Top Impact Conferences for 2015-2016
From sustainability to social enterprise, this conference wishlist includes some of our favorite conferences that every Net Impact member should know about. Whether you’re looking to bulk up your professional skills, or network your way to your next impact career, these events are sure to get you one step closer to your big breakthrough.
VERGE 2015
October 26-29, 2015 | San Jose, CA
A conference about sustainability and technology from the GreenBiz Group.
What they say: "Sustainability’s next tipping point. Interconnected technologies for energy, buildings, and transportation enable radical efficiencies and huge opportunities. VERGE reveals these opportunities, bringing together corporations, entrepreneurs, and public officials for practical, scalable, solutions-oriented conversations."
2015 Independent Sector National Conference: Embark
October 27-29, 2015 | Miami, FL
Nonprofit and philanthropic conference with tailored programming for CEOs, C-Suite, and 40-and-under sector leaders.
What they say: "Join Independent Sector at its 2015 National Conference where participants will leave the past behind and venture into an uncharted future. Join more than 1,000 forward-thinking leaders and professionals who are on a journey to radically improve the nonprofit and philanthropic sector."
2015 Net Impact Conference
November 5-7, 2015 | Seattle, WA
The premier gathering for next-generation leaders who want to change the world.
What we say: We’re biased, of course, but we think our conference is the place to be. We bring together students and professionals who want to tackle the world’s toughest social and environmental problems. Our 100+ sessions span 10 fields of interest, and lots of those sessions are interactive. Our speakers are diverse, too; we believe true change only happens when everyone is at the table. The weekend is equal parts inspiring and practical, full of skill-building and networking opportunities. That must be why one attendee last year called it "beautiful and addicting.”
Sustainable Brands ’15 London
November 16-18, 2015 | London, UK
Where Brand, sustainability & design leaders find inspiration, tools and partnerships to drive business success and positive impact.
What they say: "The Sustainable Brands global conference network is ground zero for sustainability, brand, and innovation professionals who gather from around the world. Live events are ideal for collectively aligning our community of brand innovators toward our common vision as well as convening members to share challenges and successes face to face."
2016 GreenBiz Forum
February 23-25, 2016 | Scottsdale, AZ
A weekend of exploring trends, challenges, and what’s next in sustainable business.
What they say: "The 2016 GreenBiz Forum brings together GreenBiz Group, The Sustainability Consortium, and ASU's Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives. We leverage our vast networks, insights, and domain expertise to bring you the brightest thinkers and most influential leaders. You'll get an unparalleled, in-depth look at the key challenges and opportunities facing sustainable business today."
The 2016 Ashoka U Exchange
February 26-28, 2016 | New Orleans, LA
Participant-driven conference for higher education leaders to share how to advance social innovation on campus.
What they say: "The Ashoka U Exchange is the world’s largest convening for social entrepreneurship in higher education. The Exchange brings together 650 university faculty, staff, and administrators representing 150 institutions to share new ways of teaching and learning that will shape the way educational institutions influence the world."
2016 International Corporate Citizenship Conference
March 20-22, 2016 | Atlanta, GA
An exclusive event for corporate citizenship practitioners and industry leaders.
What they say: "At the 2016 International Corporate Citizenship Conference, you’ll hear from your peers, as well from experts from around the world, to learn how to create and execute meaningful corporate citizenship visions. You’ll walk away prepared to shape your company’s goals by building on your corporate values and leveraging the unique core competencies of your business, inspired to imagine what more might be possible."
Ceres Conference 2016
May 4-5, 2015 | Boston, MA
A long-standing conference covering general trends and opportunities in sustainable business.
What they say: "Each year the Ceres Conference brings together more than 600 corporate sustainability leaders, the country’s largest institutional investors, and leading social and environmental advocates to mobilize action on the world’s most significant sustainability challenges."
2016 MCON
Summer 2016 | Washington D.C.
MCON provides the foundation for understanding today’s cause movements and how to move interest in a cause into action for a cause.
What they say: "The two-day learning experience is designed to help causes and those interested in social good understand the complexities of today’s cause enthusiasts and how to move them into becoming cause activists."
Have you been to one of these events? We’d love to hear about your experience or any other conferences you would recommend for our network! Make a comment below or find us on Twitter.
