Whether you’re seeking insights into the latest climate tech or clean tech trends or you’re an ag tech innovator looking to build relationships at different levels of the agricultural supply chain, consider adding these sustainability conferences to your 2024 schedule.
As a sustainability tech leader, you know that building an influential and successful business requires a strong foundation of industry knowledge and relationships. No matter your niche, whether it’s ag tech or climate tech, attending annual sustainability conferences provides unique opportunities to learn and network.
In 2024, you can attend in-person sustainability events that dig into a wide variety of specific topics in the sector such as indoor agriculture, agrivoltaics, carbon capture, the circular economy, and sustainable finance. To help you identify the most relevant events for your business, Senior Executive Sustainability curates this list of annual sustainability conferences and summits happening in the coming year, organized by industry area:
The Senior Executive Sustainability editorial team is constantly speaking with sustainability leaders to keep up with new developments and trends in the industry for our collection of sustainability resources. To suggest additions for this resource, please contact Senior Executive Media at editor@seniorexecutive.com.
Ag Tech Conferences
Kicking off The VISION Conference (see immediately below), this two-day event encourages women leaders in ag tech to engage and collaborate. The agenda includes a keynote speaker, two panel discussions, and interactive roundtable discussions on the topics of accessing capital funding, AI and generative AI in ag tech, and career advancement.
- Dates: January 21-22, 2024
- Location: Glendale, Ariz.
- Host Organization: Global Ag Tech Initiative and Meister Media Worldwide
- Cost:
- Women in Ag Tech: $299
- Women in Ag Tech and The VISION Conference: $2,394
Focused on problem-solving for challenges in ag tech advancement and adoption, this conference features interactive working groups, executive insights, and networking opportunities. Attendees include ag tech innovators, business leaders, and adjacent-industry specialists. The conference is preceded by the accompanying two-day Women in Ag Tech event (see immediately above).
- Dates: January 23-24, 2024
- Location: Glendale, Ariz.
- Host Organization: Global Ag Tech Initiative and Meister Media Worldwide
- Cost:
- The VISION Conference: $2,295
- The VISION Conference and Women in Ag Tech: $2,394
USDA’s 100th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum
While not entirely focused on tech solutions, the Annual Agriculture Outlook Forum presents industry-wide insights relevant to the work of ag tech leaders. With a theme of “Cultivating the Future,” more than 120 experts will convene across 30 sessions on topics such as ag tech, climate change, commodity markets, and trade.
- Dates: February 15-16, 2024
- Location: Arlington, Va.
- Host Organization: USDA
- Cost:
- Full conference: $435
- Thursday only: $285
- Friday only: $150
Aquaculture America is the nation’s largest aquaculture industry gathering. The four-day event includes speakers, workshops, happy hours, and a trade show of more than 200 booths exhibiting aquaculture suppliers and tech innovations.
- Dates: February 18-21, 2024
- Location: San Antonio
- Host Organization: World Aquaculture Society
- Cost: Not listed
Commodity Classic: New Frontiers in Agriculture
The “for farmers, by farmers” conference features educational opportunities, a large trade show of innovative ag tech solutions, and opportunities for farmers and ag tech leaders to build relationships. Tech-oriented learning topics to be covered during this year’s sessions include technology advances in crop scouting and emerging drip irrigation solutions.
- Dates: February 28 – March 2, 2024
- Location: Houston
- Host Organization: Commodity Classic
- Cost:
- Through February 25: $305 for members of the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers; $415 for non-members
- After February 25: $350 for members of the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers; $460 for non-members
Among technologies for indoor farming discussed and showcased at this 11th annual conference and expo include hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Professionals from every area of the indoor farming supply chain, and from more than 20 countries, attend Indoor Ag-Con, as well as investors and academics. Conference sessions touch on business strategy, AI, cannabis, societal impact, and more.
