2008 Emerging Agenda
Sponsored by AMCI
Our hosts: Annabelle Gurwitch, Boise Thomas, Karen Solomon, Mike Flynn, Gene Block, Nurit Katz
and Zem Joaquin
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Annabelle Gurwitch Actress, Author and Activist, Host of Wa$ted on Planet Green TV |
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Boise Thomas Actor, Host of Alter Eco on Planet Green TV/ Discovery Channel |
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Karen Solomon Co-Founder, CEO Opportunity Green |
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Mike Flynn Co-Founder, COO Opportunity Green |
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Gene Block Chancellor UCLA |
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Nurit Katz Sustainability Coordinator UCLA |
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Zem Joaquin Founder/Editor In Chief Ecofabulous |
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Colin Finlay Documentary Photographer colinfinlay.com |
One of the world's foremost, award-winning documentary photographers, Colin shares his engrossing perspective from traveling the world, capturing and contrasting our beautiful natural landscapes, and the changes they are undergoing.
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Stephanie Ryan Consultant B Corporation |
Being effective in sustainable business requires thinking about many interrelated systems of cause and effect; e.g. sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and waste management to name a few. This session will give you an overview of the most effective paradigm for sustainability success: how to reliably think about and model systems. Led by an expert in the field with experience training organizations from startups to fortune 500's, this session will set us up for thinking in a cutting edge and highly productive way.
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Rick Ridgeway VP of Environmental Programs and Communication Patagonia |
A Backstage Pass to "The Footprint Chronicles, A Case Study in Transparency." Rick Ridgeway will showcase Patagonia's “The Footprint Chronicles” which includes more than 35 filmed interviews and slideshows of factory workers, farmers, owners, designers and third-party auditors to provide an unprecedented level of transparency both internally and externally -- from the factories and manufacturing partners that create its products, to the end of the product's lifespan.
Sponsored by Resolve Capital
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Jane Savage Director, Category Integration Nike Considered Design |
How does a manufacturing company begin to address product sustainability? While many start by trying to wrap their heads around what sustainability means, leading firms like Nike have moved to the next stage: assessing their environmental impacts and defining what they're going to do about it. Jane Savage heads Nike's Considered Program and is leading the charge to systematically transform the company. In her presentation, Jane will first discuss how Nike asked the question “What do we know?” by describing how they analyze their sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution opeartions to build a comprehensive impact picture. Secondly, she'll speak on how they're addressing current and projected impacts by setting absolute and continuous improvement goals, in addition to using internal scorecards in product design. To become a truly sustainable business, Nike needs to know how to address future operational needs given growing resource constraints like water in their worldwide operations. Listen to Jane give you the insight into how a world-class manufacturer isn't just doing the bare minimum - they're taking the needed steps to sustainably lead their product categories.
While products may be designed to be so-called sustainable from a manufacturer's perspective, how do consumer and business purchasers decide what is substantive or not? Enter the world of 3rd party certifications which provide written assurance that a product, process or service conforms to specified requirements. Tim Cole is the Director of Environmental Initiatives and Product Development at Forbo Flooring Systems, a worldwide manufacturer of linoleum, vinyls, carpet, and wooden floors. In his presentation, Tim will first give you a high-level view of the various certification programs available and what they cover in terms of single and multiple-attributes corresponding to a product's life cycle assessment. These may include energy, water, toxicity, air quality, and fair trade among others. Next, he'll advise on how to evaluate a 3rd party certification for the comprehensiveness, transparency, and credibility of the claims they cover. Lastly, Tim will talk about the SMaRT (Sustainable Materials Rating Technology) scorecard model developed by the nonprofit MTS, and how Forbo has used it as their credible tool for multi-attribute product sustainability.
While sustainable products, clean technology and other trends may be the way of the future, how will the short and mid-term be affected by the fallout of the credit markets in past weeks?
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Russ Walker Executive Editor Grist |
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Matt Kahn Professor UCLA Dept. of Economics |
What's Hot What's Not What's Next: The Latest Trends in Sustainability
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: Discusses the latest trends in hot green products, and new/emerging tools for marketing them.
