Road to Net Zero 2024
Purpose of Project
The “Road to Net Zero 2024” event aimed to inspire innovation and foster collaborations by educating a diverse group of stakeholders—including local manufacturers, clean-tech entrepreneurs, engineers, developers, government officials, and community and academic partners—on cutting-edge sustainability practices. The event sought to create valuable partnerships and collaborative projects by bringing together keynote speakers, attendees, and experts. The strategically developed agenda featured panels of local industry experts, thought leaders, and academics who provided profitable case studies, research, and advice, while highlighting new technologies. The event also included staged networking opportunities, where Economic Development staff facilitated introductions and collaborations that might not have occurred otherwise, enhancing the local business community’s progress towards sustainability goals.
Effectiveness / Meeting Objectives
The event successfully met its objectives by:
- Engagement: Attracting over 80 key executives and stakeholders, including industry experts and academic leaders, for a comprehensive discussion on sustainability.
- Knowledge Sharing: Offering insightful presentations on various aspects of attaining net zero, such as climate action activities, sustainable innovation, and emerging technologies like hydrogen.
- Partnership Development: Facilitating networking sessions and an industry panel discussion that encouraged collaboration and the formation of new partnerships.
- Practical Guidance: Providing actionable advice and resources for developing profitable green projects and enhancing green infrastructure.
- Visibility: Strengthening Milton’s reputation as a forward-thinking community committed to sustainability through increased media coverage and visibility.
Challenges & Changes Made
- Speaker Coordination: Coordinated with a diverse group of speakers to ensure a well-rounded presentation of both industry perspectives and academic insights, balancing content relevance and diversity.
- Logistics Management: Managed scheduling and venue constraints effectively to host a seamless event at RattleSnake Point Golf Club.
- Adaptation to Feedback: Used feedback from previous events to enhance the attendee experience by incorporating more interactive sessions and ensuring ample networking opportunities.
Target Audience
Local manufacturers, clean-tech start-ups, engineers, and developers with a focus on sustainability.
Government officials and community partners engaged in environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Business executives and investors seeking opportunities in sustainable development within the Greater Toronto Area.
Sustainability of the Project
The “Road to Net Zero 2024” event was designed with sustainability at its core. It was a completely paperless operation, with all materials and communications handled digitally. Efforts were made to use local vendors to minimize the event’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the event’s setup and management focused on efficiency and sustainability, from the selection of the venue to the logistics of the event operations. These practices not only reinforced the event’s commitment to sustainability but also served as a model for future initiatives.
Impact and Results
The event achieved significant outcomes, including the formation of new partnerships, increased awareness about sustainability within the community, and positive feedback from participants. The use of digital resources, such as a Linktree for event materials and a photo album featuring the panel discussion video, facilitated continued engagement and allowed attendees to revisit and reflect on key discussions. This approach ensured that the momentum from the event translated into ongoing progress towards sustainability goals in Milton.
