As EarthX 2023 kicks off in Dallas this week, the world’s largest environmental event is taking center stage. With a line-up of thought-provoking conferences, exhibitions, and more, it’s time to gear up and get ready for what promises to be an unforgettable multi-day event. From thought-provoking conferences to groundbreaking exhibitions, this multi-day event promises to be a feast for the sustainable senses.

With more than 100,000 guests expected to attend and over 400 speakers, EarthX is bringing together industry leaders, investors, innovators, policymakers, and global citizens to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Founded over a decade ago by Trammell S. Crow, EarthX started as a predominantly consumer event. Today it’s evolved into what it calls “the world’s largest green gathering,” convening heads of industry, thought leaders, investors, innovators, researchers, policymakers, and the everyday global citizen.

The event features a Congress of Conferences (April 19 to 23), E-Capital Summit (April 19 to 21), and the Expo (April 21 to 23) all hosted at Dallas’ Fair Park.

Crow believes that for the event to shape a better tomorrow, it must include participation from the business and industry sectors as partners. The event is created as a multi-focal opportunity for top business leaders to share best practices and meet the next generation of sustainability-minded innovators and researchers.

Here’s your quickstart guide to what innovators need to know to get the most out of this year’s EarthX.  You’ll definitely want to keep this link handy to register and keep tabs on the schedule. All event information was provided by EarthX.

Congress of Conferences

The congress has already started, but there’s time to take part. With over a dozen conferences featuring some of the world’s leading thinkers and speakers, EarthX offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best. The event features paid and free conferences. Be sure to register for all events and get tickets for the paid conferences.

The Congress of Conferences attracts the world’s foremost environmentalists, conservationists, scientists, academics, entrepreneurs, advocates, and political leaders engaged in the environmental space today, according to the organizers.

You’ll also hear from the likes of Alex Epstein, who advocates for the expansion of fossil fuels; Michelin-starred chef Andrew Zimmern, who will be speaking about sustainable seafood; Dr. Jainey Bavishi, who previously served as the Chief of Sustainability for New York City; and Van Jones, who co-founded several non-profit organizations, including the Dream Corps, will be speaking about social justice and the environment. The lineup also feature political leaders like Rick Perry, Rep. Bill Foster, Rep. August Pfluger, Rep. Marc Veasey, and Rep. Chuck Fleischman.

Other speakers include:
Alex Epstein, founder of the Center for Industrial Progress, advocates for the expansion of fossil fuels, and will be speaking about his recent book, “Fossil Future.”
Analiese Gregory, another Michelin-starred chef and author, will be discussing her book, “How Wild Things Are.”
Justin Winters, co-founder of One Earth, and Dr. Scott Tinker, founder of the non-partisan Switch Energy Alliance, will discuss climate change and global energy.
Van Jones, a news and political commentator, will be speaking about social justice and the environment.
Chantal Chalita, an environmental engineer and founder of the GREEN ME brand, will discuss her mission to encourage young people to lead more sustainable lives.
Jerry Tinianow, founder of WestUrb and first Chief Sustainability Officer of the City of Denver, will also be speaking at the event.
Dr. Joshua Goldstein, the co-writer for Oliver Stone’s new film, Nuclear Now and an award-winning scholar of international relations, will be speaking about climate change and international responses to it.

Paid Conferences include:

The Built Environment conference will focus on sustainability and circularity in the building and engineering sector. Topics include federal policy and project funding, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the building sector, and resilience in Texas, all geared toward a financially and environmentally sustainable model. The conference will take place on Friday, April 21.

The Climate Adaptation conference will feature high-level scientists and policy leaders discussing climate change. Topics include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s assessment process, ocean and climate science, extreme weather events, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-led U.S. Climate Ready Nation plan, climate and health connections, droughts, forest fires and sea-level rise. Featured speakers include NOAA Deputy Administrator Dr. Jainey Bavishi, Congressman Bill Foster, and television personality Andrew Zimmern. The conference will take place on Saturday, April 22.

The Energy conference will explore advances in technology and the role of fossil fuels and nuclear energy in achieving global net-zero objectives. Topics include Future of Energy: Balancing Energy, Economy and Security and Emissions Reductions. The conference will look at the role fossil fuels will play as we transition to a net-zero economy, examining emerging technologies that will advance carbon elimination in the fossil fuel industry. It will also explore the role nuclear energy will play in achieving global net-zero objectives. Featured speakers include former Texas governor and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, author Alex Epstein, and an array of legislators and scientists. The conference will take place on Friday, April 21.

The Farm, Ranch, Forest, Land conference will discuss conservation efforts. Topics include collaborative conservation, the future of Texas lands, combating climate change, as well as forest and land management. The conference is aimed at landowners, conservationists, farmers, and ranchers. It will take place on Friday, April 21.