- Dates: March 11-12, 2024
- Location: Las Vegas
- Host Organization: Indoor Ag-Con
- Cost:
- Through February 23: $895 for full-access tickets for farmers/growers; $75 for the expo only for farmers/growers; $1,395 for full-access tickets for all other attendees; $575 for the expo only for all other attendees
- After February 23: $1,095 for full-access tickets for farmers/growers; $100 for the expo only for farmers/growers; $1,595 for full-access tickets for all other attendees; $600 for the expo only for all other attendees
Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems Summit 2024
This conference joins together a variety of agricultural stakeholders, from farmers to retailers, to collaborate on ideas and discuss progress toward accelerating regenerative agriculture and developing a more resilient food system. The event kicks off with a screening of the documentary “Common Ground,” followed by several days of networking opportunities and insights from industry leaders.
- Dates: March 12-14, 2024
- Location: Chicago
- Host Organization: Kisaco Research
- Cost:
- $299 for academics and farmers
- $799 for nonprofit organizations and co-ops
- $1,499 for independent food and beverage brands and retailers
- $1,499 for service providers with less than $5 million in revenue, ag tech startups, and investors
- $11,899 for service providers with more than $5 million in revenue, ag tech companies, consultants, private-label food and beverage producers, ingredient manufacturers
Animal AgTech Innovation Summit
Leaders in animal agriculture join together for panel discussions, workshops, one-to-one meetings, and a startup showcase during this three-day summit. Session topics include circular food production, improving automation, and genetics and sustainability. The event’s Start-Up Exhibition allows ag tech innovators to showcase their solutions while networking with stakeholders.
- Dates: March 18-19, 2024
- Location: San Francisco
- Host Organization: Rethink Events
- Cost:
- $1,495 for in-person tickets; $595 to attend virtually
- Animal AgTech Innovation Summit and World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (more on this event immediately below) in-person ticket package is $3,095; virtual ticket package is $995
- Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, Future Food Tech Summit (details below), and World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (details immediately below) in-person ticket package is $4,695; virtual ticket package is $1,395
World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit
Attended by more than 500 agriculture businesses, 190 startups, and 2,500 decision-makers, the agenda at this year’s summit is “commercializing solutions for climate-resistant ag.” Main-stage speakers cover topics such as decarbonization incentives and generative AI challenges, while breakout rooms dig into guided discussions on funding, market trends, tech adoption, and digitization. Innovative ag tech solutions are showcased in the Start-Up Arena.
- Dates: March 19-20, 2024
- Location: San Francisco
- Host Organization: Rethink Events
- Cost:
- $2,495 for in-person tickets; $795 to attend virtually
- World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and Future Food Tech Summit (details immediately below) in-person ticket package is $3,995; virtual ticket package is $1,195
- World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and Animal AgTech Innovation Summit (details immediately above) in-person ticket package is $3,095; virtual ticket package is $995
- World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, Future Food Tech Summit (details immediately below), and Animal AgTech Innovation Summit (details immediately above) in-person ticket package is $4,695; virtual ticket package is $1,395
More than 1,700 leaders in food tech, including tech startups, suppliers, retailers, and investors, attend the two-day conference to build relationships and explore innovations in food technology. Key topics include food security, developing next-generation foods with AI, scaling biotech, and market projections from investors. In addition to main stage speakers, attendees participate in breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, and a taste lab. Food tech startups are showcased in the Start-Up Arena.
- Dates: March 21-22, 2024
- Location: San Francisco
- Host Organization: Rethink Events
- Cost:
- $2,495 for in-person tickets; $795 to attend virtually
- Future Food Tech Summit and World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (details immediately above) in-person ticket package is $3,995; virtual ticket package is $1,195
- Future Food Tech Summit, World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (details immediately above), and Animal AgTech Innovation Summit (details above) in-person ticket package is $4,695; virtual ticket package is $1,395
U.S. Sustainable Wine Growing Summit
This summit focuses on sustainable practices for vineyards and wineries, and takes place in California’s wine country. Session topics include climate change resiliency, sustainable purchasing, social equity, and communicating sustainability efforts to consumers. Also included is a vineyard tour and sustainable wine tasting.
