Schedule is subject to changes. Download the SCHEDULE and BIOS

MONDAY, JULY 27th
at the Art & Architecture Building - 1715 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37996 (directions: Dogwood Dorms to AA; Hotel Graduate to AA)

• 4‍-6pm
  OPENING RECEPTION
  Kick off the conference with check-in, hors d’oeuvres and drinks while connecting with fellow attendees. Remarks on the “Good Sports Always Recycle program” started in 1993, by Steve Early, ex-Director of the Vol Network.

• 6.30 pm
  Optional dinner at marble city market
  
  

TUESDAY, JULY 28th
at the Frieson Black Cultural Center - 1800 Melrose Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916 (directions: Dogwood Dorms to Frieson; Hotel Graduate to Frieson)

• 8am-9am: Breakfast

• 9am-10am: KEYNOTE SESSION
  Creating New Revenues from Sustainability in College Sports
  Jonathan Casper - NC State University
  Dave Newport -  Blue Strike Sports

• 10.00am-11.15am: SESSION I -OPERATION AND EFFICIENCY
  - Sustainable Operation at the Kaseya Center Zach - Ruiz, Sustainability Director - Miami Heat
  
  - Executing Zero Waste Regularly in an Arena - Sam Moller - Boston University
  
  - Achieving Performance Goals and Engaging Students - Sara Greenwood - Greenwood CG consulting
  
  - Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Zero Waste - Shannon Caveny-Cox - UNC Charlotte

• 11.15am-11.30am: Networking Break

• 11.30am-12.45pm: SESSION II - FAN AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  - Green Baseball Game: Building a Green Fan Base - Teddy Lhoutellier - University of Miami
  
  - Hot Routes, Hot Corners, and Hot Seats – Understanding the Impacts of Heat on Sporting Spectators, Stadiums, and Events at a Southeastern University, through Interdisciplinary Approaches - Brandon Ryan - Auburn University
  
  - Desired Behavior Change Strategies to drive sustainable fan engagement - Micah Elan - Green Sports Alliance
  
  - From Spectators to Stewards: How Hands-On Fan Activation Drives Environmental Awareness and Action - Jonathan Burlison - WM

• 12.45pm-2.15pm: Lunch (Zero waste initiatives at UTK: visit food4VOLS No Hunger. No Waste.)

• 2:.15pm-3.45pm: SESSION III - MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP
  - Shooting Promotional Videos with Student Athletes - Leveraging Existing Partnerships to Create Innovative Outreach - Shane Tedder - University of Kentucky
  
  - Beyond the Collection Bin: Partnerships That Advance Zero Waste Goals
  Busch Systems- Alec Cooley
  CleanRiver Recycling Solutions-
  Brandon Poole
  Max-R- Sean Egan
  
  - Driving Sustainability: Advisory Services sustainability integration in WM sponsorships - Lauren Lichterman- WM

• 3.45pm-4pm: Networking break

• 4pm-5pm: SESSION IV - ACADEMICS AND RESEARCH
  - Campus as a Lab: Integrating Sport & Sustainability in the Classroom - Jasmine Raines/ Elias Chernobelsky - University of Michigan
  
  - The Real GHG Footprint of Collegiate Athletics Programs - Mike Stopka - Buro Happold Consulting

• 7pm-9pm: Baseball Game
  Join us for a night of food, drinks and networking at the TN Smokies at Covenant Health Park, 500 East Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915.
  Shuttle pickups at 6.30 pm at the Dorm Hall and Graduate Hotel
  
  The ORNL Federal Credit Union Terrace is located down the 1st base line on the Concourse Level. With great views of the game, along with a complimentary BBQ buffet.
  Gates Open: 6:00 PM;  First Pitch: 7:00 PM;  Venue Policies: Covenant Health Park is a cashless venue; We have a clear bag policy in place for all guests; No outside food or drinks are permitted; Axis Security will be on-site to check all guests in accordingly. Please find a Know Before You Go Guide linked HERE
  
  

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29th
at the Frieson Black Cultural Center - 1800 Melrose Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916
(directions: Dogwood Dorms to Frieson; Hotel Graduate to Frieson)

• 8.00am-9.00am: TOUR of the NEYLAND FOOTBALL STADIUM -UTK:
  
  Opened in 1921 and named after former University of Tennessee coach and administrator General Robert Neyland, Neyland Stadium has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable venues in college athletics, welcoming more than 100,000 fans on football Saturdays. Alongside its rich tradition, the stadium has become a leader in collegiate sports sustainability through the University’s Zero Waste Gameday program. Refined waste collection systems separate recyclable materials, compostables, and landfill waste to maximize material recovery and reduce contamination. During the 2025 football season, these efforts helped achieve a 60% waste diversion rate, the highest in program history, demonstrating how sustainability can be successfully integrated into the gameday experience at one of the nation's largest college football venues.
  
