With documentaries like Before the Flood surfacing and big moves towards solar energy from Tesla, 2017 is bound to be an eventful year for sustainability and the environment. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest emerging trends in this space, sustainability conferences and meetings are the way to go. Professional development and in-person networking events are paramount to not only your career moves in this industry but also opportunities for developing new relationships and broadening business networks. But, with so many sustainable conferences to choose from, many with hefty price tags to attend, it's important to choose events that will offer something valuable to you. To help you narrow it down, we've put together a short list of some of the top sustainability conferences in the US in 2017. Take a look at the lineup of speakers and topic discussions, and take the time to research each one to see which conference is best suited for you and your business goals.

1. BSR

BSR is taking place this month in New York with a theme "Be Bold" that rallies a cry for businesses addressing the toughest issues our time. The conference aims to connect like-minded companies, foundations, big thinkers, and creative doers who all share the same goal – to build a sustainable future and economies through business leadership and partnerships. If you're unable to make the conference this year, don't fret. BSR will be taking place again on October 24-26, 2017 in Huntington Beach, California. Stay tuned!

2. GreenBiz Conference

This conference looks into the pressing challenges, emerging trends and biggest opportunities in sustainable business today. Influential sustainability leaders gather once a year to discuss the latest trends in green business and how to drive growth through sustainable assessment. The next GreenBiz Conference takes place on February 14 - 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona.

3. Sustainable Brands

Join thought leaders from all of the globe to learn how to successfully innovate your brand for sustainability. Acquire knowledge from renowned speakers, explore detail-rich case studies and learn tips on how to accelerate the success of your business.  The next Sustainable Brands gathering will be held on May 22-25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan.

4. International Corporate Citizenship Conference

Boston, Massachusetts will play host to hundreds of CSR professionals on March 26 - 28, 2017 who will be attending this conference to explore the environmental, social and governance aspects of business. Experts from around the world will share innovative new programs and ideas that drive positive change across the globe. You will return to your organization or business with detail-rich case studies, practical know-how, and tips to accelerate your business success. If you can't attend these sustainability conferences in-person, remember that many of these events will blog, tweet, and live stream sessions before, during, and after the conference. Or see if there's a way for you to volunteer or speak at these conferences to avoid the costs. You can also look into green online meetings and virtual meetings which are essentially the greenest choices for attendees since they're practically waste-free and require no travel. Whether you're a conference planner, attendee, or exhibitor, you can learn more about planning an eco-friendly conference or event with our short guide of tips and takeaways. Know of any other eco-friendly conferences or meetings? Leave us a note in the comments below.
About the author

Custom Earth Promos Editorial Team publishes practical guides on reusable promotional products and sustainability, drawing on publicly available sources.

Keep the conversation going

Thoughtful ideas. Everyday possibilities.