Moderator: Grace Hawthorne Panelist: Tom Szaky, Marc Alt, Zem Joaquin and Mark Dwight
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Grace Hawthorne Cofounder and President/Publisher ReadyMade |
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Tom Szaky CEO Terracycle |
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Marc Alt President Marc Alt + Partners |
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Zem Joaquin Founder/Editor In Chief Ecofabulous |
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Mark Dwight Founder & CEO Rickshaw Bags |
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Sustainable Mobility: How are we getting there?
Location: North West Auditorium
Subject: An exciting discussion on the energy efficient vehicles of the future.
Moderator: David Stokols Panelist: Robert Davis, Mary Nickerson, Howard Levine and Guy Mangiamele
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David Stokols President/CEO AMCI Marketing |
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Robert Davis Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality Mazda North American Operations |
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Mary Nickerson National Manager, Cross-Vehicle Hybrid Marketing Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |
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Howard Levine COO Venture Vehicles, Inc. |
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Guy Mangiamele Director of Vehicle Testing and Ideation AMCI Marketing |
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Sponsored by Evolution
Case Study - Green Branding of Pangea Organics by IDEO
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: Learn the process by which IDEO, a leading industrial design firm, created an award winning hit for Joshua Onysko's Pangea Organics Brand.
Pangea won best product award at New Hope Natural Products Expo 2007 in Baltimore and took home Best Packaging Award at Organic Products Europe in April 2006 in London with the first ever 100% compostable, biodegradable and plantable product packaging. It is manufactured with zero waste and created from 100% post-consumer newsprint—without glues or dyes.
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Joshua Onysko Founder Pangea Organics |
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Amy Leventhal Strategic Storyteller |
Getting Funded, and What to Invest In
Location: North West Auditorium
Subject: Clean technology is fundamentally different from the internet boom in that so much of it will require huge infrastructure, and the funds to build it. From Adeo Ressi, Founding Member of The Funded.com, learn who the big players are in Clean Tech, what they're looking for and what's hot right now for getting investment. Andy Funk, Founder and President of Funk Ventures, will then offer a counter point on Adeo's presentation, his own guidance on where one should be investing and where the opportunities in socially responsible startups exist.
Presenters: Adeo Ressi and Andy Funk
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Adeo Ressi Founding Member TheFunded.com |
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Andy Funk CEO and Chairman Funk Ventures |
Media Matters in a Sustainable World
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: This panel will discuss and explore the role media plays in uncovering the heroes and villains in the "green space." The media looks at itself and its practices in order to be able to both lead the way and practice what they preach. The expert panel members will discuss the progress and the long road ahead in a way that gives ultimate transparency to the audience seeking more clarity about what to believe in the media and what to continue to be skeptical about.
Moderator: Michela O'Connor Abrams Panelist: Jonathan Klein and Bruce Brandfon
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Michela O'Connor Abrams President & Publisher Dwell |
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Jonathan Klein VP, Green is Universal Enterprise Marketing Solutions NBC Universal |
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Bruce Brandfon Vice President & Publisher Scientific American |
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Interactive Clean Technology Investment Panel
Location: North West Auditorium
Subject: Experience a real-life, real-time exchange between VCs/Angel investors and companies poised for growth. The companies presenting are the recent winners of prestigious competitions. Learn what it takes to successfully secure financing for your own ventures in this exciting exchange!
Moderator: Sylvia K. Burks Panelist: Gayle Pergamit, Adeo Ressi and Andy Funk
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Sylvia K. Burks Partner Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP |
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Gayle Pergamit CEO and Co-Founder Agua Via LLC |
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Adeo Ressi Founding Member TheFunded.com |
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Andy Funk CEO and Chairman Funk Ventures |
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Josh Dorfman Founder/CEO Vivavi |
Successful green products and services deliver more than just environmental benefits; they also compete effectively on style, quality, convenience and price. Drawing upon examples from his next book, The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget, Josh provides insight into the products, marketing and communication strategies of nimble green start-ups and large corporations that are succeeding in today's green marketplace. Josh also identifies the key trends and business models shaping the future of the green economy.
Sponsored by NBC Universal / Green Is Universal
Grab your swag and head off as speakers, sponsors, media/bloggers and attendees unite at the Opportunity Green Post Conference Evening Party. Network and connect at this spectacularly green event.
