Do Hummers give you road rage? Do you dumpster dive for your craft projects? Is all your underwear certified organic? You might just be an environmentalist. And today is your lucky day.
This morning SXSW Eco announced the programming for its annual sustainability confab. Keeping with the conference’s cutting edge spirit, the 2013 keynote will be delivered by Robin Chase, the current CEO of carsharing marketplace Buzzcar and founder of carsharing giant Zipcar. Chase will be sharing her startup acumen with attendees in a speech focused on how private sector innovation can address climate change.
SXSW ECO Program Manager Chris Sonnier is pleased with the choice. “We are excited to have Robin keynote as a part of our lineup of speakers, panels, workshops, multimedia presentations and competitions. Her topic is exactly in line with our aim to bring together people from various industries, trades and regions to apply what’s worked and can work across the board. SXSW Eco is focused on breaking down the barriers between sectors, and equipping individuals at any position to take action. We hope to elevate business innovations that can create so many of the solutions that can also work for the economy, the environment and society.”
In addition to Chase, the three-day fest will host more than 100 speakers, ranging from rock stars (DJ Shadow) to wonk stars (the New York City Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability). Panels will take on water policy, food security, and fracking. Highlights include artist Mary Miss‘ talk on blending sustainable science with public art and Urban Patchwork‘s discussion on the future of urban farming.
SXSW ECO will also be presenting two competitions at this year’s event. The Startup Showcase tournament invites new cleantech companies to joust in a venture capital tournament. The Place by Design competition highlights the best in green community projects.
The full list of programming is available online. To register, click here.
This article appears in June 14 • 2013.