Shane Coen is Keynote Speaker at Plain Green Conference October 2008

An event “dedicated to education and advocacy for sustainability in all its forms throughout the upper Midwest” the Plain Green Conference kicked off with the Principal and Founder of Coen + Partners, Shane Coen, as keynote speaker.

A prominent voice and leader in the design of sustainable communities and landscapes such as Jackson Meadow and Mayo Woodlands, Shane was invited to share his expertise in design and understanding of “what is sustainable” in an age when such a phrase is commonly over used. His kick-off lecture was well received amidst an audience spanning design professionals, government officials, local citizens and students, and the general tone of the conference was set by his understanding that ‘sustainable’ means understanding your context and paying respect to the land and its people.

The inaugural event brought together professionals, government, students and the general public to learn about, discuss and act on the various issues affecting our environment today. A diverse range of speakers, tours and other events will encourage new viewpoints and reveal new opportunities to make positive change in the Midwest region.