SFC to Host Educational Conference

April 7, 2014  by in Green, Industry   

SFC NEXT, to be held June 13-14 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., offers equal parts education, networking and inspiration, as well as a blueprint for developing a profit-focused sustainability strategy. With custom programming for professionals in all home furnishings-related disciplines and at all career stages, SFC Next will connect businesses and brands with sustainability expertise.

“SFC NEXT will prepare you to lead your company in taking the next step on its sustainability journey,” said Susan Inglis, SFC executive director. “Two days of programming will spur you to think, question, discuss, connect, explore and discover what it means to lead positive social change through business—and achieve a competitive advantage as a result.”

Rates begin at $395 for SFC members and $595 for non-members; discounts for multiple registrations from a single business or company are available. The registration fee includes admission to all sessions, receptions and workshops, and continental breakfast and networking luncheons Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14. Programming highlights include:

• “Accelerating the Adoption of Business Solutions that Reduce Carbon Emissions and Advance the Low-Carbon Economy” presented by Hilary McMahon, director of research, Carbon War Room.

• “What Does it Mean to Continuously Innovate?” featuring Roger G. Jones, vice president global logistics, Century Furniture, LLC, in conversation with Mark Comolli, director of markets, Forestry Division, Rainforest Alliance.

• “What Are the Trends Shaping the Future of Home Living?” showcasing speaker Scot Lachut, director of consulting, PSFK Labs, who will explain how home is being re-imagined as a platform to integrate balance, health and well-being into people’s everyday lives.

• A pre-conference screening of “Toxic Hot Seat,” the documentary based on the award-winning 2012 Chicago Tribune series “Playing with Fire.” The film details how a handful of large chemical companies convinced fire safety officials to back a standard that, in effect, requires all furniture to be filled with toxic flame-retardants. A Q&A session with filmmakers James Redford and Kirby Walker will follow.

Registration information, details about sponsorships opportunities, speaker bios and a full conference agenda is available online.