Preview: Inside Sustain SC’s 4th Annual Sustainability Symposium
Here’s what to expect from our Symposium on October 22 and 23 in Columbia, SC
The countdown is on! Sustain SC’s 4th Annual Sustainability Symposium is set for October 23 at Central Energy in Columbia, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and conservation experts from across South Carolina. This year’s event promises a full day of engaging discussions, networking and hands-on learning at the intersection of commerce and conservation.
But the Symposium isn’t just one day. On Wednesday, October 22, attendees can dive into pre-symposium activities designed to connect, educate and inspire. Here’s a look at all the opportunities to engage in this year’s Symposium.
Sustainability B2B Supplier Matchmaker Event | Central Energy
Kick things off on October 22, with the Sustainability B2B Supplier Matchmaker Event, co-hosted with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., where suppliers with a sustainability focus meet directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 companies in 15-minute, one-on-one sessions. This is a prime opportunity for companies to showcase sustainable products and services while building valuable partnerships.
Participation requirements include:
Only suppliers with a sustainability focus are eligible to participate.
All potential suppliers must pre-register and clearly indicate their sustainability area of focus.
Registration does not guarantee a meeting
Suppliers will be matched with OEMs and Tier 1 companies that have expressed interest in their specific offerings. Participating manufacturers will receive the complete supplier registration list in advance.
Interested in participating? Registration closes October 3rd, and suppliers will be notified by email with final schedules no later than October 17th. You can apply and learn more here.
Business to Student Networking Event (B2SN) | Central Energy
Following the morning B2B sessions on October 22, students and employers can connect at the Business to Student Networking Event from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This pre-symposium session allows students interested in sustainability to meet companies that value sustainable practices—lunch is provided, and it’s a great way to cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders.
If you are a student interested in attending the event, you can register here. If you are a business interested in participating in the event, you can register here.
Farm Tour Field Experience | City Roots Farm
For a hands-on look at sustainable innovation, join the City Roots Farm Tour from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., on October 22, featuring South Carolina’s first urban farm and a carbon-neutral facility. From greenhouse-grown microgreens to solar panels and geothermal heating, City Roots demonstrates what modern, sustainable agriculture can achieve.
Join this tour to hear directly from the experts and partners that are making it happen including the Branham Group, HRP Associates and Atlantic Packaging.
Tickets are $25 — simply add the tour to your Symposium ticket and purchase together. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the state’s most innovative agricultural operations up close.
Symposium Highlights | Central Energy
The Symposium officially begins at 9:00 a.m. on October 23 with a full day of panels, discussions and insights from leaders shaping South Carolina’s sustainability future.
Keynote Speaker: James Dozier, Principal at Civitas Public Affairs and Founder and Board President of Centerline Action, brings nearly two decades of experience in federal and state advocacy. He will explore the federal energy landscape and share insights on how South Carolina can lead with an all-of-the-above energy strategy that strengthens both economy and resilience.
Featured Panel: Black River State Park, Where the Rivers of Commerce and Conservation Merge. Moderated by Dr. Maria Whitehead, Senior Vice President at Open Space Institute, this panel highlights the collaborative efforts driving the transformational Black River State Park initiative. Panelists include Senator Ronnie Sabb, Mayor Frank McClary, County Supervisor Kelvin Washington, and Joy Raintree, Director of SC State Parks. The session will explore equitable access to nature, local economic growth and preservation of the Black River corridor’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Featured Panel: Water Works, Navigating South Carolina’s Future for Sustainable Water Management. Moderator Olivia Flynn of Hazen & Sawyer will guide a discussion with leaders from public and private sectors, including Myra Reece, Director of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Rebecca West, CEO of ReWa and Travis Tarbet, Section Manager of Enviornmental Management at BMW. Panelists will discuss water supply challenges, infrastructure investments and climate resilience, offering insights on balancing growth with sustainable water management in South Carolina.
With additional speakers announced daily, attendees can expect a dynamic, insightful and interactive experience that showcases how commerce and conservation intersect to create a thriving, resilient South Carolina.
Tickets are now available – join us at Central Energy on October 23 for the 4th Annual Sustainability Symposium and explore South Carolina’s sustainability in action. Secure your tickets here.
