Inspiring Keynotes . New Perspectives . Networking
The Opening Session is not just a formality, it's a crucial part of the conference experience. Embrace the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow both personally and professionally. Hear influential and inspiring keynote speakers that share their insights, experiences, and vision, leaving you motivated and energized. Set the tone of the conference by introducing yourself to new connections and catching up with industry friends. This session sets the stage for a diverse range of presentations given throughout the event, giving you different perspectives and ideas to take back to the office. This session is a memorable part of the conference, and hopefully one you will never forget!
Opening Session Networking Coffee
Coffee will be served until 10:00 am.
Keynote Speakers
Kal Penn
Actor, Harold & Kumar; Former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
"Getting Warmer: The Intersection of Climate, Clean Energy, and Business"
Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair’s The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and the Christmas comedy The Santa Clauses for Disney +.
From 2009 to 2011, Kal took a sabbatical from acting to serve in the Obama/Biden administration, where he served as the President’s Liaison to Young Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the Arts community. In these roles, he worked on a range of issues, including the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the Affordable Care Act, Pell Grants, arts and culture programs, the DREAM Act, and rapid response to the BP Oil Spill and earthquake in Haiti.
Dr. Richmond is currently serving as the Undersecretary for Science and Innovation at the Department of Energy (DOE). In this role she oversees the DOE's Office of Science, the largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences in the U.S., DOE’s applied R&D offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Nuclear Energy, and Electricity as well as 13 of DOE’s national laboratories.
She is on leave from the University of Oregon where she holds the Presidential Chair in Science and Professor of Chemistry. Her research focuses on laser-based and computational methods to understand the structure and dynamics at liquid surfaces with relevance to environmental and technological interests. She is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and has received numerous awards including the National Medal of Science.
Dr. Geri Richmond
Undersecretary for Science and Innovation, DOE
Q&A Moderator
Kristin Gustafson
Principal, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Initiatives, Eide Bailly LLP
