Celebrities to Speak at Greenbuild 2011
August 18, 2011

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, medical anthropologist and physician Paul Farmer, and ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts will address the more than 25,000 attendees at U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, October 4-7 in Toronto.

"Each year, we strive to build a program enriched with thoughtful pairings of expert speakers with topical, relevant and inspiring content," says Kimberly Lewis, vice president, Conferences & Events, USGBC. "This year, as Greenbuild celebrates its 10 year anniversary and answers the question, 'What's NEXT?' we look forward to hosting a roster of world-renowned visionaries."

This year, Greenbuild will combine its opening plenary with a celebration event to take place the evening of October 5 at Toronto's Air Canada Center. Friedman will deliver the opening keynote and then lend his expertise to USGBC's Resiliency Agenda panel. Moderated by Roberts, the panel will discuss resiliency and demonstrate how all industries can play a role in community rebuilding efforts in Haiti, New Orleans and around the globe. Friedman and Roberts will be joined by Dr. Paul Farmer, chair of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and founder of Partners in Health.

"Re-envisioned in honor of the Greenbuild 10th anniversary, this kick-off event will set the tone for the show by urging attendees to envision what's NEXT through connection, innovation, communication and action," said Lewis.

On the final day of Greenbuild, Mayor Bloomberg will deliver the closing plenary and discuss what cities around the world can do to generate real change. Bloomberg will be joined by Natalie Jeremijenko, director, NYU's xdesign Environmental Health Clinic; John Picard, principal, John Picard & Associates; and Lisa Strausfeld, interactive information designer and entrepreneur. With a fast-paced "TED-talk" format, the closing plenary will answer "What's NEXT?" in sustainability in our nation's cities.

If you're attending Greenbuild, be sure to visit USGlass in booth #6050S.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to USGlass magazine.