We've updated our top impact conference list for 2015-2016 here -- check it out!
Conferences are a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and keep up with the latest trends in your field. But with so many to choose from these days, how do you pick the one (or more) to attend that will benefit you and your career path the most? Here’s a list of upcoming impact conferences on our own wish list, ranging in focus from sustainability to social enterprise.
October 27-30, 2014 | San Francisco, 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."
November 6-8, 2014 | Minneapolis, MN
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.”
November 12-14, 2014 | Denver, CO
An opportunity for professionals working in sustainability roles to convene and share best practices.
What they say: "Join sustainability champions from around the globe to network, learn, and help shape the profession. The International Society of Sustainability Professionals Conference will be a rich learning experience specially designed to build the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to accelerate the adoption of sustainability in organizations and communities around the world."
November 14, 2014 | Orlando, FL
Nonprofit professional gathering that will challenge you to think about cause innovation.
What they say: "Join over 1,000 cause (nonprofit) professionals who are igniting change by thinking differently about what they do. This is the must-go conference for anyone associated with nonprofits. We’ve designed a dynamic line-up of thought leaders who will inspire you, share wins and failures, and give practical tools and perspectives on how to ignite change in your organization for greater impact."
2014 Independent Sector National Conference
November 16-18, 2014 | Seattle, WA
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 2014 National Conference, where participants will harness the spirit, creativity, and innovation of the Pacific Northwest. This program will inspire new ideas, examine ways to achieve greater impact, strengthen the charitable community by sharing struggles and solutions, and create opportunity for new collaborations that improve the lives of the people we serve."
February 17-19, 2015 | Scottsdale, AZ
A weekend of exploring trends, challenges, and what’s next in sustainable business.
What they say: "The 2015 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."
February 26-28, 2015 | College Park, MD
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."
2015 International Corporate Citizenship Conference
April 19-21, 2015 | Austin, TX
An exclusive event for corporate citizenship practitioners and industry leaders.
What they say: "At the 2015 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."
May 13-14, 2015 | San Francisco, CA
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."
Sustainable Brands ’15 San Diego
June 1-4, 2015 | San Diego, CA
A convening of brand leaders, innovative designers, and marketers working in sustainability.
What they say: "The Sustainable Brands global conference network is ground zero for sustainability, brand, and innovation professionals who gather from around the world. They come in person to be inspired, engaged, and equipped to succeed in building the better brands of tomorrow, and look forward to collaborating with like-minded colleagues who can help them succeed."
Have you been to one of these events? We’d love to hear about your experience...or any other conferences you would recommend for Net Impact members. Make a comment below or find us on Twitter.