This Way to Sustainability Conference

TWTS is a nationally recognized, student-run conference focusing on challenges, ideas, solutions and resiliency in planning our sustainable future. The conference hosts 1400 participants each year with a variety of respected professionals speaking on the many aspects of sustainability. The goal of the conference is to educate students, staff and faculty, and community members; providing attendees an opportunity to network, discuss, and become more aware of pertinent environmental and social issues we all face.

Our Keynote Speakers for this year are: 

• Leah Penniman, MA: "Ending racism and injustice in the food system and reclaiming the inherent right to belong to the earth"
• Katharine Wilkinson, PhD: "Drawdown: How empowering women and girls can help stop global warming"
• Jennifer Atkinson, PhD: "Eco-Grief and Climate Anxiety"
• Bill Shireman, PhD: "In This Together : nonpartisan solutions to our climate crisis"

Learn more about our speakers here.(opens in new window)

Call for Breakout Session Proposals—Now Open

The conference is 100% Online/Virtual this year! (You don't need to be local to present or attend.)

It is scheduled for March 25-26, 2021 with a theme of "Resilience from the Ground Up: Strengthening Diversity in Soil, Communities and Economies." We are looking for presentation proposals by speakers and facilitators for the following breakout session tracks:

1. Environment, Land Planning & Natural Systems
2. Built Environments, Engineering & Waste Management
3. Health, Wellness, Diet & Nutrition
4. Sustainable Food Systems & Regenerative Agriculture
5. Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Supply Chain Management
6. Social Justice & Public Policy
7. Arts, Humanities & Creative Expression

Timeline:

• Initial Call – August 1^st
• Deadline for final submissions – November 1^st
• Reviews completed – December 1^st
• Notices of acceptance sent out in December

Please read the instructions for submitting a proposal. (PDF)

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL NOW(opens in new window)

Donate Now(opens in new window)

This conference would not be possible without the support of our many volunteers and our amazing sponsors.  Check out our many sponsorship opportunities (PDF) and donate now if you are able. 

Thank you!