  

• 9:00am-9:30am: Breakfast

  REGISTER for those VIRTUAL SESSIONS

• ‍9.30am-11.15am: SESSION V - STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP
  - VOLeaders: Educating, Engaging, and Empowering UT Student-Athletes as Leaders and Change Agents - Student Professional Development, University of Tennessee;
  Jessica Wildfire - UT Student-Athlete
  
  - Athlete Voices for Climate Action: Building Sustainability Leadership Through the EcoAthletes Collegiate Cup 
  Moderator: Lew Blaustein, EcoAthletes Founder and Executive Director (virtual)
  Panelists:  

  • Emily Pape, Cornell University (‘26), Women’s Basketball (virtual)

  • Isabella Mitchell, Oregon State University (‘26), Rowing 

  • Riley Bahr, Florida State University (‘23), XC/TF (virtual)

• ‍11.30am-1:00pm: SESSION VI - GROWING THE COLLEGIATE SPORTS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK
  Lindsay Batchelor - Duke University/CSSN National Leadership Board
  Shaun Hoyte - Columbia University/CSSN National Leadership Board
  Kelly Wellman - Texas A&M/CSSN National Leadership Board
  Mike Stopka, Deb Elias - Buro Happold Consulting

• 12:30pm: Grab-n-go lunch available

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
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The CSSN conference will be an exciting opportunity for professionals and students who are interested in the intersections of sustainability and sport in higher education.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville blends natural beauty with an inviting, walkable downtown full of Southern charm. Whether you’re looking to recharge between sessions or extend your stay, Knoxville offers something for every pace.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails and river views at Ijams Nature Center and the expansive Knoxville Urban Wilderness or enjoy a peaceful stroll through the UT Gardens right on campus. Volunteer Landing and the Tennessee River waterfront offer beautiful skyline views, especially at sunset.

Downtown, historic Gay Street and lively Market Square are filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and gathering spaces. Take in panoramic views from the iconic Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park, visit the free Knoxville Museum of Art, or explore the Old City for live music and nightlife in a beautifully preserved historic district.

If you have additional time, a short drive will lead you to rolling fields and quiet river bends at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Altogether, Knoxville offers a relaxed yet vibrant setting that reflects the character and creativity of the region.

For Things to do in the region, visit https://www.visitknoxville.com/things-to-do/

General registration: $299
Student registration: $82. 
These prices include the conference sessions, conference meals, and a networking event.

REGISTER NOW
Registration will be accepted until July 13th, 2026.

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Travel Logistics:

- Airport:
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, TN (Approximately 11-12 miles south of downtown Knoxville)

- Ground Transportation:
Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and rental cars are available for the short trip to campus.

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Wi-Fi:
Login and password will be provided during the first conference session; Connect to the UT Network as a Guest or Visitor

- On campus lodging:
Dogwood Residence Hall, 2113 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996:
Private Room, featuring XL twin beds, desk, chair, closet, micro-fridge and bathroom: $54.63 per night (Linens: One-time fee of $32.78)
> When Registering, opt for “On Campus Accommodation”: Register now

- Off campus lodging:
Hotel accommodations are available at Graduate Knoxville, 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916:
$149 per night. Reservations in the conference room block must be made by June 26, 2026, using this booking link.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Collegiate Sports Sustainability Conference will offer organizations a unique platform to showcase their commitment to environmental and social responsibility within college athletics. From branding visibility to meaningful engagement with campus leaders, student‑athletes, and industry partners, our sponsorship packages will provide impactful ways to support and elevate sustainability initiatives across the collegiate sports landscape.

For more details on sponsorship levels and benefits, down load the CSSN 2026 Conference Sponsorship Flyer

The Collegiate Sports Sustainability Conference invites innovative and passionate leaders to submit presentation proposals that advance the future of sustainability in college athletics. We welcome submissions across a wide range of focus areas, including academics and research, fan and community engagement, operations and efficiency, sponsorship and marketing, student‑athlete leadership, and other emerging topics that support sustainable progress in collegiate sports. Whether you’re driving change on campus, in competition venues, or throughout your community, we encourage you to share your insights, successes, and ideas to help shape a more sustainable athletic landscape.

Categories:
- Academics and Research
- Fan and Community Engagement
- Operations and Efficiency
- Sponsorship and Marketing
- Student-Athlete Leadership

Deadline for submitting proposals was June 26