12.18.2007 - 08:00am ET

(CSRwire) BURLINGAME, CA - December 18, 2007 – After a highly successful inaugural conference in September, Sustainable Life Media announced today that its next Sustainable Brands Conference, the only event that addresses how to leverage all aspects of sustainability as a driver of brand value, will be held in California at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort from June 2-5, 2008.

Widely reputed to be the most compelling sustainability conference of the year, Sustainable Brands '07 debuted in New Orleans in September 2007, convening 230 brand leaders from market-making companies such as AMD, AT&T, BP, Dell, Coca-Cola, Clorox, GE, HP, Kimberly-Clark, Kendall Jackson, Nestle/Purina, Pepsi, Time, Inc., Wal-Mart and an unprecedented list of others.

Sustainable Brands '08 will deepen the discussion it began in New Orleans, with a focus on building brand value that moves beyond green, to a holistic approach integrating environmental and social impact with shareholder value as the new bottom line for the world’s most forward-thinking companies and organizations.

"The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from sponsors, attendees and speakers following our launch in New Orleans has been extremely gratifying," said KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, CEO of Sustainable Life Media. "As more and more companies work to determine their long-term sustainable business objectives, the need for an open forum for discussing the implications to corporate and product brands is clear. Participants of September's event universally told us they would be back, and would bring their friends."
In addition to another best-in-class speaker roster and case studies from sustainable brand leaders, this year participants will see an expansion of the program in direct response to 2007 participant feedback. Break-out sessions will follow three distinct tracks:

1. Brand Drivers will explore market forces that are creating the need and opportunity for sustainable brands. Topics will include up to the minute global market and consumer research, growth opportunities by market sector, emerging investment screens for sustainability, current and expected legislation, NGO activities and continuing stresses on the natural world.

2. The Brand Inside will focus on breakthrough design and business model innovation across market sectors. Also discussed will be organizational change and the impact of corporate culture and internal communication on brand, multi-sector partnerships, the importance of supply chain management and monitoring, internal goal setting and metrics, and more.

3. The Brand Outside will help brand leaders determine how authentically position and communicate their company's sustainability story in today's changing purchasing environment. Experts will be on hand to share best practices and advice on when to talk, and how much to say about sustainable business initiatives, as well as how to effectively manage a productive and unique brand conversation in today's digital world.

This year's conference will include an additional half day for attendees to participate in small, expert led working groups. The concurrent Sustainable Solutions Showcase (S3) will feature a wide range of breakthrough products and services, from carbon calculators and energy monitoring systems, to organic, fair trade coffee, to more sustainable office supplies and technology and more, all of which can help participants improve their corporate sustainability practices and story.

Sustainable Life Media chose Monterey as the host city for Sustainable Brands '08 particularly because the Monterey/Salinas corridor is leading the way in many aspects of sustainable fishing and agriculture. Moreover, the location is close in proximity to Silicon Valley, an established global center of advancement now applying its creative and financial expertise to leading the charge in sustainable innovation.

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort was selected for this year's event because of its strong environmental record and its implementation of sustainable practices. The hotel received an "A+" rating in 2005 by the Nature Conservancy for exceeding their environmental requirements, and the hotel remains a leader in environmental efficiency on the Monterey Peninsula.

Speaking and Sponsorship Opportunities

Sustainable Brands '08 is currently seeking speakers for its upcoming event. Senior executives who have worked to build brand value through sustainable innovation are encouraged to submit abstracts. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information on speaking opportunities, sponsorships and other details relating to Sustainable Brands '08, please visit: http://www.sustainablebrands08.com

About Sustainable Life Media

A business-to-business online community, e-newsletter and event company located in Burlingame, CA, Sustainable Life Media (SLM) is home for business professionals looking to build new value and competitive advantage by innovating more sustainable strategies, practices and products. SLM brings business professionals top news stories related to the what, who and how of environmental and social innovation, and helps them connect with thought leaders, peers, partners and solutions providers that can help them quickly reach their goals. For more information, please visit: http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com

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