The Day’s Program
Event Schedule and Speaker Lineup (subject to change)
9:00 a.m. – Coffee reception
A morning coffee reception sponsored by Jedidiah Coffee will kick off the event.
9:30 a.m. Land Acknowledgement Ceremony
Led by Adelia Sandoval from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation, attendees will walk to Main Beach for a traditional land acknowledgment, celebrating the heritage and stewardship of indigenous peoples.
10:00 a.m. Fireside Chat: RJ Scaringe and Wes Carter
At the Coast Summit 2024, a highly anticipated Fireside Chat will bring together Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe and Wes Carter, president of Atlantic Packaging and founder of A New Earth Project. The discussion will center on innovation in sustainability, electric mobility, and how businesses can lead the charge in addressing the global environmental crisis. Scaringe, a visionary in the electric vehicle industry, and Carter, a champion for sustainable packaging, will explore the intersection of technology and nature, and how both can create lasting positive change.
10:35 a.m. Panel 1: "Modern Alchemy – Materials Transformation for a Healthy Planet"
The race to find sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics and other polluting materials has sparked a wave of innovation and experimentation around the world. This panel will shine a spotlight on four pioneering organizations that are leading the charge in this "modern alchemy" - transforming waste streams and natural resources into cutting-edge materials that are better for both people and the planet.
11:30 a.m. Panel 2: "Balancing Act: Finding Common Ground on Marine Protected Areas"
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a vital role in safeguarding fragile ocean habitats, but their implementation can sometimes conflict with the needs and traditions of coastal communities. Our expert panel will dive into this nuanced issue, examining how to protect sensitive marine ecosystems while also preserving the recreational access and livelihoods that are integral to many people's way of life.
12:20 p.m. Lunch
Presented by Tidal Wealth Partners and The Ecology Center, this farm-to-table lunch will offer fresh, locally sourced dishes.
1:05 p.m. Panel 3: "Seaweed Stories: The Power of a Miraculous Plant"
Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable story of seaweed! After a screening of Seaweed Stories, narrated by Forest Whitaker and presented by Lonely Whale with Re:wild, a panel discussion will follow. Industry leaders, including Emy Kane of Lonely Whale, Julia Marsh of Sway, and Bruce Moore of FLORENCE, will discuss seaweed’s applications, bioplastics, and innovations, including insights into the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize and early adoption strategies that are transforming industries.
2:05 p.m. Panel 4: "Athletes as Activists: Harnessing the Power of Sport for Impact"
This panel, moderated by Pat Parnell, will highlight how athletes are using their platforms to address social and environmental challenges. Panelists include Cody Townsend, Bonnie Monteleone, Connor Ryan, and Ellen Bradley, who will share their collaborative projects such as the Plastic Ocean Project and initiatives empowering Indigenous youth. Through their stories, the discussion will explore the unique ability of athletes to inspire action, foster community leadership, and drive impactful change in pressing global issues.
3:00 p.m. Panel 5: "The Power of Story to Drive Change"
Moderated by the award-wining filmmaker Josh “Bones” Murphy, this panel will focus on the way stories serve to enlighten, entertain and inspire action toward a healthier and more sustainable future. Bones will be joined by José González, the founder of Latino Outdoors, and other world-class storytellers for this closing session.
4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks and Happy Hour
