A future without waste could be the most important business trend of the 21st century, bringing challenges, obstacles, and most importantly… opportunities. But economic success in  the future demands a new approach; new ways of thinking, a solid understanding of revolutionary principles, and a clear view of where we are headed. If your enterprise wants to be a successful player in this new world, registering for Metro Vancouver’s 2015 Zero Waste Conference on Oct. 29th needs to be checked off your to-do list before it’s too late. There’s only one more day to register. Don’t lose this opportunity to gain vital insights, from the people who are leading the way.
An international roster of speakers. Some of the biggest companies in the world. Compelling discussion regarding the circular economy and zero waste. Metro Vancouver’s 2015 Zero Waste Conference is your opportunity to leverage these resources and give your organization the information and direction to succeed in a rapidly-changing marketplace.
Cradle to Cradle Keynote
We’re delighted that circular economy pioneer William McDonough will be our morning keynote speaker. Expect to gain a deeper understanding of zero waste principles from this ground-breaking pioneer of the circular economy, whose impressive credentials include Chair of the World Economic Forum Meta-Council on Circular Economy, architect of NASA’s Sustainability Base, and author (with Dr. Michael Braungart) of the groundbreaking book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Can innovation in the materials that make up products and packaging be the silver bullet of waste reduction? Experts from four different industries will tackle this question during the panel discussion Materialism: Innovative Materials and End-of-life Infrastructure following McDonough’s presentation.
Food Waste Featured
Food waste is on our menu in the late morning, as Tristram Stuart, founder of Feedback and Feeding the 5000 brings his experiences as a food waste activist to our SPARK talk entitled: Inglorious Food: Food Waste and the Supply Chain. It’s a session sure to whet your appetite for what follows, including a discussion we’re calling Home Economics: Food Waste and the Consumer. You’ll hear how how the consumer is being engaged in waste reduction with crafted communications on best-before dates, the merits of meal-planning and down-home cooking, and how those efforts are creating economic opportunities all along the food supply chain.
Insights from Across the Atlantic
Following the lunch break we turn our focus to the European experience with Eurovision: Global Leadership in the Circular Economy. Expect valuable insights from countries that are taking a leading role on zero waste initiatives, coupled with tough questions about building collaborative relationships among business innovators and government regulators and what is needed to close economic loops worldwide.
The Sharing Economy
It’s new, disruptive, and holds great promise as a means of bringing the circular economy into the mainstream. The sharing economy grabs headlines and attention through high-profile enterprises such as car-sharing, tool libraries, and crowd-sourced accommodations like Airbnb. We’re going deeper into this wide-ranging trend in the afternoon, with the SPARK Talk Swap it!: The Dollars and Sense in Sharing Economies.
No Allen Key Required
IKEA changed the way we think about furniture. Now the Swedish home furnishings giant wants to bring its global power to the problem of waste. Stefan Sjöstrand, President of IKEA Canada will deliver our afternoon keynote Thinking Big Box: One Corporation’s Crusade Against Waste. Expect the kind of strategic insights and tactical solutions that will let you build your own campaign to reduce waste and promote sustainable thinking within your organization.
Of course, the value of a conference isn’t measured by just the stuff that happens on stage. At the close of the conference we hope you’ll stick around for the Ground Zero reception – your opportunity to build connections and network with fellow delegates, speakers and panellists.
Be Ready for A Future Without Waste
The 2015 Zero Waste Conference is a unique opportunity. A guest list of global experts. Cutting edge thought on big topics. Specific examples of market success within the circular economy framework. It’s all here. All you have to do is register. But time is running out. There’s only one more day to reserve your seat. Don’t delay and miss this chance to build a solid foundation for success.