KEYNOTE ADDRESS |
Beyond the Foundation:
Using Consumer Insights to Build the Energy Efficiency Market
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
- 8:45 am
| Three quarters of consumers say saving energy is very important, but only a third have actually set their thermostats to the recommended efficiency settings and only a quarter have made energy-efficient home renovations. Over 70% of business decision makers are paying more attention to energy efficiency than last year, but fewer than half expect to make capital investments in efficiency. That's the state of the marketplace: the desire is there, but the action is not. So, how do you move consumers forward? What are the right features, products, and services? What is the right message? And, who are the best targets?
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Suzanne Shelton of the Shelton Group will share insights from her firm's quarterly, national consumer studies, as well as insights from studies capturing the commercial consumer mindset. She'll connect the dots from research to insight to opportunity, highlighting messages that work, opportunities that exist, and pitfalls to avoid as you work on building the energy-efficient market. Suzanne Shelton is president and CEO of the Shelton Group, an advertising agency entirely focused on motivating mainstream consumers to make sustainable choices. Shelton Group conducts four consumer opinion studies annually - Utility Pulse, Eco Pulse, Green Living Pulse, and Energy Pulse® - to continuously track shifting consumer perceptions on these topics. Please note: Flight cancellations due to inclement weather prevented Suzanne Shelton from attending the conference. Presenting in her place was Adam Kustin of the Shelton Group. | |||
Adam Kustin is vice president, client consultation at the Shelton Group, an advertising agency entirely focused on motivating mainstream consumers to make sustainable choices. In this position, Adam collaborates with clients and leads the Shelton Group's team of client consultants to develop effective marketing tactics that grow their clients' businesses and propel objectives forward. Specifically, he partners in the research, insight, and creative processes to craft incisive positioning and client marketing plans, ensuring that clients are served both strategically and tactically. |
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Adam has a B.S. in Finance from University of Florida and an MBA in Marketing from Tulane University. He currently lives in Knoxville with his wife and two sons. | |||
EVENING RECEPTION |
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
- 4:45 pm- 7:00 pm
Design and construction professionals convened in the exhibit hall for complimentary beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. Colleagues, clients, subcontractors, and others who were unable to attend the full conference were invited to the reception free of charge.
TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS |
High-quality training sessions were presented throughout both days of the conference. Workshops were 90 minutes long and held simultaneously in four learning tracks: Building Envelope, Mechanical Systems, Lighting, and Innovations & High Performance. Over 30 workshops were offered this year.
EXHIBIT HALL TRADE SHOW |
The latest innovations in energy-efficient products and services for the design and construction industry were on display. Service providers and manufacturers' representatives were on hand to discuss cutting-edge techniques, materials, equipment, and systems for superior building performance, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
BEST OF THE BEST |
Winners of Efficiency Vermont's 2010 Best of the Best Awards in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, Vermont ENERGY STAR Homes, and Commercial Building Design & Construction were honored on Wednesday, February 10 during the Opening Session. On display throughout the conference were the inspiring plans, drawings, and photos of the award-winning homes and buildings from this year's competitions.
