The word disaster conjures up many images.

The sports nut cries disaster when his cable goes out near the conclusion of the big game.

The businessperson experiences disaster when his top customer files for bankruptcy.

The homeowner endures disaster when his house is impacted by flood, fire, smoke, wind, mold, sewage, etc.

In all of these scenarios, disaster is a bad thing. But it can also be a good thing. Allow me to explain.

An exciting growth niche in the construction and service economy has been the evolution of specialists who deal with the urgent, unpleasant and unplanned events caused by disasters of all shapes and sizes.

These pros have titles like: rebuilder, remodeler, restorer, responder, remediator, recoverer, mitigator, adjuster, applicator, cleaner, insurer, preventer and contractor.

They work for construction companies, insurance companies, cleaning companies, government agencies and companies that specialize in tackling tasks deemed too dangerous, skilled or nasty for the average person to embrace.

Many of these companies are prospering--despite the recession. They often are paid well by insurers, government funds and homeowners and business owners who desperately need their services.

So how does one enter, or expand within, this lucrative field? Glad you asked.

Your first step is to attend the National Disaster Reconstruction Expo & Conference, June 17-18, in the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. This new event brings together a dynamic cross-section of experts/presenters from all sides of the disaster dilemma.

With the NDR Expo’s 30 conference sessions, you’ll find topics that provide a 30,000-foot view, or a 3-foot view, of the business opportunities within the disaster field. Click here for a list of session topics.

The NDR Expo also features more than 75 exhibitors that will demonstrate solution-providing products and services. Click here for a list of exhibitors.

The NDR Expo is co-produced by BNP Media and Imago Productions, and is sponsored by more than a dozen construction and maintenance trade magazines and numerous associations and government agencies. Click here for a list of sponsors.

Once you discover the business opportunities presented at the NDR Expo & Conference, you’ll never look at the word disaster the same way again.

We look forward to seeing you at the first NDR Expo & Conference, June 17-18. Register online today at www.ndrexpo.com or call 770-645-0046.