By Spencer Bierman
Sustain Dane
The Sustain Dane Summit, happening Friday, Nov. 7, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center from 8 am–3 pm, is our annual conference to bring together sustainability enthusiasts from across Dane County to learn, connect, share, reflect and build new professional and personal skills. Whether you’re an experienced environmental advocate or simply curious about taking your first step, the Summit is a place to connect, learn and leave inspired. We hope you join us Nov. 7 for the sustainability event of the year. Learn more and register at sustaindane.org/summit.
Last year, we had over 300 attendees with 100% of survey respondents reporting that Sustain Dane programs inspire them to accelerate sustainability for community well-being. Last year we heard from Luke Kloberdan, executive director of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, who shared the importance of our connection to nature. We also celebrated local sustainability projects and learned how businesses can be sustainable for people and the planet.
This year our keynote speaker is Arielle V. King, an environmental attorney, educator and strategist who works to make environmentalism irresistible. She will facilitate conversation on emerging climate trends, the challenges today, and how we can each find our climate-forward niche. Her keynote and workshops will energize us to lead with resilience and purpose in building a more equitable, sustainable future.
Every year we also recognize change-makers and inclusive leaders who are locally promoting thriving sustainability, community healing and resiliency through the Live Forward Awards. The nominees’ work impacts one or more areas of holistic sustainability: a healthy environment, equity and social well-being, and a just economy. Last year, our winners were Cody White with Madison Technical College, Isak Drangstveit with the Waunakee Sustainability Committee, and Tiffany Malone with Alvarado Real Estate Group. We are excited to recognize the 2025 nominees and winners at this year’s Summit.
Scholarships are available — email hel
lo@sustaindane.org for more information.
We are excited about the 2025 Sustain Dane Summit and hope to see you there! Register at sustaindane.org/summit.
