Data centers, the cradle-to-cradle economy, changes to the insurance industry and more are on the agenda Oct. 14 and 15 for the second annual Nexus Sustainability Leaders Summit, hosted by The Water Council and Marquette University’s College of Business Administration Sustainability Lab (S-Lab).
Featured speakers include Shaolei Ren, an expert on artificial intelligence, energy and public health at University of California, Riverside. His work has shaped AI governance frameworks and driven industry innovation, such as the development of the first real-time water footprint reporting tool for computing.
“Shaolei will highlight the energy and water concerns surrounding data centers and AI and how society can address them, which is especially relevant given the recent announcements of new data centers in Wisconsin and worldwide,” said Chris Merker, co-director of the S-Lab.
Emilio Tenuta, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Ecolab, will offer insights into corporate sustainability in a changing political and economic environment.
The first Nexus Summit was held in 2024 through the combination of The Water Council’s annual Water Leaders Summit and Marquette’s Sustainability 2.0 Conference, drawing nearly 200 people. This year’s summit will again be held at the Harley-Davidson Museum with moderator Charles Fishman, journalist and author of “The Big Thirst.” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson will open the summit.
“We are excited about this year’s lineup and how it highlights corporate leadership, financial interests and innovation to discuss viable sustainability solutions,” said Karen Frost, The Water Council executive director.
The summit is sponsored by several local and international companies, led by Watts Water Technologies, A. O. Smith Corporation, Badger Meter and Baird.
Registration is now open. Discounts are available for startups, students, and members of The Water Council and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. Members of the media who wish to attend should contact Stacy Vogel Davis.
WHAT: Nexus Sustainability Leaders Summit, a gathering of thought leaders exploring the latest topics in water, energy, resilience and innovation through thought-provoking discussions and dynamic networking.
WHEN: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15
WHO: The Water Council and Marquette University’s College of Business Administration Sustainability Lab
WHERE: Harley-Davidson Museum “Garage”
400 W. Canal St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202