Get ready to shape the future of sustainability in sports and entertainment at the upcoming GOAL Sustainability Leaders Forum in Minneapolis, MN
Many of us work in small, and sometimes isolated, teams within larger organizations, grappling with morale dilemmas, tough decisions, and daily political challenges. Let's come together to remind ourselves that we're not alone - we're a collective force driving collaboration for meaningful impact!
This forum will include chances to:
Hear from inspiring climate leaders
Explore the most challenging dilemmas of our industry without having to repeat the basics
Engage in 1:1 or small-group conversations with fellow attendees
Collaborate on ideas and build solutions we can deliver together
Network with your counterparts across the industry
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Tuesday, May 7th
For anyone who will be in town prior to Wednesday.
5:00pm: Casual Happy Hour
Wednesday, May 8th
9:30am: Xcel Energy Center & Saint Paul RiverCentre Tour
Tour through the spaces, which achieved LEED Certification, Green Globes, and EIC Certification.
11:45am: Lunch
12:00pm: Climate Realities & Debates
Redefining Environmental Leadership: A Conservative Perspective | Benji Backer
Kick off the event with an inspiring keynote session that challenges conventional approaches to climate change from a conservative perspective, featuring insights from the groundbreaking book, "The Conservative Environmentalist." All attendees will receive a copy of this influential work.
The Intersection of Capitalism and Climate Change | Jamie Beck Alexander
Delve into the world of sports and entertainment as we examine how corporate partnerships drive the industry and discuss innovative strategies to leverage capitalism for environmental good. From the impact of merchandise and design to redefining notions of abundance, we’ll explore practical solutions and thought-provoking ideas at the intersection of capitalism and climate change.
The Great Offset Debate: Exploring Perspectives on Carbon Offsets | Winston Vaughan & Jean-Louis Warnholz
Engage in a lively debate on the impact and value of carbon offsets in sustainability efforts. Real-time voting and interactive participation will provide insight into varying perspectives on this complex topic.
2:00pm: Break
2:15pm: Business Levers that Drive Sustainability
Beyond Cups: Exploring Sustainable Business Solutions Beyond Physical Operations | Nick Gardner & Emily McGarvey
Discover innovative sustainability solutions that transcend traditional venue operations, integrating different sustainable levers that can be pulled and integrating into core business strategies. This session will showcase practical approaches for reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout organizations, fostering long-term sustainability goals and strategies.
Brand Power for Good: Maximizing Impact in Sustainability
Explore how brands can harness their influence for positive change in sustainability. This session will delve into strategies for maximizing brand impact and driving meaningful sustainability initiatives.
3:45pm: Local Sustainability Initiatives
What’s Happening in the North Star State? | Nancy O’Brien, Kelly McGrath, and Yasmin Hirsi
Gain insights into sustainability initiatives and developments in Minnesota. Representatives from prominent organizations such as the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild will discuss current sustainability efforts and future directions in the state, providing valuable perspectives and lessons learned for sustainable development.
5:30pm: Target Field Tour
6:40pm: Seattle Mariners @ Minnesota Twins Game
Join us and fellow attendees on a private balcony to network and enjoy the game at Target Field.
Thursday, May 9th
10:00am: Community Volunteer Project at Edgewater Park (Optional)
Join us and Minneapolis’ Park & Recreation Board to support some clean up and planting at Edgewater Park’s Community Garden, along the Mississippi River.
Please complete this online waiver prior to attending.
Please be prepared with closed-toed shoes and causal clothes that may get dirty. We won’t go out if there is any extreme weather, but might still go out if it’s just drizzling or lightly raining.
*We’ll provide transportation from a central point within Minneapolis. More information soon!
Optional attendance of the SB 2024 Brand-Led Culture Change Conference, and the debut of their RegenAg Summit.We've negotiated a 25% discount on registration for the SB event exclusively for attendees of the GOAL Sustainability Leaders Forum. Contact us after registering for the GOAL Sustainability Leaders Forum to indicate your intention to attend and receive instructions on how to redeem this offer.
These topics offer a glimpse into the dynamic conversations and innovative ideas we aim to explore. Stay tuned for more updates as we finalize our agenda. Secure your spot now and be part of this impactful event.
Explore Your Accommodation Options
While there's no reserved hotel block for our event, we suggest accommodations with reasonable rates such as the 'Residence Inn by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown at the Depot' or another hotel conveniently located near Target Field. If you're also considering attending SustainableBrands, note that their event will be hosted at the Hilton Minneapolis, adjacent to the Minneapolis Convention Center.