Powering Forward: Sustainable Sports & Entertainment
Powering Forward: Sustainability at the Intersection of Sports, Entertainment & Media
The sustainability conversation is no longer happening in silos. From stadiums and concert venues to film studios, Broadway stages, and global brands, leaders across sports, entertainment, and media are grappling with many of the same challenges and opportunities.
Join the Sustainability, Energy, and Entertainment Network (SEEN) at Columbia’s Climate School, in partnership with the Green Sports Alliance, Hollywood Climate Summit, Music Sustainability Alliance, Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, and Broadway Green Alliance, for an afternoon of networking and discussion focused on how these industries can accelerate environmental and social impact.
What You'll Gain
Real-world insight from leaders driving sustainability across sports, music, entertainment, media, and live events
Ideas you can take back to your organization, from innovative approaches to practical solutions
Connections across industries with decision-makers, practitioners, and changemakers
A broader perspective of what’s possible when influential industries work together to build a more sustainable world
Agenda
3:00 PM - Registration and Networking
4:00 PM - Welcome Remarks
Featured Discussion Topics
Beyond the Game: The Social Impact of Sports & Entertainment
What happens when athletes and organizations use the power of sports for something bigger than the scoreboard? Hear how leaders across sports and environmental advocacy are building partnerships, supporting communities, and turning influence into meaningful change.
Mike Richter, President, Brightcore Energy; NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup Champion
Elle Hartje, Forward, New York Sirens
Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Ocean Conservancy
Moderator: Felicia Ganthier, Co-Director, SEEN Media, Founder and CEO, Legacy Philanthropy Partners
Wearing Your Values: Sustainable Apparel & Merch
What we wear sends a message. From jerseys to concert merch, explore how brands are rethinking what gets made, how it gets made, and what it says about the values we support.
Olivia Kelly, Senior Director, Product Development, Universal Music Group
Adele Stafford, Chief Revenue Officer, Worldly
Aly Criscuolo, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, New York Road Runners
Moderator: Micah Elan, Manager, Membership and Events, Green Sports Alliance
Sustainable Practices at the World’s Biggest Live Events
Millions of people. Massive productions. Huge environmental footprints. The world’s biggest events have an opportunity to leave more than memories behind. Hear how leaders are turning major sporting and entertainment moments into catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and lasting impact.
Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer, Formula E
Elizabeth Carlson, Chair, Sustainability Committee 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Houston
Bill Squires, Chief Venues Officer, 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup New York New Jersey
Audrey Vinant-Tang, VP Sustainability, NBCUniversal
Moderator: Shaun Hoyte, Director, SEEN Media
Venues as a Catalyst for Community Resilience
Events may come and go, but venues are part of the communities they call home. From environmental and social action to community investment, what does it look like for a venue to show up for its city?
Adina Erwin, Executive Vice President of Operations, Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment
Bina Indelicato, Founder, Eco Evolutions, Consultant to the USTA
Michael Donhert, Executive Director, Facility & Sustainability Strategies at New York Mets