Challenge Accepted: Scaling our Organizations and Our Practices to Meet the Climate Emergency

- Yes - I want this to focus on examples of solutions. We've spent plenty of time on focusing on "asking the right questions" and now I'm ready to hear solutions. I want this session to be solution focused and giving actionable next steps. I think the speakers should first give an overview of what new solutions they've been acting on and then get into a discussion. If the entire presentation is Q&A based then I'm nervous about it all being theoretical talk of hopes and wishes.

Round 1: Yes
• I really do like this topic. It is very current, relatable, and realistic, and shares solutions. Description, WHY, and learning objectives are strong. It fits the theme and relates to NESEA’s audience.

ROUND 1 DISCUSSION: Current need, with solutions. Strong learning objectives. Fits theme, audience. Goes beyond "right questions" to actual solutions. We know what to do. Wants to hear behavioral choices. // Reviewer might want to know that Marrapese is former executive director of NESEA, so no favoritism here but you won't need to explain the BuildingEnergy audience.

Yes. 60 minutes. 
What do they want the audience ot walk-away with: Amalia and Jennifer essentially want the audience to walk away with seeing the importance and connection of company culture, company core values, and having an inclusive and diverse environment (that creates a level of equity) on company growth especially in these remote times. (Learning objective 1)
Round 1 Feedback/Flow/Conversation Outline: I asked if they had an idea of how the conversation will flow - like an outline to ensure all the important parts they wanted to touch on/questions in the session description would be covered. This was to get a sense of how much of the conversation would focus on solutions. They shared that they do not have an outline yet as the current situation is so fluid. They will create as they get closer to the conference date. Hence, I did bring up the hope for the session to focus on solutions. Amalia and Jennifer are willing to create a solid list of concrete steps - make sure that the audience walks away with tools (for more senior audience members) and expectations/hope (for younger audience members). They are very flexible and open in terms of format and content.
4th Panelist/Moderator: Do not have one in mind yet. They need to talk about it more but do need someone to be a moderator more than a panelist. They have options so not worried about it. 
Other Notes:

It is a soft skills session - very conversational
2 Points of View - 1 from Boston and 1 from New York (similar but different)
Both companies have around the same number of employees (30-40)
Jennifer's company is growing quickly - shared how:

Office culture + remote is allowing junior designers and other stakeholders (different locations) to be part of meetings when they would not normally be part of if it was an in-person meeting; And how this has had a positive impact on both the designers and clients
She would hold staff get togethers (engagement) and one of the sharings would be the origin of one's name

Amalia shared how the lighting team at En-Power has daily meetings that keep the team connected and engaged
After hearing that the session/conversation format didn't have an outline yet, I was unable to ask how it will acheive learning objective 4 - Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute their own practices and foster collaboration within their external colleagues for improving the industry at large  

They asked if this year's conference will be in-person or remote.

ROUND 2 DISCUSSION: Jennifer is a former NESEA ED. Focus on equity and organizational culture -- soft skills, conversational. No outline yet, but on board with putting forward concrete solutions. Need a fourth panelist and/or moderator. Gives both Boston and NYC perspective. Possibly not focused enough or too high-level.