Our hosts: Annabelle Gurwitch, Boise Thomas, Karen Solomon, Mike Flynn, Bill Moses and Zem Joaquin
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Annabelle Gurwitch Actress, Author and Activist, Host of Wa$ted on Planet Green TV |
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Boise Thomas Actor, Host of Alter Eco on Planet Green TV/ Discovery Channel |
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Karen Solomon Co-Founder, CEO Opportunity Green |
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Mike Flynn Co-Founder, COO Opportunity Green |
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Bill Moses Chairman Opportunity Green |
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Zem Joaquin Founder/Editor In Chief Ecofabulous |
Hear from Global Green CEO Matt Petersen how Global Green, a non-profit global organization, has created successful partnerships with for-profit companies that improve the world. Learn how your organization can create its own mutually beneficial partnership with progressive NGOs, while creating positive public perception and increased shareholder value.
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Charles Zimmerman VP of Prototype & New Format Development Walmart |
Charles will discuss the innovative technologies and systems Wal-Mart is testing and integrating into its stores to increase energy efficiency, reduce water consumption and create a positive shopping experience for the customer.
(Sponsored by Casa Barranca Organic Winery)
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: The corporate leaders of sustainable business are here and talking about how they are dealing with sustainability in their organizations. Understand what motivates their initiatives and how they are leading the pack. Whole Foods is the number one most recognized Green Brand and dealing with new issues in today's economy. Hear their stories, and bring your questions to this thought provoking and provocative panel discussion.
Moderator: Jonathan Greenblatt Panelist: Michael Besancon and Rick Ridgeway
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Jonathan Greenblatt CEO GOOD Worldwide |
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Michael Besancon Senior Global VP of Purchasing, Distribution and Marketing Whole Foods |
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Rick Ridgeway VP of Environmental Programs and Communication Patagonia |
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Effective Strategies for Waste
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: Waste reduction is a principal strategy for sustainable operations. In essence, everything has both a monetary value and an environmental impact. Leading organizations today are realizing that while integrated resource management systems are saving them money and sending less to landfills, they're also able to gain new revenue streams from others willing to buy their waste. Additionally, these companies are better prepared for future changes in regulatory requirements. Come listen to Paul Ligon of Upstream, speak on comprehensive resource management through case studies and practical solutions linked to organizational sustainability goals in terms of environmental stewardship and long-term business strategy. You'll also hear from Brian Allendy of Reverb, who's building complete sustainable tour & event management solutions for bands like John Mayer, Beastie Boys, and Dave Matthews.
Panelist: Paul Ligon, Brian Allenby and Cynthia Ruiz
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Paul Ligon Senior Director of Business Development & Strategy Upstream/Waste Management, Inc. |
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Brian Allenby Manager of Operations Reverb |
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Cynthia Ruiz President Los Angeles Board of Public Works |
Workshop:
Nuts to Butter: a Sustainable Design Exercise
Location: Covel Breakout
Subject: The goal of design is expanding: An emphasis on sustainable design is producing new rules, new methods, and new strategies for the way designers work. This studio will focus on a simplified but completely serious exploration of lifecycle design. Participants will be inspired to create sustainable design solutions from lifecycle material and energy flows. A designer and environmental engineer, Mumper-Drumm teaches Design for Sustainability at Art Center, and is Co-Director of the Art Center Sustainability Summits.
Workshop Leader: Heidrun Mumper-Drumm
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Heidrun Mumper-Drumm Art Center faculty, Humanities + Design Sciences, Graphic Design Art Center College of Design |
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Business Case for Sustainability
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: How are major companies making the financial rationale for "Going Green"? Get practical advice on what's necessary to bridge the gap on sustainability from a bottom line perspective.
