Delaware’s coastal communities are on the front lines of climate change. Rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns and environmental challenges are reshaping the landscape we call home. The need for action has never been more urgent.
Join Spotlight Delaware for Shifting Sands: An Environmental Sustainability Summit, where Delawareans from all walks of life will convene to confront the pressing challenges of climate change and explore solutions.
This daylong summit will bring together policy leaders, environmental advocates and local changemakers who are pioneering climate and energy strategies across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Anne Therese Gennari, author of The Climate Optimist’s Handbook, will share stories of her journey from climate despair to hope for the future as the keynote speaker. Through thought-provoking discussions, practical insights and collaborative dialogue, we’ll explore how Delaware can adapt, innovate and take action for a more sustainable future.
The program will also feature:
- Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Greg Patterson and Sen. Stephanie Hansen, chair of the Delaware State Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee, will offer an update of state activity and upcoming proposed legislation around climate issues.
- Delaware State Climatologist Kevin Brinson, DNREC Climate and Sustainability Section Administrator Susan Love and Bethany Beach Mayor Ron Calef will set the stage for the discussion with a review of the real impacts of climate change being seen right now in the First State – and offer a forecast for the next 10 years.
- Energize Delaware Deputy Director Suzanne Sebastian, Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) Coastal Hazards Specialist Danielle Swallow, and Center for Inland Director of Outreach and Education Lisa Swanger will talk about individual actions that Delawareans can take to increase climate resiliency in their homes and communities
- Andrew Cottone (CEO and founder of Aternium) and Chris Bason (formerly of Ørsted) will discuss how Delaware companies are investing in a clean energy future.
Wednesday, April 23
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$95 General Admission
$75 Members (at the Engaged level and above)
Lunch included.
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
Lighthouse Cove Event Center
1301 Coastal Hwy
Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase you company’s commitment to environmental sustainability by sponsoring
Shifting Sands: An Environmental Sustainability Summit.
Presenting Sponsor – $5,000
Exclusive Sponsorship. 16 tickets (two tables)
Your brand logo will be incorporated into the event logo and used wherever it appears.
You will also receive an ad on the back page of the event program, your logo in the pre-event slideshow, and an opportunity to welcome the crowd at the event.
Platinum (Scholarship) Sponsor – $5,000
8 tickets (one table) + 10 event scholarships
This is an opportunity to both sponsor the event and open its doors to students, grassroots activists, and others who might not otherwise be able to attend. Along with your company being recognized in the program and pre-event slideshow, you will have an opportunity to introduce the keynote speaker at the event at the event.
Gold Sponsor – $2,500
8 tickets (one table)
Your logo will appear in the program, in the pre-event slideshow, and at your reserved table.
Silver Sponsor – $1,000
4 tickets
Your logo will appear in the program and in the pre-event slideshow.
Bronze Sponsor – $500
2 tickets
Your name will appear as a supporter in the program.
✨ VENDOR TABLES AND ADVOCACY TABLES ✨
Elevate your presence by sharing vital information about your organization and offerings with legislators and event attendees. Each advocacy and vendor table includes two tickets to the event (lunch included!), providing you with the perfect opportunity to connect and network!
Shifting Sands Vendor: $750
Large Advocacy Organization ($500K+ annual budget): $500*
Small Advocacy Organization (Under $500K annual budget): $250*
* Advocacy tables are available only to registered 501c3 or 501c4 organizations. Both Vendor and Advocacy tables will be set up in the entrance lobby of the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach.
To reserve your space or for additional information, reach out to Matt Sullivan at msullivan@spotlightdelaware.org.
AGENDA
9 AM
Networking / Coffee
10 AM
Panel: Impact of Climate Change in the First State
Kevin Brinson, Ron Calef, Susan Love
11:15 AM
Panel: Individual-Level Climate Action
Suzanne Sebastian, Danielle Swallow, Lisa Swanger
12:15 PM
Lunch
12:45 PM
Lunch Chat: Delaware Legislative & Executive Policies
Senator Stephanie Hansen, Chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee
Greg Patterson, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
1:15 PM
Panel: Energy Transition
Chris Bason, Andrew Cotton
2:30 PM
Keynote Address
Anne Therese Gennari
4:00 PM
Happy Hour
SPONSORS
