E3: Largest Student-Run Cleantech Conference of 2008
The Babson Energy and Environmental Club is proud to announce that its Entrepreneurial Energy Expo (E3), which took place on March 27th 2008, was the largest student-run cleantech conference of 2008. With 400 attendees and over 40 professional exhibitors on site, E3 set the scene for an educational day of networking and knowledge-sharing amongst students and regional clean technology professionals, further exhibiting Babson's presence in the New England Cleantech Cluster.
The event kicked off with the groundbreaking of the Babson Wind Turbine. With this installation, Babson becomes the first school in the Boston area to harness wind energy through an on-campus turbine. The ceremony was highlighted by speeches presented by BEEC Co-President Clinton White, Dean of Faculty Fritz Fleischmann, Representative Alice Peisch and Senator Scott Brown. At its close, Babson was presented with a Massachusetts State Senate Official Citation by Senator Brown.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, a rousing keynote address was given by Jesse Fink of MissionPoint Capital Partners, a private firm which invests in clean energy, energy efficiency and environmental finance sectors. At the heart of his address was the message that the preservation of the Earth's natural resources is largely in the hands of the business sector. Fink challenged attendees to face the state of our depleting resources, and consider the change that we as business leaders may affect in the way of energy and environmentally sustainable business practices and ventures.
In the afternoon, attendees sat in on two of six 75-minute panel discussions on the topics of Energy Efficiency Services, Green Building, Capitalizing on Massachusetts Cleantech Cluster Growth, Renewables, Venture Capitalism and Green Entrepreneurship. “The panel discussion was insightful and relevant. The speakers got right to the heart of the challenges facing “green” venture capitalism and their various experiences and perspectives really came through in conversation. I learned a lot,” remarked a VC panel attendee.
For the remaining two hours, Olin Hall buzzed with activity, as students and professionals mingled over hors d'oeuvres and networked with Cleantech exhibitors. “This annual event became the largest student-run cleantech conference in the country, reflecting our students' passion and Babson's commitment to sustainability,” remarked BEEC Co-President, Kyle Hunker. “Next year's BEEC leadership is carrying this momentum forward and will only build upon E3 2008's success.”
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The Babson Energy and Environmental Club is a student led organization at the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. The club works to foster innovation by hosting educational events, connecting alumni to the club and its members, and helping students gain new employment opportunities within the energy industry. For information, visit www.babsonenergy.com.