- Dates: April 30 – May 1, 2024
- Location: Lodi, Calif.
- Host Organization: California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance
- Cost:
- Two-day, in-person, all-inclusive ticket is $200
- Two-day, in-person, conference attendance only ticket is $100
- Two-day, virtual conference attendance is $50
AgriVoltaics World Conference 2024
The AgriVoltaics World Conference is focused on scientific exchange and networking opportunities between industry leaders and academia. Attendees at the international conference include professionals from all areas of the industry, such as researchers, renewable energy producers, equipment manufacturers, organic farming associations, and others.
- Dates: June 11-13, 2024
- Location: Denver
- Host Organization: Conexio-PSE
- Cost: TBA
Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit
More than 500 professionals from 30 countries attend the summit to explore advances in the controlled-environment agriculture industry. Speakers touch on the critical elements for success in the industry, roundtable discussions with thought leaders offer deeper conversations, and a one-to-one networking room enables startup leaders to meet with potential investors and business partners. An exhibition room showcases ag tech innovations, from climate controls to automation technology.
- Dates: June 24-25, 2024
- Location: Chicago
- Host Organization: Rethink Events
- Cost: $1,995 for in-person tickets; $595 to attend virtually
Solar Farm Summit: North America’s Agrivoltaics Expo
This conference focuses on the dual-use development of solar energy and agriculture and includes various educational sessions, discussions and Q&As in a town hall environment, and 12 networking events. More than 70 exhibitors demonstrate the latest in agrivoltaics.
- Dates: July 8-10, 2024
- Location: Chicago
- Host Organization: Solar Farm Summit
- Cost:
- Private sector ticket is $550
- Public sector ticket is $450
- Student/veteran ticket is $350
- Three-day expo plus networking ticket is $350
- Two-day expo plus networking ticket is $250
- All prices increase on April 1, 2024
Sustainable Ag Expo & International Sustainable Winegrowing Summit
This education-focused conference brings together professionals in agriculture for two days of in-person seminars, complemented by access to online learning courses (October 14-November 30). The expo features some of the latest innovations in sustainable winegrowing products, services, and technologies.
- Dates: November 12-13, 2024
- Location: San Luis Obispo, Calif.
- Host Organization: Sustainable Ag Expo
- Cost:
- One-day ticket is $225
- Two-day ticket is $445 for Vineyard Team business members, $545 for non-members
Sustainable Agriculture Summit
Stakeholders in sustainable agriculture, including farmers, suppliers, brands, and conservation and academic organizations, attend the summit to share challenges and best practices and build relationships to strengthen the industry. Last year’s summit featured more than 125 speakers who engaged in main-stage events and breakout sessions.
- Dates: November 20-21, 2024
- Location: Minneapolis
- Host Organization: Field to Market and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
- Cost: TBA
Clean Tech Conferences
Innovators, investors, and corporate executives meet to discuss innovation trends and develop partnerships at the Cleantech Forum. Attendance is capped at 500 to ensure a more intimate environment. Released the month of the event is the Global Cleantech 100, Cleantech Group’s list of 100 promising innovation companies, many of which will be in attendance at the forum.
- Dates: January 22-24, 2024
- Location: San Diego
- Host Organization: Cleantech Group
- Cost:
- Before January 21: $1,995 for innovators; $3,295 for regular and investor/corporate tickets
- After January 21: $2,100 for innovators; $3,400 for regular and investor/corporate tickets
More than 2,000 leaders in the plastics recycling industry convene to hear from 40 speakers on policy developments, technology, and more. Topics include automating commodity trading, food-grade plastics, and the state of plastics recycling. Explore an exhibit hall where companies showcase their solutions, network with your peers, and build relationships to advance your business.
- Dates: March 25-27, 2024
- Location: Grapevine, Texas
- Host Organization: Resource Recycling, Inc.
