Whenever you get a dozen citizens in a room at any event in Cleveland, there is always one “Negative Nancy” in the room who will do and say whatever it takes to try and bring down the energy in the room. So when yesterday’s Sustainability Summit 2010, The Glocal Engine began, I tried hard not to be that person. I have already written about why I remained reserved in my enthusiasm before the events. And when I think of the fact that nearly an entire year was available to prepare for this event, I feel things should be just right. Small things often drive me crazy, and there were plenty of small missteps-coffee ran out, the WIFI didn’t work, etc. Then the days events began with a lot of talk and very little action. I had to remind myself that there were about 50% new attendees in the room, and had not heard some of the info and been brought fully into the fold.
However, after lunch, it felt as thought the tide was beginning to turn. We broke into groups and did some brainstorming. We created some ideas and fostered some discussion. We made our headlines for the news in 2019 and listened to some enthusiastic responses from many in the room. To me, it felt like the conference had finally begun. So today, we start day two. One thing is clear, this year the Summit is not the event that it was last year. Many of the folks who work the hardest and are the biggest advocates for sustainability and innovation were conspicuously absent from the room. There was no Bill Doty or Mike Dungan, and one of the biggest draws to downtown Cleveland, The Cleveland International Film Festival, had no representation.
So we shall see what happens today. Keeping in mind that we are trying to find ways to generate enthusiasm, create action and build momentum for 10 full years, I wonder about the outcome of such an event. So far, those I have spoken to seem less impressed than last year, less optimistic and more nonchalant. I try to keep my enthusiasm pointed in the right direction. But like anything in this region, I have to wonder if it would be better if this task was left to the private sector. With the future of the region riding on our ability to generate new ideas and create new inroads to success, why are we hearing from the same speakers, that are saying the same things? Two young and enthusiastic adults organized and coordinated the half day event that was TEDxCleveland last year. Not only was the event sold out, but the speakers were amazing, the crowd pumped, the response huge. This Summit had a year of planning, a broad subject matter, and the resources of City Hall. The most exciting people we have heard from were Chris Kious from APOC, (that I could have called myself for free) and the speaker from Wal Mart-that told me all the stuff I have written about in my own blog. The day closed on a positive note, as we had a speaker from Oberlin who raised the energy and enthusiasm of the room with his short speech. If all the speakers spoke with this passion, then the entire day would have been a huge success. I wonder what kind of day it will be today.
