Four New Speakers Join Sustainability LIVE Chicago
Heading to Chicago in just over a month for a co-located event alongside Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, Sustainability LIVE Chicago will take place on 28 and 29 May 2025.
With one ticket unlocking access to all stages, the co-located event will provide an exclusive opportunity to network and collaborate at the intersection of sustainability, procurement and supply chain.
Across the two-day event, attendees can look forward to a range of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats and workshops to equip them with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve in these dynamic industries.
To secure your place in Chicago, click here.
Riely Nelson, Head of Sustainability at NASCAR
Riley Nelson is the Head of Sustainability at NASCAR. In her role, she built and directs the motorsport league’s first comprehensive environmental sustainability strategy, including oversight of 15 racetracks, seven office locations, more than 1200 employees, and more than 20 events that draw millions of attendees annually.
In 2023, she was a leading voice behind the sport’s first public-facing sustainability goal – net zero operating emissions by 2035 – and the formation of NASCAR IMPACT.
Since then, she secured the company’s first NASCAR IMPACT partnership in global electrification leader ABB, launched composting, reuse and expanded recycling programs across events, removed single-use plastic water bottles from offices (300,000+ bottles avoided annually) and manages the company's renewable energy strategy.
Originally from Boston, Riley received her MBA in Sustainable Innovation from the University of Vermont and BA in Sport Management from the University of Michigan.
During the event, Riley will take part in a fireside chat titled – Changing the Game: How Sustainability Drives Commercial Success in Sport.
Christopher Davidson, Vice President of Sustainability Engagement at Smurfit Westrock
Christopher Davidson is based in Richmond, Virginia, and serves as Vice President of Sustainability Engagement for Smurfit Westrock, a global manufacturer of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions.
He is responsible for leading and developing external sustainability partnerships and initiatives, leading internal engagement on sustainability and developing strategy, policies, goals and metrics for the company’s sustainability platform.
His work with customers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) around the world focuses on optimising the impact of sustainability on businesses and communities.
Chris’ experience in the forest products industry spans nearly 30 years. He serves on the board of directors for GreenBlue and the Virginia Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
Chris earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forest management and forestry from North Carolina State University and received a doctorate in forestry from Virginia Tech.
Christina Beckman, Director of ESG at Culligan
Since 2023, Christina Beckman has led Culligan International’s ESG efforts as Director, shaping the company’s approach to sustainability, social impact and governance.
With more than a decade of experience in ESG, CSR and policy, she’s helped guide brands like Expedia Group and Mattress Firm toward more responsible and impactful business practices.
During the event, Christopher and Christina will take part in the Future of Corporate Sustainability Panel. Thought leaders will discuss the future of sustainability in business, focusing on emerging trends, innovative strategies and the increasing role of technology.
The discussion will explore how companies are future-proofing their sustainability practices and driving long-term value through ESG integration, while addressing the challenges of transparency and accountability.
Sonja Trierweiler, Vice President of Community Development for the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ)
Sonja Trierweiler is the Vice President of Community Development for the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ). She applies her forward-looking communications expertise and business marketing background to build community and enact change.
Sonja champions GNFZ’s mission, guiding partners to conceptualise emissions-cutting plans’ positive impact on their business’ bottom lines, on the planet and human health for generations.
She has an extensive portfolio of storytelling initiatives in sustainability and the built environment, through educational, marketing and digital platforms.
Most recently, Sonja served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Fitwel healthy building certification system.
There, she and her staff managed marketing campaigns and strategies to support business objectives and increase digital engagement. Her work helped educate the public on the financial advantages of healthy building design.
Before this, Sonja was the Director of Digital Marketing and the Living Standard Campaign at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), where she spearheaded projects for cleaner and environmentally friendly building certification.
Her leadership on the Living Standard campaign significantly advanced the now-common message that healthier buildings make for healthier people.
As a leader at GNFZ, Sonja’s favourite part of the job is answering questions as she engages and grows the net zero community. She’s always open to discussing the possibilities and challenges of adopting aggressive climate policies.
During the event, Sonja will take part in the Women in Sustainability Breakfast Briefing. This panel will highlight the unique contributions of women in sustainability leadership roles, exploring their impact on ESG initiatives.
NEW Innovation Zone
Sustainability LIVE Chicago is elevating its impact and global relevance with the launch of a brand-new Innovation Zone – designed to spotlight the most exciting and transformative technologies driving sustainability forward.
Across two days, this will host a series of focused 15-minute technology pitches, giving pioneering startups, scaleups and solution providers the chance to present their innovations to a high-calibre audience of sustainability leaders, investors and C-suite executives.
This new space will highlight practical solutions that deliver measurable results and drive the sustainability movement forward.
Networking opportunities
Beyond insights and trends, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago is a unique opportunity to network with industry experts and peers across the intersection of sustainability, procurement and supply chain.
Join us in Chicago and take part in this transformative journey. Discover how sustainability, procurement and supply chain can work together to achieve sustainable development.
Don’t miss out on your chance to attend Sustainability LIVE Chicago – Secure 2 for 1 entry on tickets NOW!
Essential diary dates for 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Sustainability Magazine and its sister publications – Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital.
To follow Sustainability LIVE on LinkedIn, click here.
To enter for the Global Sustainability & ESG Awards, click here.
- Sustainability LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Procurement LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Sustainability LIVE London | 9-10 September
- The Global Sustainability & ESG Awards | 10 September
- Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC | 22 September
- Sustainability LIVE: COP 30 Brazil | 11 November
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