Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s 2024 State Conference
See you at the 2024 State Conference on October 23-24 at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge!
Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s State Conference is an annual educational training and networking forum welcoming all individuals, Keep America Beautiful Affiliates, universities, state and local governmental agencies, community and business partners, and non-profit organizations. Attendees can look forward to learning about proven practices and innovative programs designed to achieve a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Louisiana.
Click here to make hotel reservations in the KLB room block.
Keep Louisiana Beautiful is excited to introduce a new format for the 2024 State Conference featuring breakout sessions. Multiple unique presentations will be offered simultaneously in different rooms, allowing attendees to explore and discuss topics in a smaller group setting. This new format will enable attendees to create customized learning experiences that meet their unique interests and educational objectives. Everyone will come together for the opening speakers and awards luncheons.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
This agenda is subject to change.
Wednesday, October 23
8:30 – 9:30 A.M. | New University Affiliate Training (by invitation)
9:00 – 9:45 A.M. | Conference check-in and exhibitor expo
10:00 – 10:10 A.M. | Opening remarks: Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director
10:10 – 10:35 A.M. | Keynote speaker: Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
10:45 – 11:45 A.M. | Block One Break Out Sessions
- A | Turning Litter Data into Solutions
- Ellie Mallon, Osprey Initiative
- Dr. David Yarbrough, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- B | Transforming Waste for Resilient Waterways: Glass, Shells, and Trees
- Alex Ward, Glass Half Full
- Darrah Bach, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
- Lynn Bryan, Keep Bossier Beautiful
- Kat Fogg, ReCoast
- C | Roots of Change: The Power of Organic Land Management
- Aliza McHugh, Re:wild Your Campus
- Bridget Gustafson, Re:wild Your Campus
- D | Conducting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
- Tim Brown, St. Tammany Parish
- Aaron Breaux, East Baton Rouge Parish
12:00 – 12:30 P.M. | Circle of Excellence Awards Luncheon and New Affiliate Presentation
12:30 – 2:00 P.M. | Keynote Speaker: Jay Dardenne, Former Louisiana Commissioner of Administration, “Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi”
2:15 – 3:00 P.M. | Block Two Breakout Sessions
- A | Integrating Native Plants Into Your Beautification Project
- Tammany Baumgarten, Louisiana Native Plant Society
- B | KLB Marketing and Programs Designed to Benefit Your Community
- Melissa Kenyon, KLB Marketing and Communications Director
- Jessie Chappuis, KLB Programs and Events Manager
- C | Measuring University Sustainability Performance with AASHE STARS
- Jonathan Brown, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- D | Keep Litter Out of the Landfill by Recycling at your Cleanup
- Don Bates, Osprey Initiative
3:15 – 4 P.M. | Block Three Breakout Sessions
- A | Louisiana’s Outdoor Events Geaux Green to Reduce Waste: A Panel Discussion
- Brett Davis, Grounds Krewe, New Orleans
- Abbie Acosta, Moncus Park, Lafayette
- Maurianna Robichaux, Festival International De Louisiane, Lafayette
- Zoe Sullivan, Friends of Bayou St. John, New Orleans
- B | University Sustainability Coalition Meeting
- C | Microplastics in Our Waterways and the Impact of Plastic Litter
- Dr. Mark Benfield, LSU
4-4:15 P.M. | Exhibitor expo open
4:15-6 P.M. | Poolside Networking Happy Hour (Does not include dinner. Dinner on your own)
Thursday, October 24
7:30-8:30 A.M. | Exhibitor expo & light breakfast buffet
8:30 A.M. | Opening remarks: Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director
8:45-10 A.M. | Presentations by Louisiana State Departments: Learn what’s being done at the state level to remove roadside litter and address waste tires.
- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Secretary Joe Donahue
- Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Secretary Aurelia Giacometto
10:10-10:50 A.M. | Block Four Breakout Sessions
- A | Main Street Beautification and Revitalization
- Ray Scriber, Louisiana Main Street
- Charlene Beckett, Abbeville Main Street
- B | KLB Grants Program: Funding Your Litter Prevention, Waste Reduction, and Beautification Efforts
- Jan Windhorst, KLB Grants Manager
- C | Changing the Behaviors of the Next Generation through Litter Education
- Susan Russell, KLB Lesson Plans and Driver’s Education
- Vanessa Van Heerden, Louisiana Sea Grant, Pontchartrain Conservancy’s “Consider Litter”
- D | Leaders Against Litter: Highlights of Parish Litter Abatement Success
- Robby Miller, Tangipahoa Parish President
- Randy Delatte, Livingston Parish President
11-11:45 A.M. | Block Five Breakout Sessions
- A | Growing the KLB Affiliate Network: Get Plugged In
- Cabell Mouton, KLB Affiliate Services Director
- B | How Advanced Recycling Supports a Circular Economy
- Jennifer Purpera, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge
- C | State Programs Preserving Our Sportsman’s Paradise
- Brandon Burris, Department of State Parks
- Colonel Stephen Clark, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
12-1:45 P.M. | Everyday Hero Awards Luncheon
2 P.M. | Conference concludes