Location & Schedule
Event Schedule, Location & Venue Map
SSO will be hosted at the Lillis Business Complex on the University of Oregon campus.
Most sessions and activities will be held on the second floor of the Lillis Complex. For your convenience, please refer to the venue map. Event spaces are clearly highlighted in yellow to help you navigate with ease.
Friday, April 10
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Networking
Complimentary Breakfast
Morning beverages
8:00–9:00 AM
Opening remarks from Josh Skov: Professor of Practice and Academic Director, Center for Sustainable Business Practices in [Lillis 282]
9:00–9:20 AM
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[Lillis 282] This presentation by Laura Kinman, founder of Coastal Range Collective and former Global Line Director at Patagonia, explores the "engineered tensions" involved in building sustainability across different organizational scales. Using real-world case studies like the decade-long transition to regenerative organic cotton, it illustrates how large brands drive systemic change through global influence while small startups achieve impact through agility and precise material innovation. Ultimately, the session frames sustainability as an evolving series of trade-offs, where today’s rigorous efforts to scale responsible practices establish the foundations for future industry standards.
9:20–10:00 AM
10:00–10:10 AM
Break
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[Lillis 282] Discover how mission-driven organizations are creating real, lasting change through equity, education, reuse, and community innovation. This session brings together leaders working on off-grid learning spaces, youth-centered systems change, digital access, and creative reuse to explore what it takes to build nonprofit models that are both impactful and resilient. Join this conversation to hear how bold ideas can turn local action into long-term transformation.
Featuring:
Sofie Roux: BloomBox Design Labs
Erin Lewellen: Tilting Futures
Jessica Ahrenholtz: Next Step Recycling
Mitra Gruwell: Mecca
Moderator: Ian Evans, UO MBA
10:10-11:10 AM
11:10-11:30 AM
Networking Break in the Atrium
11:30 AM-12:15 PM
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Do You Really Need It? Making the Invisible Visible [Lillis 212]
This session explores what it actually takes to turn good intentions into durable results - not through frameworks or jargon, but through honest questions, place-based humility, and the discipline of making hidden costs and burdens visible. Drawing on 20+ years of work across supply chains, community food systems, conservation coalitions, and governance boards, this talk offers a philosophy illustrated by real stories: what works, why it works, and how to step into the productive space between catastrophe and impossible perfection.
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Sustainability and the Olympic Movement: Reflections From Milano-Cortina 2026 and thoughts on Los Angeles 2028 and Salt Lake City Utah 2034 [Lillis 282]
This presentation, delivered by Yoav Dubinsky, PhD, of the University of Oregon Olympic Studies Hub, explores the intersection of sustainability and the global Olympic Movement. It provides critical reflections on the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing upcoming games, specifically Milano-Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, and Utah 2034, while examining how the Games impact nation branding and public diplomacy. By analyzing the existential risks posed by climate change to the Winter Olympics, the session highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the world's largest sporting event.
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TNFD LEAP and strategies for getting companies engaged on nature [Lillis 132]
This session introduces the TNFD’s LEAP framework as a strategic tool for identifying nature-related risks and opportunities while exploring effective methods for driving corporate engagement on biodiversity. Participants will learn how to navigate the Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare phases to integrate nature-positive strategies into core business decision-making.
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How to build philanthropy programs that are meaningful to your business and communities [Lillis 211]
This session provides a comprehensive look at how Tillamook Creamery constructs meaningful philanthropy programs, detailing strategic policies, location-based budgeting, and multi-level decision-making processes involving site champions and executive boards. Participants will explore real-world impact through recent grant and donation statistics, consumer insight data, and diverse partnership examples that have earned the brand significant industry recognition. The discussion offers a roadmap for organizations looking to align business objectives with community needs to create award-winning social impact.
12:15-1:15 PM
Lunch in the Atrium
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Info coming soon…
1:55–2:05 PM
Break
Breakout Session 2
2:05-2:50 PM
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What it Takes to Bloom [Lillis 212]
Sofie Roux will lead a session exploring her work with Bloombox Design Labs, a social enterprise that delivers sun-powered STEAM education through innovative, solar-integrated learning spaces. The presentation will detail how sustainable design and mobile electrification provide high-quality educational access to remote communities, turning secure, flower-inspired structures into hubs for creative potential and exploration.
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Clean energy manufacturing and supply chains: How do we create the conditions for success? [Lillis 211]
This interactive session evaluates the climate imperative for decarbonizing industry by assessing U.S. global competitiveness and identifying the primary hurdles facing domestic clean energy production. Through a blend of technical presentation and facilitated group dialogue, participants will explore actionable solutions for challenges such as permitting, workforce readiness, and infrastructure development.
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Lifecycle Assessment Case Study [Lillis 132]
This session walks participants through a detailed Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) case study to demonstrate how organizations quantify environmental impacts from raw material extraction through end-of-life disposal. Attendees will explore how to leverage these data-driven insights to make strategic trade-offs and drive systemic improvements in product sustainability.
2:50-3:10 PM
Networking Break in the Atrium
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[Lillis 282] WSP experts dive into the behind-the-scenes mechanics of sustainability: the data, financial systems, and disclosure frameworks that increasingly shape how organizations operate and compete. From nature-related risk and credible GHG target-setting to capital movement and life cycle analysis, this session will show how technical tools can become drivers of strategy rather than boxes to check. Attend this panel to better understand how companies can translate complexity into clarity, and use reporting, modeling, and finance to build a more credible path forward.
