The Future of Sustainability in Arizona 2026
By Alice Hafer
On April 23, 2026, the Future of Sustainability conference hosted by Green Living Magazine returns to Phoenix at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in celebration of Earth Day.
The conference will run from 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2026 event will focus on extreme heat and climate resilience, clean energy, water security and healthy communities. Tickets are free and include networking opportunities, live music and a happy hour.
Green Living is the leading sustainability magazine and has the largest sustainability community in Arizona. “This event will foster many great connections, partnerships and collaborations,” said Green Living founder and CEO Dorie Morales. “The conference is crucial to Green Living Magazine because it brings together experts to transform environmental vision into tangible action, serving as a key platform to promote sustainable living.”
Meet Arizona’s sustainability leaders, innovators and community champions for an inspiring day dedicated to creating a greener, more resilient and equitable future. Through live expert discussions, the conference aims to highlight bold, forward-thinking strategies and drive real change across the state.
This year’s event will include experts and thought leaders on the healthy communities panel: physician leader and author Dr. Shad Marvasti of Honor Health, Sarah Kearney of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, Philip Allsopp, CEO of ORBIS Dynamics, Inc., and Lyndsay Waugh, Executive Director, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, moderated by Tyler Butler, Founder & CEO of Collaboration for Good.
The green energy panel will feature Gary Dirks, Director of the Global Futures Laboratory at ASU, Maren Mahoney, Director, Office of Resiliency, Office of Governor Katie Hobbs, Nicole Horseherder, Executive Director, Tó Nizhóní Ání, with Kaley Joseph, Sustainability Specialist Gensler, as moderator.
The water security panelists include Patrick Adams, Senior Advisor for Water Policy, Heather Macre, Director (CAWCD) board member, Maxwell Wilson, PhD. Water Resources Management, City of Phoenix, Cynthia Campbell, Director of Policy Innovation, Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, and Julie Ann Wrigley of the Global Futures Laboratory at ASU, with Clark Princell, President & CEO of Valley Partnership as moderator.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has also been a participant and advocate since the event’s founding in 2022. “Throughout Phoenix and our state, dedicated individuals and organizations work every day to make our communities more resilient and prepared for the challenges and opportunities we face, now and in the future,” Gallego said. “The City of Phoenix proudly invests in solutions to reduce pollution, protect our water resources, and make our city cooler and more comfortable. Extreme heat and drought pose serious threats, and the strategies we’re implementing here today will inform resilience efforts around the world.”
Attendees will also have the chance to network with thought leaders and sustainability advocates and explore exhibitor booths that support a greener lifestyle, and engage with vendors driving environmental impact across Arizona.
Event Details
Event: The Future of Sustainability in Arizona
Date and time: April 23, 2026, 11:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85040
Tickets: Free
Hosted by: Green Living Magazine
