Cristina Calvo
CEO Overview Effect & Green My Experience
Innovate for Impact™ at NYC Climate Week
New York, September 2024
Some of Our Sponsors
Alongside Green My Experience, brought together sustainability, technology, and well-being to drive transformative solutions. The event explored the intersection of profitability and sustainability, emphasizing how the travel industry can inspire positive change. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, highlighting how incremental progress can lead to lasting impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
+150Attendees
21Speakers
5Panels
1Concert
Highlights
Duration: 34 min.
Panel 1
Pioneering Sustainable Tourism Development
Speakers: Diane Binder, Robin Wood Sailer, Carla Gautier and Shelley Worrell
The challenges and potential of the travel industry in bringing about change.
They focus on measuring carbon footprints, promoting sustainable practices, collaboration, women-led businesses, and regenerating spaces.
Duration: 31 min.
Panel 2
The Industry’s Voice – Showcasing Inspiring Progress in Sustainable Travel
Speakers: Jeremy Baines, Grace Hu, Jessica Kramer and Hector Zapata
Our Industry’s Voice panel highlighted the importance of sustainability in the travel industry, efforts to reduce carbon footprints, the need for innovation, and the role of alternative aviation fuels.
The significance of empowering locals was also emphasized, as well as transparency in sustainable practices, and the speaker’s optimism about the future.
Duration: 43 min.
Panel 3
The Traveler’s Voice – Inspiring a Sustainable Future
Speakers: Gab Mejia, Ben Brown & Ciara Doyle and Kemoy Gray
Our Traveler’s Voice panel included a focus on sustainable travel, responsible tourism, technology, and cultural integration. The speakers emphasized connecting with nature, supporting local communities, avoiding greenwashing, and immersing oneself in local culture.
We also discussed the future of the tourism industry, highlighting regeneration, integrating technology with traditional spaces, and the importance of community, sustainability, and diversity in entrepreneurship.
Duration: 43 min.
Panel 4
Starting Small: Practical Steps to Begin Your Sustainability Journey
Speakers: Ameena Y. Majid, Jason Graham-Nye, Melissa Stires and Mel Peh
Our ‘Starting Small’ speakers discussed the challenges faced by small businesses in obtaining and maintaining sustainability certifications.
They emphasized the importance of community partnerships in building a sustainable company, and mentioned the need for a holistic approach to sustainability and consideration of fundraising during the first steps of this journey.
Duration: 43 min.
Panel 5
Kickstart Sustainability: Start small, be profitable, strengthen reporting
Speakers: Jennifer Evans, Dr Gareth Thomas, Cristina Villalón, Samrah Kazmi and Charles Darling
Our speakers discussed reporting and transparency in sustainability efforts, prioritizing stakeholders, navigating misalignments efficiently, ESG reporting, the impact of politics on reporting, and challenges and opportunities of ESG initiatives.
They also highlighted the importance of transparency, peer-reviewed data, and integrating sustainability into business models.
Speakers
Experience thought-provoking insights in NYC from visionary speakers driving sustainable innovation. These experts will share unique perspectives and breakthrough strategies to inspire action and spark meaningful change. Be part of the conversations shaping our future.
Melissa Stires
Mia AI Head of Global Growth & Expansion
Hector Zapata
Tripping Cool
Carla Gautier
Member Re.Generation Future Leaders, program from Foundation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Grace Hu (Hu Di)
Chief Sustainability Officer
Jessica Kramer
Operating Partner Techne Infiniti Ventures
Mel Peh
Expert Consultant in Sustainable Finance
Robin Wood Sailer
Le Labs Co-founder
Samrah Kazmi
Women in Sustainable Innovation
Charles Darling
CEO of VerFi Data Corp
Ben Brown & Ciara Doyle
Going Green Media
Cristina Villalón
Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón® Co-Founder & CEO
Dr Gareth Thomas
MRSB — Head of Research Innovation, National History Museum
Diane Binder
Co-founder 700’000 heures Impact
Jennifer Evans
Senior Director, ESG Regulatory and Environmental Communications at Bristol Myers Squibb
Aaron Berger
Vmind AI Co-Founder
Jason Graham-Nye
gDiapers Founder
Jody Weiss
Ameena Y. Majid
Impact & Sustainability Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Gab Mejia
Re.Generation Future Leaders, program from Foundation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Shelley Worrell
I AM CARIBBEING Founder
VIP Concert
Manuel Obregón & 3X Grammy Winner Tapado Vargas
On the evening of September 22nd, attendees were treated to an unforgettable fusion of music, art, and healing with two of Costa Rica’s most renowned artists, Manuel Obregón and Carlos “Tapado” Vargas. Obregón’s masterful piano melodies intertwined seamlessly with Vargas’ transformative percussion and sound therapy, creating a deeply immersive experience for all senses.
The atmosphere was one of pure connection, as body, mind, and soul were engaged in a unique harmony that will long remain in the memories of those present. The event, perfectly timed just before the start of NYC Climate Week, left the audience inspired and attuned to the critical conversations on sustainability that would follow in the days ahead. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience, setting the stage for an impactful week.
Manuel Obregón
‘Tapado’ Vargas
Concert Reflections
“Attending the NYC Climate Week event gave me a fresh perspective on global challenges and the role businesses play in creating solutions. It was inspiring to hear from thought leaders who are truly driving change.”
“The event in NYC was exceptional. The panels were packed with actionable insights, and the networking opportunities were unparalleled. I left with a clear roadmap for integrating sustainability into our tech solutions.”
“The interactive experiences at the NYC event were unforgettable. They made complex sustainability concepts tangible and left me more committed to action than ever.”