The Island Resilience Forum will bring together island leaders to discuss solutions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its purpose is to showcase innovative approaches to creating transformative change that can be replicated and scaled to support communities on the front lines of climate change. The conference will take place on Saturday, April 22.

The Wildlife Conservation conference will showcase innovative conservation efforts. Topics include combating change through conservation. The conference is aimed at conservationists, wildlife experts, agricultural students, hunters, ranchers, farmers, and landowners. It will take place on Saturday, April 22.

The Latin America conference is a two-day bilingual program that will feature an impressive slate of Latin American speakers. Topics include the renewed focus of Latin American corporations on ESG, climate change, and a circular economy for transport. Speakers will also discuss heroic actions that impact the planet by extraordinary NGOs in Latin America. The conference will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 21-22.

The Corporate Impact Summit is an exclusive conference that brings together a group of more than 100 selected executives, investors, funders, and advocates to share candid insights and ideas on the latest trends and practices in sustainability and environmental protection. The summit takes place over two days, Thursday, April 20, and Friday, April 21. It’s an invitation-only event, and those interested in more information can go here.

According to EarthX, free conferences include:
Environmental Justice Conference: This conference provides practical ways to address local and national environmental issues, targeting activists and those seeking information on Environmental Justice. It includes a sneak preview of a film about 4DWN, an urban farm and skate park in Dallas. This year’s theme is “Highway Robbery: Money, Miles and Minutes” which will explore the impacts of highway policy, construction, expansion and removal on environmental justice, economic development, and racial equity. On Sunday (4/23), you can join students, staff and faculty with Southern Methodist University and Paul Quinn for the 2nd annual Urban Hack. Register here for Urban Hack.

Hemp Stage: The Earthx2023 Hemp stage showcases hemp farming, products, and technologies, with a focus on blockchain utilization and carbon capture in the industry.

Rocky Mountain Pavilion: This pavilion groups together Rocky Mountain resources such as agriculture, outdoor recreation, tourism, and aerospace, showcasing how they can be sustainably managed for future generations.

NextGen Pavilion: The Earthx2023 NextGen Pavilion is aimed at ages 15-25 interested in environmental activism, featuring interactive workshops, Q&A panels with sustainability professionals, and showcasing university degrees and local organizations.

E-Capital Summit

The annual E-Capital Summit, an invitation-only conference, brings together investment firms, innovators, executives, policymakers, funders, and other key players in the sustainability and clean technology sectors.  According to Vikram Agrawal, the director of EarthxCapital, the E-Capital Summit is a unique investment event that provides opportunities to learn about topics and meet individuals that one may not typically encounter at other events.

“This is an industry-leading event that seeks to raise awareness, educate, connect, and help catalyze impact in sustainability-focused investments and business innovation,” he said in a statement. EarthX organizers work with several key strategic partners to ensure the caliber of the E-Capital Summit, including the country’s leading incubators and accelerator programs and strategic endowment advisors, according to Agrawal.

This year’s summit is comprised of several main events, including the Investment Forum, E-Capital Connections, EarthxConnect Innovator Commercialization Showcase, EarthX Climate Tech Prize, and the inaugural Innovation Ecosystem Summit:

The Investment Forum is a closed-door conference that will feature more than 20 sessions with industry leaders focused on investments and innovation trends. The theme for this year’s forum is “Sustainability Investing: Where Do We Go From Here?” The forum will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest trends, network with industry professionals, and explore new investment opportunities.

E-Capital Connections is a new addition to the summit, featuring curated and self-selected one-on-one networking meetings between investors, dealmakers, and innovators. This year’s E-Capital Connections will also connect sustainability-focused fund managers with potential fund investors and limited partners.

The EarthxConnect Innovator Commercialization Showcase is a sales-focused networking event aimed at helping startups commercialize. This event will provide an opportunity for startups to connect with investors and other industry professionals, as well as showcase their products and services.

The EarthX Climate Tech Prize is an early-stage pitch competition that provides a platform for innovators to present their climate-focused solutions. The prize will be awarded to the top innovations in several categories, including renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and green buildings.

The Innovation Ecosystem Summit will bring together innovation ecosystem leaders to share best practices and explore new ways to promote sustainability and innovation. The summit will feature interactive sessions, workshops, and panel discussions on topics such as ecosystem building, incubation, and acceleration.

More information on the 2023 E-Capital Summit event can be found in this detailed overview and agenda

EarthX Expo

EarthX is not just informative, it’s also a fun and engaging experience for all attendees. With nearly 1,000 exhibitors, expo guests will have the opportunity to discover new and exciting eco-friendly products, as well as learn about sustainable practices from industry experts.

Plus, organizers say to expect “amazing eye candy at every turn,” such as Science on a Sphere, a gigantic 10’ globe that features projection images that let scientists teach guests about a myriad of  topics.

For those who want a more immersive experience, the expo also features a dozen VR/AR experiences that allow attendees to see and interact with environmental challenges and solutions. There will also be plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations. The EarthxExpo also offers plenty of food, music, and other entertainment for a well-rounded experience.