Featuring:
Emily Wolff
Anne-Marie Duncan
Mukunth Natarajan
Moderator: Josh Skov - Professor of Practice and Academic Director, Center for Sustainable Business Practices
3:10-4:10 PM
4:10-4:20 PM
Break
4:20-5:05 PM
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Sustainability in Textile [Lillis 212]
More coming soon…
Kevin Jennings | Lithia
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Turning Sustainability into a Measurable Growth Engine [Lillis 211]
More coming soon…
Jessica Ahrenholtz | Executive Director | Next Step Recycling
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Workforce Development Through Sustainability [Lillis 132]
More coming soon…
5:05-5:20 PM
Closing announcements in Lillis 282
6:30-9:30 PM
After Hours Mixer @ Ninkasi – 155 Blair Boulevard, Eugene, OR
Saturday, April 11
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Networking
Complimentary Breakfast
Morning beverages
8:30–9:00 AM
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[Lillis 282] This session explores the strategic implementation of green bonds and sustainability-linked deals as primary drivers for mobilizing capital toward environmental objectives. Further information forthcoming.
9:40–10:00 AM
Networking Break in the Atrium
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[Lillis 282] What does sustainability look like when it moves beyond messaging and into real business decisions? This panel features leaders in electrified mobility, sustainable operations, certifications, and values-driven entrepreneurship who will share how companies are navigating supply chains, consumer trust, and changing expectations. Attend this session for practical insights on how businesses can turn sustainability into meaningful action and lasting value.
Kevin Jennings: Lithia & Driveway / GreenCars
Jocelyn Bridson: Tillamook Creamery
Laura Kinman: Coastal Range Collective
Wyatt Cuddington: Amazon
Moderator: Sammy Jo Hester
10:00-11:00 AM
11:00-11:10 AM
Break
11:10-11:55 AM
Breakout Session 4
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The Sustainable Business of Land and Water Conservation [Lillis 282]
More coming soon…
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From Climate Concern to Lifelong Action: Building the Next Generation of Change makers [Lillis 211]
More coming soon…
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Sustainable Finance Models [Lillis 212]
Drawing from research recently published in the Springer Nature conference proceedings on Redefining Sustainability, this session analyzes the corporate sustainability practices of high-ranking U.S. companies. The discussion evaluates how industry leaders are successfully operationalizing ESG mandates and provides a data-driven benchmark for evolving standards in corporate responsibility.
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
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[Lillis 282] This presentation traces the trajectory of U.S. energy policy to introduce the mechanics of green industrial policy and its vital role in the current clean energy landscape. By analyzing shifts across different political eras and comparing international strategies, the session forecasts critical implications for firms, supply chain logistics, and the future of climate action.
1:00-1:40 PM
1:40-2:00 PM
Networking Break in the Atrium
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[Lillis 282] Explore how conservation, regenerative thinking, and destination stewardship can come together to shape a more resilient future. With perspectives from land conservation, ecological education, and tourism leadership, this session will highlight how communities can protect the places they love while supporting regional vitality. Join us for a timely discussion on restoration, resilience, and reimagining the relationship between people, place, and planet.
Joe Moll: McKenzie River Trust
Andrew Millison: Oregon State University
Tori Middelstadt: Willamette Valley Visitors Association
Moderator: Kyle Meyer, 1st year MBA
2:00-3:00 PM
3:00-3:20 PM
Closing Remarks from Josh Skov: Professor of Practice and Academic Director, Center for Sustainable Business Practices in [Lillis 282]
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Panel
Sustainability Unpacked: Graduate Student Voices & Experiences
Room 282
Pavel Zaytsev
Doris Agra
Sarah Luginbill
Aaidan Hebert
Moderator: Joshua Skov
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout Conversations
Room 211
Planet Near Future with John Davis
Room 232
Sustainability Ain’t Diverse, and Diversity Ain’t Sustainable with Damien Pitts
Room 262
Profit with Purpose: Managing Sustainability While Building Product Within the Sporting Goods Industry with Peter Stolpe
Room 282
From the Field to the Flame: Sports, Sustainability, Sponsorship, and the Olympic Movement with Yoav & T. Bettina-
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Keynote Speaker
Room 282
Beyond Boundaries: Government, Business & Civil Society Uniting for Global Change with Mac McKenzie
2:10 PM - 3:10 PM
Breakout Conversations
Room 211
Deception Under the Hood: Lessons from the VW Emissions Scandal with Daniel Jacobs
Room 232
Grow the Leader, Grow the Mission: Energy Habits for Long-Term Impact: Linda Tang
Room 262
People: Brittany Sierra
Room 282
The T-Word: Trump and Tariffs with Liz Wilson
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Panel
Threads of Change: Women Leading Sustainability in Apparel
Room 282
Liz Wilson
Linda Tang
Brittany Sierra
Moderator: Lauren Welch
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote Speaker
Know Your NATURE: What is the Purpose to Progress?
Room 282
Karen Hall
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Breakout Conversations
Room 211
Nike's ESG Journey: From Crisis to Catalyst for Growth with Noel Kinder
Room 232
Scaling What Works: Systems Change and the Clean Energy Revolution with Brian Stewart
Room 262
Big Picture, Local Policy: Eugene’s Climate Action Plan and Current Policy Initiatives with Danielle Klinkebiel