Now in its 10th year, the 2018 Sustainable Cleveland Summit will take place September 20-21 at Cleveland Public Auditorium. We need the Sustainable Cleveland community to help finish strong in 2019 and begin preparing for what comes next. By bringing together more than 500 sustainability leaders, the Summit provides an opportunity for all of us to work across sectors to strengthen initiatives, foster collaboration, and learn about recent innovations.
REGISTER HERE by September 3rd before prices go up
Why attend the 2018 Sustainable Cleveland Summit? In honor of celebrating our 10th birthday, here are 10 reasons that have us excited about the event:
1. Our Vital Neighborhoods. In 2018 Sustainable Cleveland is celebrating Vital Neighborhoods and we want to know what you and your neighbors have done (or are doing) to make Cleveland a cleaner, greener, safer, and healthier city. All are invited to share success stories HERE. Storytellers that also share a photo will be eligible for prizes!
2. Ten Years. Mayor Frank Jackson and Chief of Sustainability, Matt Gray, will lay out our current “State of Sustainability” and announce the 2019 plans for the culmination of this 10-year initiative we’ve all built together.
3. Fifty Years. The 2018 Summit is also special because it is the last one before June 22, 2019 – the 50th anniversary of the infamous Cuyahoga River fire. Your participation will help make the 2019 Celebration a watershed event in Cleveland’s history, connecting events of the past with water quality efforts and challenges of today. Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance, will help provide national context and inspire local action.
4. Climate Crisis. About a year ago, Mayor Frank Jackson joined more than 400 “Climate Mayors” in committing to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement goals. Since then, we've engaged more than 90 partner organizations and 300 residents through 12 neighborhood workshops, resulting in the updated Cleveland Climate Action Plan. Summit Day 2 is partially dedicated to advancing this plan, supported by an ignite talk from retired Brigadier General Stephen Cheney, CEO of the American Security Project. His talk is entitled “Protecting the Homeland: The Rising Cost of Inaction on Climate Change.”
5. Water Taxi tours. Cleveland Metroparks is offering two FREE river tours on the elCee2 Water Taxi at 10:00am and 12:30pm before the Summit kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 20th. You’ll learn about the history of the industrial valley and plans for its continued revitalization. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up today! Call Stacey Allen to register- (216) 206-1000. And stay tuned for additional pre-Summit activities.
Cleveland Metroparks' eLCee2 Water Taxi
6. Green Biz. A big focus over the next year is celebrating and supporting business leadership in sustainability. At the Summit we will launch a partnership with AIM2Flourish, an initiative of CWRU’s Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit, to showcase leading Northeast Ohio businesses. We hope your organization will participate.
7. Engaging with youth leaders. As part of the Youth Sustainability Leadership Program’s 3rd year, about 60 high school applicants will be selected to participate in the Summit -- Applications are due Sept 7th.
8. Connecting to Nature. Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, will give a Day 2 keynote on reconnecting African Americans with natural spaces through outdoor recreation. Outdoor Afro is active in 30 cities across the U.S., including Cleveland.
9. Post-Game networking. Both days will feature a post-Summit reception with local food, music, and cash bar... and no doubt your cocktail will taste better knowing it's part of a zero waste event.
10. Beyond 2019. As we approach the culmination of the Sustainable Cleveland initiative in 2019, the 2018 Summit provides an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and challenges since 2009. While we are focused on finishing strong over the next year, it’s not too early to begin brainstorming for what comes next.
The generosity of our Summit sponsors helps to keep registration costs affordable for all participants, while also providing scholarships to students and those with financial barriers to participation.
Ok, ready now!? See you on September 20th and 21st!