all attendees will receive a $25 gift card to MCL Express, MCL’s one-stop online shop for personal protection equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies that is open to the public and industry.

COVID-19: Respond and Recover will be a ground-breaking event, providing the knowledge, practical tips and innovations necessary for facilities of all kinds—and leaders at all levels— to respond and recover from COVID-19 and better face similar challenges in the future. It is free to attend, can be experienced from anywhere in the world without leaving the house or office, offers a chance to win gift cards—even a guaranteed one—and the proceeds will be a donated to a great cause. The only investment for attendees is time. And after all the world has been through and the weeks of isolation, joining peers to help assure a safer, healthier, COVID-19-free future will be time well spent.

Admission for attendees is free! Anyone who cannot attend the April 30 event are still encouraged to register as the conference recordings will be available to all registered guests for up to 12 months after the live event.