Speakers: Josh Dorfman, Chris Henn, Cher Chronis and Tom Feegel
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Josh Dorfman Founder/CEO Vivavi |
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Chris Henn COO Esurance |
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Cher Chronis Director of Marketing Communications ASUS Computer International |
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Tom Feegel Founder and CEO Brand Neutral |
Open Source Design
Location: North West Auditorium
Subject: The process of designing products for sustainability includes a lot more than simply deciding to use eco-friendly materials. For one, a variety of parties throughout the supply chain must come together to provide their valuable input. Secondly, one has to consider the research & development involved and ask questions like: How much do we know now? Are there case studies or life cycle data available on material/process attributes? Enter Design 2.0, where an increasing number of parties are openly sharing and collaborating on design specifications to both reduce development time and create more environmentally friendly products. Marc Alt is a respected design strategist who as a board member of the Designers Accord, is helping promote collaboration through partnerships and online networks. Come learn about the emerging trends and best practices from Marc and a team of seasoned design experts who are leading the path toward open source environmental design.
Workshop Leader: Marc Alt, Scott Mattoon, Peter Falt and Jane Savage
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Marc Alt CEO Marc Alt + Partners |
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Scott Mattoon Chief Architect of the U.S Western Region Sun Microsystems |
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Peter Falt Director of Strategic Partnering BMW Group DesignWorksUSA |
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Jane Savage Director, Category Integration Nike Considered Design |
Workshop:
Communicating the Benefits of Green to a Client
Location: Covel Breakout
Subject: Within a company and among partners, there's a variety of messages and values tied to achieving functional and organizational objectives. Green and sustainability can permeate them all, but their benefits need to be understood by employees and partners. Secondly, in order for stakeholders to take proactive sustainable actions that affect the triple bottom line, these parties need to care. John and D'nae will guide you in how to build psychological value frameworks into your departments and company culture that are directly tied to strategic business goals.
Workshop Leaders: John Roberts and D'nae Kingsley
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John Roberts Communication Consultant Evenson Design Group |
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D'nae Kingsley Account Manager AMCI |
Best Practices in Green Social Media
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
Subject: This panel highlights and explains the Best Social Media Case Practices for the new Green Economy within the Finance Industry including Banking (ShoreBank*), Micro-Financing (Kiva), Credit Cards (Advanta) and VCs (New Cycle). Given the topsy turvey nature of the economy, people, businesses and NGOs are proactively searching for the right markets, institutions, consumers, and business to securely invest and partner with, in order to gain a quality mission based return. With so much fear based information in the media, this panel seeks to help clarify and increase the attendees wisdom to noise ratio and intelligence to boost their confidence in their investment and communication decisions. The panelists will demystify social media marketing channels, the types of insight that can be derived from them, the market sizes, recent trends, messaging methodologies and execution-based case studies.
Workshop Leader: Michael Leifer Presenters: Ben Black, Rob Reed and Ryan Scott
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Michael Leifer Cultural Anthropologist & SVP / Executive Director of Social Media Swirl |
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Ben Black General Partner & Co-Founder New Cycle Capital |
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Ryan Scott Founder and CEO Causecast |
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Rob Reed Founder Max Gladwell |
Big Ideas, Inspiring Solutions
Location: North West Auditorium
20 Minutes
A thought provoking talk from brilliant scientist Al Seckel on a possible solution for the solving the problems of the world's oceans. His GlobalSolver™ Foundation is creating a revolutionary new virtual marketplace that brings together corporations and NGOs as stakeholders committed to the Exploration, Research, Conservation, and Healing of our Oceans.
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Al Seckel Founder and Visionary GlobalSolver Foundation |
A Multibillion Dollar LA Opportunity
Location: North West Auditorium
20 Minutes
When Los Angeles voters approved $2.2 billion in bond funds to modernize all nine of the county's community college campuses, the Board of Trustees committed itself to investing the funds in an environmentally-responsible manner. Using guidelines to ensure all construction meets national green building standards, the bond construction program is rapidly becoming a national model for green building practices. Tom Hall is helping lead the LA Community College District's 10 year massive green building, curriculum, and self-sustaining energy project. Among many initiatives, this plan will install highly efficient central plants, photovoltaics, and wind energy devices for each college. Hear Tom speak about the program and the immense challenges and opportunities it has created.
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Thomas Hall Director Los Angeles Community College District |
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Greg Owsley Chief Branding Officer New Belgium Brewing |
Location: Covel - Grand Ballroom
At New Belgium, a synergy of brand and values occurred naturally as the firms ethical culture- in the form of core values and beliefs- and was in place long before NBB had a marketing department.