- Cost:
- Through March 22: $850
- After March 22: $925
The two-day summit includes networking sessions, presentations on sustainability and supply chain topics, field trips, and an optional ag metrics workshop. It all takes place at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, an environment that’s both architecturally and naturally stunning. Sustainability Consortium (TSC) members include service providers, retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, nonprofit and governmental agencies, and academics who work collaboratively to address product supply chain and lifecycle sustainability issues and develop more sustainable solutions.
- Dates: April 30 – May 2, 2024
- Location: Bentonville, Ark.
- Host Organization: The Sustainability Consortium
- Cost: Not listed; open to TSC members and invited guests only
The theme of this year’s conference is “Connecting Technology and Policy.” The four-day event features presentations around this theme, a technology and services show, and an educational visit to the U.S. Capitol, located nearby to George Washington University where the conference is held. ASES SOLAR is attended by professionals in all sectors of the solar industry, as well as educators, researchers, homeowners, and students.
- Dates: May 20-23, 2024
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Host Organization: American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
- Cost:
- $750 for an in-person ticket; $250 for a virtual ticket
- Prices increase on February 16, 2024
More than 2,000 leaders and practitioners attend the circular economy conference, including those in sustainable product design and manufacturing, corporate strategy leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy experts. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions are complemented by networking opportunities and an expo showcasing solutions in the circular economy.
- Dates: May 22-24, 2024
- Location: Chicago
- Host Organization: GreenBiz
- Cost:
- Before March 8: $2,275
- March 9 – April 19: $2,625
- April 20 – May 17: $2,925
- May 18 – May 24: $3,075
Leaders in the sports and entertainment industry attend this annual summit to learn, share best practices, and explore sustainable innovations in the world of sport.
- Dates: June 1, 2024
- Location: TBA
- Host Organization: Green Sports Alliance
- Cost: TBA
Carbon Capture Technology Expo
Sustainability professionals from around the world come together to discuss innovative models and the latest solutions in carbon capture, transformation, and storage. Hear from more than 200 speakers on the topic of technical and R&D solutions and network with industry peers. The exhibition is free to attend and showcases the latest technologies, materials, and engineering solutions in carbon capture, utilization, and storage.
- Dates: June 26-27, 2024
- Location: Houston
- Host Organization: Trans-Global Events
- Cost:
- The expo is free to attend
- $1,495 for a conference ticket
RE+ 22: Renewing What’s Possible
More than 40,000 clean energy professionals from around the world attend RE+ to learn from one another, engage in more than 350 educational sessions, and explore more than 1,300 exhibitors. Educational events cover industry trends, technology innovations, and solar training sessions.
- Dates: September 9-12, 2024
- Location: Anaheim, Calif.
- Host Organization: Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
- Cost: TBA
The national Resource Recycling Conference focuses on municipal recycling programs, and includes workshops, roundtable discussions, and featured speaker sessions. Topics are centered around best practices, tools, markets, and policy with the aim of improving resident outreach and reducing contamination. More than 500 recycling leaders attend, network with one another, and learn about innovative solutions at the exhibit hall.
- Dates: November 13-15, 2024
- Location: Louisville, Ky.
- Host Organization: Resource Recycling, Inc.
- Cost: TBA
Climate Tech Conferences
Hear from more than 60 speakers and panelists about advancements shaping the future of sustainable energy, and network with fellow startup leaders, industry professionals, venture capitalists, professors, and students. Innovative startups in climate and energy are on display at the event’s Climate and Energy Tech Showcase.
- Dates: March 11-12, 2024
- Location: Boston
- Host Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Cost: Tickets TBA
Recognized as a top climate tech event in Europe, Energy Tech Summit brings together more than 1,000 attendees from 40 countries to hear from speakers and gather in breakout rooms to discuss topics such as battery chain value, natural capital, green molecules, geopolitical risks, and more. The two-day summit includes city tours, wellness events, and an after-party.
