Clean Technologies & Sustainability: Global Perspectives & Opportunities — Chicago

Reflecting the increased global awareness and demand for cleaner technologies, this conference brought together local, Midwest and international entrepreneurs, practitioners and policymakers to share best practices and discover new synergies for collaboration, cooperation and commercialization. In a half-day format designed to encourage audience interaction, participants heard the latest policy views from global leaders through panel discussions on economic and public policy and science and technology commercialization. Later, they had an opportunity for in-depth discussions and networking in the sectoral breakout sessions, including sustainable water and land management; solid waste and recycling; architecture and design; renewable energy; and biomaterials and green manufacturing. Throughout, participants had the opportunity to see table-top exhibits of clean technologies, products and services.

The conference was organized by the Technology and Commercialization Task Force of the Economic Development Council, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Illinois Global Partnership and others and took place on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois. At the conclusion, buses were available to take participants to McCormick Place for a special guided tour of the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).