SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 24, 2013 – Sustainable Brands® recently revealed plans for an expanded Solutions Expo at SB’13 in San Diego, CA running June 4 – 6th. Presented by BMW i, the Solutions Expo will feature an array of new tools, innovative product ideas and resources that are driving brand innovation for sustainability. Brand leaders looking for inspiration and support in innovating their brand portfolios for enhanced environmental and social benefit will find the Solutions Expo as a target for all their needs.
The Sustainable Brands Solutions Expo represents a one-of-a-kind, curated set of ideas and solutions ideally suited to enable the better brands of the future to reduce risks and costs, and improve reputation and relationships, all while growing their businesses. Nearly 80 exhibiting companies and cause-related organizations will showcase knowledge and resources needed to fuel sustainable product development, manage and measure environmental impacts, create shared value within the supply chain, and create higher employee engagement, all with an eye to connecting innovation for sustainability to more and greater forms of business benefit. A selection of exhibitors includes: Ecopia, GreenBlue, Cradle to Cradle, AoSA and Ecologic Brands showcasing a variety of new materials and packaging solutions; Pure Strategies, Pré and others featuring LCA measurement tools and sustainability assessment practices; Energy Points, Windmade and credit 360 sharing energy resource management tools and reduction/offset solutions; and innovations from SAP, Futerra and HP. In addition, BMW i will be showcasing their series of electric cars and offering test drives of select vehicles.
Included in the Solutions Expo are over 25 social causes and cause-related organizations who are seeking purpose-driven brand partnerships. On-stage presentations and interactive demonstrations on the Expo floor by organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, The Sierra Club, EDF, WWF, National Wildlife Federation, 1% for the Planet, among others, will enable people to connect face-to-face and discuss business relationships that enhance and scale impact and awareness. “Purpose-driven partnerships that deliver real impact are formed when non-profit organizations connect with brands for mutual benefit,” states KoAnn Skrzyniarz, Founder of Sustainable Brands. “For those brands committed to leading in sustainability, partnerships with cause-related organization offer authentic ways to communicate brand commitment and activate purpose in a truly meaningful way.”
In addition, creative environmental and social entrepreneurs looking to contribute to a sustainable economy will be showcased on the Expo floor and stage, where some will compete for top honors at the 4th annual SB Innovation Open presented by Target. Among hundreds of entries submitted from across the globe, 10 finalists will pitch their business plans to an esteemed panel of judges including representatives from Target, Ashoka’s Changemakers, Mindful Investors, Energy Points plus others. Business plan pitches run back-to-back on Tuesday afternoon, June 4th beginning at 2pm.
Fueling the activity on site will be screenings of critically acclaimed documentary films showcasing visionary leaders such as Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos and Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia in the film The Naked Brand, written and directed by Jeff Rosenblum and Sherng-Lee, plus vivid environmental photography in the film Chasing Ice, produced and directed by Jeff Orlowski.
The Solutions Expo at SB’13 runs Tuesday, June 4 – 6th concurrent with the Sustainable Brands 2013 Conference in San Diego, CA at Paradise Point Resort. Public Expo hours are Tuesday, June 4th and Wednesday, June 5th from noon until 5pm. Thursday, June 6th from noon until 4pm. Additional activities open to Expo-only attendees, include the Conference Opening Night Program Monday evening and film screenings Tuesday evening. Attendees are encouraged to register early.
Limited Exhibitor Space Still Available
Product and service providers looking to establish key contacts with today’s brand innovators are encouraged to inquire about available exhibit space. Innovative tools and technologies in the following areas will be given priority for available Expo space: new materials/packaging solutions, supply chain management, waste to resource solutions, carbon and water efficiency and offset solutions, stakeholder engagement tools, LCA measurement tools, behavior change resources, as well as brands with exceptional examples of consumer facing innovation. Visit www.SustainableBrandsExpo.com to learn more and request to be contacted.
About Sustainable Brands
Sustainable Brands® is the premier global community of brand innovators who are shaping the future of commerce worldwide. Since 2006, our mission has been to inspire, engage and equip today’s business and brand leaders to prosper for the near and long term by leading the way to a better future. Digitally published news articles and issues-focused conversation topics, internationally known conferences and regional events, a robust e-learning library, and peer-to-peer membership groups all facilitate community learning and engagement throughout the year. Sustainable Brands is hosted by Sustainable Brands Worldwide, a division of Sustainable Life Media headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
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Sustainable Brands Staff
Published Apr 24, 2013 11am EDT / 8am PDT / 4pm BST / 5pm CEST