- Dates: April 10-11, 2024
- Location: Bilbao, Spain
- Host Organization: Futurae Events
- Cost:
- Through February 24: 1699 euros for a general ticket; 599 euros to attend virtually
- February 25 – April 1: 1999 euros for a general ticket; 699 euros to attend virtually
Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference 2024 (ICR24)
This year’s theme, “Solutions for Scaling Change,” encourages industry leaders, researchers, and government appointees to work together toward climate resilience. The three-day event includes an opening-day keynote speaker, panel discussions, technical presentations, and evening receptions.
- Dates: April 22-24, 2024
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Host Organization: The Wilson Center and Battelle
- Cost:
- Through February 16: $799 for industry professionals; $699 for government employees; $629 for academics and nonprofit professionals
- After February 16: $849 for industry professionals; $749 for government employees; $649 for academics and nonprofit professionals
- On-site tickets: $899 for industry professionals; $799 for government employees; $699 for academics and nonprofit professionals
More than 500 professionals attend Bloom 24 to discuss sustainable strategies and technical solutions for protecting and regenerating nature. Hear from indigenous leaders, innovators, and academic experts on topics ranging from biodiversity to policy during the two-day event.
- Dates: October 29-30, 2024
- Location: San Jose, Calif.
- Host Organization: GreenBiz
- Cost: TBA; registration opens March 2024
VERGE 24: The Climate Tech Event
Entrepreneurs, solutions providers, and government and business leaders attend VERGE to collaboratively address climate challenges and accelerate solutions. The array of topic areas includes buildings, carbon, energy, food, and transportation.
- Dates: October 29-31, 2024
- Location: San Jose, Calif.
- Host Organization: GreenBiz
- Cost: TBA; registration opens March 2024
“Driving the Transition Towards a Net Zero Future” is the theme for this year’s Climate Technology Show, one of the biggest climate events in Europe. Innovators, business leaders, and policymakers attend the show to gain insights and explore business opportunities. Sustainability sectors represented include agriculture, carbon capture, energy, transportation, the built environment, ESG, and more. Presenters, panel discussions, and Q&As are featured, in addition to a large climate tech exhibition.
- Dates: November 27-28, 2024
- Location: London
- Host Organization: Valiant Business Media
- Cost: Not listed
Sustainability Business Conferences
More than 2,500 leaders in corporate sustainability, many with C-suite titles, attend GreenBiz to learn sustainability strategies and best practices that they can bring back to their organizations. The three-day conference features breakout sessions and keynote speakers on topics such as sustainability software, corporate-community partnerships, the business case for sustainability, change leadership, and corporate communications.
- Dates: February 12-14, 2024
- Location: Phoenix
- Host Organization: GreenBiz
- Cost: $4,575
Corporate CEOs, sustainability leaders, and other executive decision-makers with stake in sustainable initiatives attend Responsible Business USA, hosted by Reuters Events. Through workshops and roundtables, strategies and tools are shared to help leaders integrate sustainable practices and complete regulatory reporting correctly and efficiently. Several keynote speakers, editorially hosted interviews, and networking events round out the agenda.
- Dates: March 26-27, 2024
- Location: New York City
- Host Organization: Reuters Events
- Cost:
- Corporate: $2,199 for a basic ticket; $2,499 for a business ticket; $2,999 for a VIP ticket
- Solutions providers and consultants: $2,999 for a basic ticket; $3,499 for a business ticket; $3,999 for a VIP ticket
- Nonprofit, government, and academic: $2,199
Sustainable financing and investing is the focus at GreenFin. Attendees range from corporate sustainability and finance executives to investors and investment policymakers. Guest speakers and breakout sessions cover topics such as the ESG ecosystem, corporate finance and reporting, natural capital, and policy.
- Dates: June 17-18, 2024
- Location: New York City
- Host Organization: GreenBiz
- Cost:
- Before April 12: $3,125
- April 13 – May 17: $3,675
- May 18 – June 14: $3,925
- June 15-19: $4,075
Our Senior Executive Sustainability editors are always adding to our collection of resources for sustainability leaders like you. From a glossary of sustainability terms to a guide to professional organizations for sustainability leaders, our collection of additional resources offers ideas and inspiration.
