Get Your Voice in the Mix
Want to have a say in the SXSW Eco 2013 programming? Anyone with internet access can submit up to three programming ideas thorough the SXSW Eco PanelPicker. Head to Eco PanelPicker and submit your idea now. The process is quick and easy. Just create an account and get started!
Since SXSW Eco is a community-driven event, we developed PanelPicker to ensure that all members of the sustainability community, from large organizations to passionate individuals, have the chance to submit programming ideas and help shape dialogue at the conference. We are taking panel submissions through Friday, June 1. That's only two weeks away, so keep them coming!
Thanks to everyone who has already taken advantage of this unique opportunity. Don't forget to submit your ideas when you're done. Click here to get started on Eco PanelPicker or if you have more questions, read up on the PanelPicker FAQ.
A Look Back at SXSW Eco v1
From carbon zero cities, to the neuroscience of consumption, and even how to feed nine billion people, the inaugural SXSW Eco explored solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges. By connecting over 1,000 leaders from the sustainability profession, together we furthered this vital conversation on the ground to the systems levels.
Here are a few events that highlighted SXSW Eco’s first year:
- Philippe Cousteau launched the Global Echo Exchange Traded Fund (NYSE: GIVE)
- More than 200 of sustainability’s brain trust attending SXSW Eco joined together for an intimate dinner and inspired conversation.
- The EPA and HHS unveiled their joint agency Environmental Justice strategy at SXSW Eco with a duo presentation by Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services, and Bob Perciasepe, Deputy EPA Administrator.
- Despite humans being fundamentally incapable of reduced consumption, Matthew Nordan presented evidence through case studies that revealed entrepreneurial innovations that may advance sustainable consumption.
Check out the SXSW Eco 2011 speakers here and sessions here.
Annie Leonard to Keynote SXSW Eco 2012!
We are pleased to announce the first Keynote Speaker for SXSW Eco 2012: Annie Leonard, Co-Director of The Story of Stuff Project. The Los Angeles Times describes Annie as "America's pitchperson for a new style of environmental message."
Annie has dedicated nearly two decades to investigating and organizing on environmental health and justice issues, traveling to over 40 countries to visit the factories where our stuff is made and the dumps where it ends up.
In December 2007, she released The Story of Stuff, a hit 20-minute web film that takes viewers on a provocative and eye-opening tour of the often hidden costs of our consumer-driven culture. That was supposed to be it: one movie, one webpage. But the film went viral and has generated over 12 million views in more than 200 countries and territories since its launch, making it one of the most successful environmental-themed viral films of all time.
A community was galvanized and The Story of Stuff Project was formed. A total of seven “Story of…” films have been released, dealing with the environmental effects of everyday stuff like electronics, cosmetics and bottled water. An eighth film, The Story of Change, is in production and seeking funding. Annie Leonard says, “I’m more excited to share this movie with you than any of the six we’ve made since releasing the original Story of Stuff because it explains how we can make big change together by exercising our citizen muscles. You see, I’m convinced that there’s one main thing keeping us from making big change. We’ve got the ideas — solutions to many vexing environmental and social problems exist right now.
We’ve got the commitment — the vast majority of people want a healthy environment, good jobs and vibrant communities.
We just need some serious action!"
Annie Leonard will deliver her SXSW Eco Keynote at 2pm on Friday, October 5th, the final day of our 3-day conference at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin. Register now and join us here in Austin this fall for SXSW ECO 2012!
