On November 3rd and 4th, the 36th annual Beyond Sustain-ability Conference was held at the HCC Plant City Campus. Formerly known as the Eco-system Restoration and Creation Conference, the official title is now Beyond Sustainability to better reflect the broad spectrum of issues discussed. The conference covered a vast array of important societal topics on keeping the earth and civilization itself sustainable over the long term.

   The three keynote speakers were Maggie Winslow (Economist), Steven Seibert (Former secretary of Florida Community affairs) and Cory Brennan (Permaculture Designer). The diversity of the three speakers backgrounds reflected the expanse of issues examined during the conference. Topics discussed included how to create a sustainable economic model for the environment, yet, still retain the use of industrial technology and keeping businesses profitable; how people can become more active in the community; how simple changes in the way that we communicate can make big changes in the way our community functions. Also how to create a lasting eco-system within our communities was covered at length.

   Along with the key-note speakers, three panels were assembled with members that included local business leaders, investment bankers, and business ethics professors. The opening discussion detailed what people are doing in the community and around the world to help make the world we live in more sustainable for future generations.

   The conference had a unique arrangement that provided separate rooms for presentations, so attendees could choose the topics that they wished to learn about. After the presentations were completed, tables were set up in the main conference hall and each presenter was assigned to a table so that the attendees had an ample amount of time to discuss the topics covered and share ideas with one another. This gave the presenters another forum from which to discuss their topics and the attendees a more stimulating back and forth exchange about the ideas that interested them.

   The conference lasted two days and attendees included activists, entrepreneurs, business representatives and students from around the Tampa Bay area.

   For more information on the conference visit http://www.hccfl.edu/Sustainability/ SustainabilityCouncil.html