Families will find plenty to do,  from the 4DWN Experience where you can see some of the world’s top skateboarders—as well as skateboarders of the future—on a giant half pipe in front of the Hall of State. Educational games and exhibits on circularity in our food system will surround the exhibit. Meanwhile, students from North Texas schools will display their competitive solar vehicles at the EV and Alternative Fuel Showcase.

For urbanites, don’t miss “Your City on a Smaller Scale,” a scale diorama with educational components created by the team at Paul Quinn College that focuses on the I-345 issue. And on Saturday, the Mavs Dancers will provide entertainment and a full fan experience for those taking a break from educational exhibits.

Public stages

The EarthxExpo offers several free public stages that provide a variety of engaging content for attendees, such as:

The Blue Speaker Stage features interactive discussions led by scientific and environmental leaders, focusing on the health and future of our oceans and water. Attendees can gain valuable insights into the current state of our waters and what steps we can take to preserve them for future generations.

The EarthxTV Interview Stage is another free public stage where guests can meet their favorite on-air talent from EarthxTV. Attendees can watch interviews, see show snippets, and interact with their favorite environmental speakers. This stage offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts and gain insights into the latest environmental developments.

The Green Speakers Series Stage is dedicated to speakers who discuss environmental and sustainability issues. Attendees can hear from experts on a range of topics, including Parks for Downtown Dallas, Understanding Pollinators, American Red Cross: International Humanitarian Law, and The Three Sisters and Food Secure Communities. This stage offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about environmental challenges and solutions.

The Latin America Pavilion Stage highlights collaboration between the US and Latin America and features leading NGOs, political leaders, and academic thought leadership. Attendees can enjoy panels and discussions with experts from across the globe, showcasing innovative solutions and approaches to environmental issues.

In addition to these free public stages, the United Nations and other organizations will host conferences on-site during the event.

New Business and Innovation Pavilion

This year, EarthX is launching the new Business and Innovation Pavilion, which has three key components: the EarthX Natural Resource Reduction Challenge, the College Communications Competition, and the Innovator Commercialization Showcase.

“EarthX is about balance. We’re working to create awareness of the much-needed balance between ensuring a clean and sustainable environment and a healthy economy,” EarthX founder Crow said in a statement. “Because many commercial and industrial businesses contribute to natural resource consumption, we must have active involvement from the business and innovation community. Having these thought leaders engage with the public and with each other is core to the mission of the EarthX Conference & Expo.”

The Business and Innovation Pavilion at EarthX 2023 is sponsored by North Texas-based Commercial Metals Company (CMC), which is proud to support the event and showcase their innovation and technology. CMC is committed to educating the public on their role in the circular economy and aims to engage with other companies to share innovative new best practices.

According to CMC’s CEO, Barbara Smith, “Engaging with companies to share innovative new best practices is key to maintaining sustainable solutions not only for our industry but for dozens of others with roots here in North Texas and beyond.”

The new pavilion features:

The EarthX Natural Resource Reduction Challenge, which recognizes businesses that create sustainability and resource conservation impacts without any negative impact on their finances. This challenge highlights the importance of sustainable business practices that not only benefit the environment but also help businesses operate more efficiently and profitably.

The College Communications Competition, which highlights the ideas and solutions proposed by leading scholars in the environmental and natural sciences. This competition provides a platform for young scholars to showcase their ideas and engage in meaningful discussions around sustainable development and innovation. This component emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in finding solutions to environmental challenges.

The Innovator Commercialization Showcase provides a forum for innovative startups to showcase their products and services designed to address sustainability challenges. This component aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and commercialization by connecting startups with industries that are faced with sustainability challenges. This showcase highlights the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in finding sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

“In 2021, a new company relocated to Texas every six days. As part of our Earth Day 2023 event, EarthX is fostering a business-to-business experience highlighting the increasingly important role corporations play in industry, commerce and sustainability,” EarthX Executive Vice President Keith Bass said in a statement. “We’re inviting America’s most innovative businesses and universities to participate and share their sustainable business practices.”

Engaging people on environmental issues and finding solutions

EarthX, the Dallas-based nonprofit organization, hosts an environmental expo, conference, film festival, and television network events. The organization, a member of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), was founded in 2010 as Earth Day Dallas with a mission to promote environmental awareness and impact through conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration, and community-driven sustainable solutions.

In 2019, the organization’s EarthX event drew over 177,000 attendees, 2,000 environmental leaders, and 750+ exhibitors. Due to the pandemic in 2020, the event went virtual and drew over 570,000 live-stream views from 171 countries.

As part of EarthX, EarthX Media Inc. operates EarthxTV, a 24/7 linear television network dedicated to entertaining and informing audiences about environmental issues. With its commitment to environmental awareness and impact, EarthX is continuing to make strides in promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.

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