I once again have the pleasure of updating you on all the exciting things that WGBA has on the horizon. First, I would be remiss not to mention the wrap up of WGBA's first annual 30x30 Nature Challenge. Throughout the month of June over 1,500 individuals pledged to reconnect with the natural world. By taking just 30 minutes each day, they were able to reap the health benefits as well as start to develop a better understanding on why our built environments should be designed and built to protect and provide outdoor spaces for their users.
While this one of our big engagement activities of the year, we have much more in store for you.
Let's start with our biggest announcement! I am excited to tell you about the new evolution of the WGBA Annual Conference. We read every response to last year's attendee survey, and we heard you loud and clear. As a result, the conference has been streamlined and restructured to focus on high-level, high-impact learning opportunities geared towards professionals seeking to obtain information that will support credential maintenance while providing actionable information. We want you to know that we are serious about providing you with quality programming and committed to helping you stay at the forefront of the sustainable building movement. This is why we must move beyond Se2, and continue to evolve with our new event, the Impact & Innovation Conference.
The Impact & Innovation Conference will be an intense, single track conference with high caliber speakers presenting on hot topics supporting current trends and best practices within the built environment. Attendees will be able to obtain at least six CEUs to support their professional credentials. This exciting event will be taking place at the Pyle Center on September 10th, and registration will be opening soon.
Our next exciting change is that our awards program is expanding! While our Se2 awards are remaining, we are adding five additional award categories to recognize individuals and organizations leading the way within the sustainable built environment. Energy efficient buildings are very important, but it is time we start celebrating the individuals and organizations working every day to foster positive change. The call for nominations and official unveiling of these new categories will be happening over the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement, and be sure to spread the word to those you feel should be nominated. In the meantime, be sure to save the date of November 13 and plan on joining WGBA and WasteCap Resource Solutions for the first annual Transformation Awards Reception in Oconomowoc. Join us to celebrate all of our award winners while we mingle and munch on locally sourced foods and beers. You will not want to miss it!
Sponsorship opportunities are available for both the Impact Innovation Conference and the Transformation Awards reception. Space is very limited, and to take full advantage of the sponsorship benefits, commitments need to be made by August 1st. Act fast if you want to increase your visibility and show your support of WGBA's mission.
Last, but of course not least, join us at the LEED Certified Miller Park for a fun networking event on August 22nd. Grab your friends, family and colleagues and join us for tailgating and the ballgame. Registration is just $34 per person, and this includes a ticket and food beforehand. So, let your hair down, throw on some team gear, and let's have some fun!