THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024
2024 Theme: From Vision to Action
We find ourselves at a critical juncture for collective action as we work to address the global and local impacts of the climate crisis. We can and must bring the energy and spirit of collaboration to implement solutions that advance mitigation, adaptation, and climate justice.
Last year’s Summit theme focused on imagining visionary and inspiring possibilities that inform, empower, and motivate our actions to create a more vibrant, equitable, and thriving region. This year, building from a place of hope and renewed resilience, we will focus on aligning our collective efforts to move from vision to action.
The climate challenge and new opportunities invite us to chart the course for a great future together. With the right combination of planning, persistence, and partnerships, the future we envision is within our grasp. Climate action is occurring at all levels of government, business, academia, non-profits, advocacy groups, and within our neighborhoods. Across all systems and actions, there is a role for everyone to make an impact!
The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit serves as a spark for connecting and learning together, deepening our resolve, and celebrating collaborative climate solutions as we each find our place in the movement to secure a resilient, equitable, and thriving future.
Schedule of Events
8:00 am Breakfast
8:30 am Welcome Remarks
8:45 am Keynote Speaker
10:00 am Break/Expo
10:30 am Morning Breakout #1
11:30 am Morning Breakout #2
12:30 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Plenary Panel
2:00 pm Break/Expo
2:30 pm Afternoon Breakout #1
3:30 pm Afternoon Breakout #2
4:30 pm Short Talks
5:00 pm Reception
2024 Keynote Speaker: Jacqueline Patterson
Jacqueline Patterson is the Founder and Executive Director of the Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership. The mission of the Chisholm Legacy Project is rooted in a Just Transition Framework, serving as a vehicle to connect Black communities on the frontlines of climate justice with the resources to actualize visions.
Before launching the Chisholm Legacy Project, Patterson served as the Senior Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program for over a decade. During her tenure, she founded and implemented a robust portfolio that included serving the state and local leadership whose constituencies consisted of hundreds of communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice. She also led a team in designing and implementing a portfolio to support political education and organizing work executed by NAACP branches, chapters, and state conferences.
Since 2007, Patterson has dedicated her career to intersectional approaches to systems change. Her passion for social justice led her to serve as coordinator and co-founder of Women of Color United, Senior Women’s Rights Policy Analyst for ActionAid, Assistant Vice-President of HIV/AIDS Programs for IMA World Health, Outreach Project Associate for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Research Coordinator for Johns Hopkins University, and U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica.
SPEAK AT THE SUMMIT
With 20 breakout sessions, the Summit features 80+ speakers from Greater Cincinnati and across the Midwest.
We invite proposals for 50-minute discussion panels, 50-minute interactive workshops, and 5-minute short talks that explore this year’s theme. Early submissions are highly encouraged (by 12/15). The final submission deadline is 1/12.
SHARE YOUR ART AT THE SUMMIT
We seek inspiring visual and performance art that aligns with the Summit theme as we continue to incorporate the creative arts into the Summit!
From paintings and sculptures to interactive exhibits, our art show features dozens of local artists - and our program integrates spoken word and dance performances.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit brings together 600 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future.
Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region’s toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact.
SPONSOR THE SUMMIT
Give your organization prominent brand recognition as a champion of sustainability by becoming a Summit sponsor! We offer a variety of options that enable you to reach a diverse and dynamic coalition of leaders committed to making our region more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Make your commitment early to get the most out of it and be included in all our marketing and event communications.
