Over 2,000 change agents from around the world gathered in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center for the 2017 Net Impact Conference (NI17) on October 26-28. These student and professional leaders are committed to making a lasting social and environmental impact now and throughout their careers and continually seek bold and innovative thinking to find solutions for the most pressing issues of our time.
Path to Purpose
With a conference theme of “Path to Purpose” the program inspired attendees to find new ways to address challenges such as climate change, social justice, and food systems. Through workshops, panels, and boot camps, attendees imagined new solutions through tracks including social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and tech innovation. New this year were sessions targeted specifically for professionals and faculty which provided relevant content and networking opportunities. Chapter Leaders were also able to network with each other during exclusive sessions designed to support them in leading their Chapters around the world.
Keynote Speakers
Kevin Cleary, CEO, Clif Bar & Company
"We have reached a tipping point where companies are either going to start to integrate purpose into the fabric of their organizations, or they are going to risk losing market share." - Kevin Cleary, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Cheryl Dorsey, President, Echoing Green
“I think it's less about your resume and more about what makes your heart sing." - Cheryl Dorsey
Kathryn Finney, Managing Director, digitalundivided
"In order to do differently, think differently." - Kathryn Finney, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Seth Goldman, Co-founder & TeaEO Emeritus, Honest Tea
“The 2017 Net Impact Conference is a multigenerational conference.” - Seth Goldman, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Paul Hawken, Executive Director, Project Drawdown
"We know the problem, let's focus on the solutions."- Paul Hawken, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Aaron Hurst, CEO, Imperative
“Purpose is the reason we work beyond financial rewards and recognition.” - Aaron Hurst, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Derreck Kayongo, CEO, Center for Civil and Human Rights
“The key to humanity is human rights, just like the key to mathematics in multiplication tables." - Derreck Kayongo, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Kerry Kennedy, President, RFK Human Rights
“We believe that one person can make a difference and working together, we can change the world.” - Kerry Kennedy, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Kyle Peterson, Executive Director, Walton Family Foundation
"Don’t focus on making money now and doing well later in life. It is possible now to do both at the same time." - Kyle Peterson, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Shannon Schuyler, Chief Purpose Officer, PwC
“One of the things I thrive on is being disruptive, I don't like things the same. I like change...be disruptive. Change the status quo." - Shannon Schuyler, 2017 Net Impact Conference
Career Opportunities
The conference featured career advancement opportunities. The NI17 Career Expo enabled attendees to network with professionals from international corporations, social enterprises, and nonprofits that have the ability and drive to use their organizations for social Attendees also had access to group mentoring or one-on-one career coaching with leading impact professionals.
Fun Parties and Excursions
All of this took place in a thriving city with a history of social movements, an expanding business community, and a passion for environmental initiatives. Excursions, networking events, receptions, and parties brought the spirit of the conference out into the streets of Atlanta. Attendees were able to explore the impact community in the city while having fun with new friends and peers in a close-knit community of impact leaders.
Join the fun of NI17 with special limited edition t-shirts and water bottles and don’t forget to save the date for the 2018 Net Impact Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on October 25-27, 2018!
