The Lure of Greenbuild

The Valley of the Sun is filled with green people. More than 24,000 of us, according to estimates, have collected in Phoenix for Greenbuild. This is the eighth edition of the annual conference and it continues to be the premier gathering of the green building community.

Of course I’m looking forward to the program. Disclosure: I’m on the Greenbuild Program Committee and help put the educational sessions together. I can vouch for the quality of the presentations, including a dynamite list of master speakers. The keynotes will not disappoint: Al Gore is the opening act for Sheryl Crow and Carol Browner closes on Friday. I know I’ll find some great new products among the 1000 exhibitors at the Expo though I’m not sure how I’ll get around the whole show.

USGBC is initiating some new features. A job fare is certainly a welcome addition this year. There are also the Greenbuild Salons  – a forum that is being promoted as Greenbuild’s own version of “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” which will explore the intersection of art, technology and sustainability. The two salons feature techies, cutting-edge artists and environmentalists.

Of course, the true lure of Greenbuild is the people, the networking, the schmoozing. We’ve built the connections over the years and are ready to hug, talk, share, laugh and learn. Can’t wait to see you guys.

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