Dates & Times 

Core Conference

Start:  Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.
End:  Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.

Preconference:  Nov. 15, Thursday 3:30 pm - 8:30 p.m.

Post Conference:  Nov. 18, Sun. 3:30 pm - Nov. 19, Mon., Noon

Draft Agenda

Note:  The conference is designed as a continuous program, sessions may start before or after the scheduled times.  The agenda is tentative, changes may be made within the core conference as to the day, time, and length of sessions.

Vision

A conference bringing together visionaries, activists, and leaders as a gathering of equals to explore together visions for the future in areas of sustainability, peak oil, climate change, economics, politics, renewable energy, food security, transition towns, bioregionalism, permaculture, compassionate living and culture change.

The conference balances TED style talks, retreat style facilitated work, open space technology sessions, workshops and seminars, and generous networking and socializing time.

Keynote speakers frame the issues; provide essential tools for success, and their visions for the future. Most general session talks are short and concise, under 20-minutes each. The general sessions occur first thing in the morning, after the lunch break, and after dinner. Break out sessions follow the general sessions in the morning and afternoon.

The conference includes a general deliberative session for those who have attended the entire conference. Core activities are scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for those unable attend the full conference.

All those interested in the transition to cultural sustainability and/or understanding the depth of the challenges, risks and projections for the future, are invited and highly encouraged to participate in this groundbreaking conference.

Highlights include:

• Futurism Theme: By the end of the conference, each participant will: 1. Have a clear vision for a realistic, positive future for themselves and their community; 2. Understand the in depth facts and forecasts regarding the economy, the energy supply, and the environment; and 3. Determine what actions they will personally take to prepare for the future.

• Leadership Focus: The conference is designed specifically with the leader, activist and visionary in mind. People already in positions of leadership, especially in the areas of education and community service, are the typical participant.

• TED Style Talks: Nationally and internationally known speakers populate the agenda, delivering powerful and TED style talks. Speakers participate in the full conference to engage in discussions and answer questions

• Complete Conference Program: Provides abundant time for networking, discussion, socializing, and training.  Core conference activities occur on Friday, November 16 - Sunday, November 18.

• Open Space Technology: Each day features an open space period, where any participant may convene a seminar, workshop, discussion section, etc.

• Panel to Whole Discussions: Featured speakers are engaged by expert interviewers, then questions from the participants, followed by whole group discussion.

• General Assembly Deliberative Sessions: Utilizing consensus based discussion and decision making.

• Retreat Style Format: Includes structured daily dialogue sessions, individual journaling opportunities, and scheduled reflection periods.

• Full Service Conference Setting: The conference center includes meeting rooms, dining areas, and lodging in a modern and comfortable facility.

Sponsors and Partners

The conference invites potential sponsors, exhibitors and partners.  Sponsors provide tangible support, such as monetary and/or in-kind donations.  Exhibitors provide a table with interesting information.  Partners assist in communication and in spreading the invitation to the conference.

For more information, click: Opportunities.