A week ago the smoke from the Kings Fire in El Dorado County was blowing into the Truckee / Tahoe area. The Ironman competition was cancelled along with many other events given the low air quality. According to the Drought Monitor for California this summer, eighty percent of the state was in “extreme” to “extraordinary” drought and 100 percent of the state was labeled “severe” drought or worse.
You probably know that more than sixty percent of California’s developed water supply originates in the Sierra Nevada. Our forests and water supply face grave threats due to wildfires, development, historic mining activities and changes in climate.
Whether a second home owner or frequent visitor who cares about creating sustainable communities, organizations and business, you will find interesting dialogue, proven models and effective strategies at the Peak Innovation conference hosted by the Sierra Business Council early next month. In addition to an incredible schedule and speaker line up, there are a variety of pre-conference offerings including training sessions designed just for organization and community leaders as well as an energy efficiency retrofit tour of the property that is attracting contractors and architects.
Between the people attending, the featured speakers and thought provoking workshops, Peak Innovation is, by far, the most interesting Sierra-focused event to come to Tahoe City since I’ve lived in the area. Conference attendance is not limited to Sierra Nevada residents just as issues impacting Sierra communities extend beyond the region’s borders.
What is it? Sierra Business Council's first conference in five years – a time to connect and plan for better, sustainable communities
Who is speaking? Highlights include:
- Citizen writer Terry Tempest Williams will be interviewed by English Professor Michael Branch from University of Nevada, Reno
- Rebuild the Dream President and Co-Founder, CNN Crossfire co-host and NY Times best selling author, Van Jones will offer inspiration during a call to action talk on the morning of Oct. 10
- Water expert, Dr. Peter Gleick, will moderate in-depth discussions on private and public investment in natural resources
- Successful leaders from Patagonia, The Burning Man Project and Ceronix, among others, will share insights on sustainable business practices and triple bottom line goals
- Acclaimed photographer Gordon Wiltsie will deepen your love of the Sierra landscape and experience with a visually rich presentation during the Sierra Vision Awards Ceremony on Oct. 9
And, that's just a glimpse of what to expect – farm to table dinners in partnership with Tahoe Food HUB, coffee chats, guided hikes, yoga and so much more.
IF YOU GO
When: Wednesday, Oct. 8- Friday, Oct. 10
Where: Granlibakken in Tahoe City, CA
Cost: $599 includes all meals, networking opportunities and full conference access. Register here.
There is discounted lodging at Granlibakken (receive the discount code after registering for the conference).
* Special $50 discount for readers of Marin Magazine’s Travel Buzz. Use SIERRA50 at registration for a $50 discount off of the conference registration fee.
