Austin Convention Center Partners with City-Sponsored
GoGreen ’11 Conference for Local Business Owners
Austin Convention Center Director and Operations Manager are among the regional sustainability leaders scheduled to address conference attendees.
March, 2011. Austin, Texas – The Austin Convention Center is partnering with the city-sponsoredGoGreen ’11 Austin Conference, scheduled Wednesday, April 6, at the Austin Convention Center. GoGreen ’11 is a one day conference for local business owners, designed to inspire, motivate and help them become more “green” and sustainable in their business practices.
The GoGreen conference, now in its third year, features a full day of educational panel sessions as well as networking opportunities. Attendees spend a value-packed day connecting with eco-entrepreneurs and business leaders. The conference features over 60 speakers from the state and region who are cutting edge visionaries, sustainability experts and forward thinking individuals providing attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to make a business more sustainable.
Mark Tester, director of the Austin Convention Center Department, will give the opening remarks to the conference. Tester oversees all aspects of the Austin Convention Center, the Palmer Events Center and their parking garages. Since he joined the department in 2008, the facility has enhanced its reputation as a leader in convention center technology, having been named an official technology partner of South by Southwest.
David Thomas, operations manager for the Austin Convention Center Department, will speak on the panel discussing “Green Building: Learn Why and How from Local Projects.” Thomas is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in facility management. Using his MBA, CFM and LEED AP O&M credentials, Thomas oversees the department’s innovative Sustainability Program. He currently serves as president for the Austin Chapter of IFMA and is project manager for two City of Austin LEED EB projects. Using these platforms to educate members of both the public and private sector on green initiatives, Thomas strives to ensure that the City of Austin remains recognized as a leader in sustainability.
Sessions for the GoGreen ’11 Austin Conference run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a hosted networking reception immediately following, featuring live music by Austin’s own Barbara Nesbitt. The City of Austin (through funding provided by multiple city departments) and the Austin Convention Center are lead sponsors of GoGreen ’11 Austin.
Visit www.austingogreenconference.net for more information and to register.
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For more information, contact:
Terri McBride, ACCD Public Information & Marketing Program Manager
512.404.4020 or terri.mcbride@ci.austin.tx.us
