Students interested in sustainability, climate action, environmental policy, community planning, energy, and environmental careers are invited to attend Earthrise 815: A Sustainability Action Conference on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Rockford, Illinois.
Presented by Sustain Rockford, Earthrise 815 will bring together community members, sustainability professionals, business owners, and local leaders to explore ways to put the Rockford region's Climate Action Plan into practice. The full-day conference will feature 21 breakout sessions, an exhibit hall with local organizations and resources, and a locally sourced, low-waste lunch. Earthrise 815
Bill McKibben, environmentalist, author, and founder of Third Act and 350.org, will deliver the keynote address. Featured speakers include Doug Scott, Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, and author and speaker Mark Charles. Earthrise 815
For Environmental Studies students, this is an opportunity to learn how sustainability and climate planning move from ideas to implementation, hear from professionals working in the field, and connect with organizations and leaders from across the Rockford region.
When: Friday, November 6, 2026
Where: Embassy Suites Conference Center, 416 S. Main St., Rockford, IL
Registration begins: 7:30 a.m.
Conference programming begins: 8:15 a.m. Earthrise 815
Learn more and register for Earthrise 815
