Discover how the Walter E. Washington Convention Center achieved the prestigious LEED Platinum certification in this eye-opening discussion with Hootan Kaboli, Senior VP of Operations at Events DC. Hootan reveals how sustainability evolved from a mere "wishlist item" to an essential, data-driven venue offering that meeting planners now demand. From innovative high-speed doors conserving energy to exciting future projects like on-site honeybee farms, learn about the practical strategies that benefit both the environment and everyone using the space. This episode delivers valuable insights on creating environmentally responsible event spaces while enhancing attendee experiences. Listen now to hear how the convention center's collaborative approach to sustainability is setting new industry standards.

The TIE Forum, which stands for "Technology, Industry, and Education Forum," is a part of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) conference portfolio, where professionals from various sectors gather to discuss and explore the latest advancements in geospatial technology. Sidharth Misra and Omkar Pradhan from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory discuss their journeys and involvement with IEEE and GRSS. The TIE Forum was once a catch-all type of programming at IGARSS, with topics ranging from women in engineering, young professionals, industry-related talks, and soft skills. But because it has grown in popularity, the process of selecting speakers has become more and more of a full time job for the organizing committee ‒ a good problem to have indeed! Listen in to the impact of this forum on the larger GRSS conference portfolio, hear memorable stories from past TIE sessions and gain insights into the future of GRSS conferences and events.

Allison Marsh, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina and a historian of technology, authored an insightful article in IEEE Spectrum about the first-ever virtual meeting held in 1916 by IEEE's predecessor, AIEE. This pioneering event connected 5,100 engineers across multiple cities telephonically. In a discussion with David, together they explore the highlights of this groundbreaking transcontinental gathering. The historical significance of this event and its striking parallels to modern virtual meetings remain relevant today. In 2024, IEEE celebrated its 140th anniversary - and Allison underscores the present-day importance of incorporating social elements and creativity into virtual meetings to enhance engagement, much like our engineering forefathers did over a century ago - with musical interludes and splashy keynote speakers. To read Allison Marsh's article in IEEE Spectrum, visit https://spectrum.ieee.org/virtual-meeting