GBENN Summit 2018 

Join us for the 3rd National GBENN Summit taking place on November 8-9, 2018 at he Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Green business programs interested in networking, learning, and sharing best green business engagement strategies for success should plan on attending. Summit itinerary. 

The Summit is designed for information sharing between green business programs that support sustainability practices in a defined region or state. It is not intended as a forum for owners or managers of individual businesses. 

Summit Features:

• Two (2) day conference including keynote and plenary sessions (November 8 and 9)
• Lunch provided on both days
• Networking reception on November 8
• Free pass to explore the Museum of Sciency and Industry on Friday afternoon, November 9
• Informal get together on the evening November 7 for early arrivers
• Possible tour of Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) - TBA
• Many opportunities to network and convene with other green business programs

Qualified organizations that become GBENN members for 2018 at the $250 (Non-Profit and Government Agency) rate or $500 (Corporate) rate receive a free registration for one individual to attend the 2018 Summit. GBENN Members receive all the benefits listed on our members page! Become a GBENN today and we will forward to you a discount code that you can use during the registration process.  

The GBENN Summit 2018 will be held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.  

Included in the Summit registration is a museum pass with access to special exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. One of the largest science museums in the world, it is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. 

Chicago is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant and nightlife. Chicago is located in the Midwest along the Great Lakes shoreline. It is the third largest city and metropolitan area in the United States with a city population approaching 3 million and a metro population approaching 10 million. Chicago is a huge vibrant city and metropolitan area that sprawls over 10,874km². It's well known for house music and electronic dance music, blues, jazz, comedy, shopping, dining, sports, architecture, highly-regarded colleges and universities, and premier cultural attractions. Here's a website that will give you some ideas of what to do during your stay in Chicago.  

We chose the dates to coincide with the popular Green Build, November 14-16 at Mccormick Place in Chicago. Folks that choose to stay over the weekend can attend both events. 

Getting to the Conference and Booking a Room at Nearby Hotels

You can get to the Summit location (Museum of Science and Industry) by flying into Midway or to Chicago O'hare. There are good SouthWest flights into either airport.  While Midway is closer to the recommended hotels, it is easier to get public transporation (metro) from Chicago O'hare.  Book your flights early to get the best possible rates.

There are some good hotels near the 2018 Summit location. Two nearby hotels are the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and the Marriot Marquis Chicago.  Those folks that are planning on booking a room with Airbnb, Hotwire, etc., should book rooms north of the recommended hotels or near the University of Chicago (Hyde Park) area. To the west and south aren't good areas of the city to stay.

GBENN has negotiated a $149 Summit rate at the Hyatt Regency, information about how to make accomodations will be posted on the GBENN site.

Call for Presentations

GBENN is seeking proposals for presentations and sessions at the Summit.  The proposal deadline is September 4, 2018.  Here's the online submission portal.