All photography is by 1% for the Planet Member Duncan Nicholls.
As we look back on our year at 1% for the Planet, we keep coming back to moments from this year’s annual Global Summit. The summit was hosted in New York, New York, making for a unique backdrop matching the distinct energy of the event. The venues were located centrally in Williamsburg, where attendees were able to explore and connect with the neighborhood while gathering for keynote presentations, strategy workshops, networking opportunities and moments to breathe, meditate and recharge.
Each year our summit is designed to inspire environmental action by bringing together our diverse global membership network with industry leaders, environmental experts and activists to learn from one another. It’s also an important time to look forward at what’s next—and double down on our commitment to collective action.
Over the course of three days in NYC, we spoke with scientists, played bingo with drag queens and set our sights on $1 BILLION in certified impact. We celebrated, we inspired, we put on our boots and we took off our shoes. While our team works hard to curate the event, it’s ultimately the attendees that make the experience.
Here are some of our favorite quotes heard during and after Global Summit, along with some highlights to set the scene of this year’s event:
“Every single conversation I had at this event inspired me more and more to continue the hard work that we are doing. I love this event and hope to attend annually.” — Jack Dyer, Founder Of Topa Topa Brewing
“Do you remember how when we were young, we were always so excited to make new friends that anyone that walked up to us, we would smile and say, "Hi! My name is....." and immediately start chatting and making a new friend? That is how I felt this week. No matter which way I turned, there was a smiling face ready to make an introduction, learn about each other and figure out how we can help and learn from each other! I made friends and connections that will not only help our organization but also last a lifetime!” —1% for the Planet Environmental Partner Educated Choices Program
Global Summit programming is specifically designed with connection in mind. This year’s program included keynote moments with environmental experts and business leaders, workshops from a diverse array of environmental partners and plenty of moments of connection to learn from one another. The intention of each session was to provide an actionable learning, so that each attendee could walk away with implementable goals.
“Partnering with 1% for the Planet isn't just about giving back, it's an opportunity for us to engage closely with our environmental partners, amplify their work with our community and collaborate in the field to protect the places we love!” — Julia Marsh, Founder of Sway and winner of the Summit Award for Change & Innovation
This year we presented three Summit Awards to members that stood out in Leadership, Change & Innovation and Partnership. The recipients of these awards were voted on by you—our audience and network—and presented at an energetic Gala to celebrate their incredible work. Get to know the winners here.
“I came away feeling positive, refreshed and energized to continue talking about how businesses can positively contribute to the climate crisis.” —1% for the Planet Member PIE Factory
On the last day, attendees split into three groups to volunteer with local environmental partners Billion Oyster Project, Sanitation Foundation and City Harvest. Volunteers conducted water quality testing, litter cleanup and prepared bags for community food distribution. The volunteer efforts gave attendees the chance to get their hands dirty and connect with the local nature and community—and do what our network does best.
Across the board, the overarching takeaway from the event was gratitude. The high-level of connection and activation at an event like Global Summit is made possible only by the openness of attendees—and the energy that our community brought to the table.
We’re excited to announce next year’s Global Summit will be hosted in San Diego on October 15-17, 2024. Keep an eye out for early registration!
Special thanks to this year’s presenting and supporting sponsors who made the event possible:
OXO, Bona Furtuna, Nécessaire, Nomadix, HigherRing, Innersense Organic Beauty, Zing Collaborative, Naturepedic, Patagonia, Citizen Watch North America, TAZO, PINK, Experience Momentum, Booth & Partners, 818 Tequila, Hemmings House, Verdical Group and Liveprinting.com.
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Keep an eye out for Global Summit 2024: San Diego's save the date to be released early 2024!