32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Dr. Carolyn Finney, Ph.D., delivers the keynote address at the 32nd Annual VBSR Conference; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

“Hope Springs” at Sold Out 32nd Annual VBSR Conference

  • “Rising Together” attendees explored new approaches to workforce, humanity, and belonging as leaders, innovators in The Purpose Economy
  • 300+ engaged with standing-room-only keynote address, “Hope Springs: On Vision, Justice & Playing the Long Game” [Mascoma Bank, underwriter]
  • Networking reception extended into spring evening on Hula Lakeside’s scenic patio [Vermont Community Foundation, underwriter]

The 32nd Annual VBSR Conference, “Rising Together,” assembled with an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd on May 11th at Hula Lakeside, in Burlington. For the first time since 2019, VBSR business and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, students, and inspired individuals gathered in-person (with dozens more joining virtually) for the conference.

Dr. Carolyn Finney, Ph.D., opened the day with her keynote address, “Hope Springs: On Vision, Justice & Playing the Long Game.” More than 300 attendees engaged her presentation as she set the tone for the rest of the day’s nine workshops focused on the leading edge of social and environmental impact across three themes:

  • The New Workforce
  • Humanity & Belonging
  • The Purpose Economy

Attendees explored the unique issues and opportunities that each of these themes present, as well as the points where they intersect. Attendees emerged inspired, connected with forward-thinking leaders, and replenished with resources and concrete action steps to drive change.

“What an amazing in-person VBSR conference. Huge congratulations on putting together an intentional, change-focused, and person-centered event,” said Amanda Van Vranken, Assistant Director for External Partnerships, UVM Career Center. “I teared up during the opening remarks, was fully engaged at every session, and luxuriated in being at Hula, a space that defies all conventions of a typical workplace. It was so heartwarming to be together with so many folx who I haven’t seen in such a long time. Job well done.”

Your donation makes gatherings like this possible. So, if you want to support a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet through programming like our annual conference, donate for change here. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved in the 2023 VBSR Conference or please reach out to VBSR Education & Events Manager, Molly Barfuss, at mollyb@vbsr.org.

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Attendees of the 32nd Annual VBSR Conference connect over coffee as the day begins; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Roxanne Vought, Executive Director of VBSR, and Dr. Carolyn Finney, Ph.D., visit ahead of Finney’s keynote address; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Exhibitors at the 32nd Annual VBSR Conference engage with attendees during a networking break; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

The Isthmus Room is host to the interactive “Co-Creating Employee Culture” workshop; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Attendees take a break to network and enjoy lunch along the sunny Lake Champlain shoreline; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Workshops speakers John Kim, 1Row, and Damaris & Mel Hall, Global Village Foods, connect in the Hula atrium between sessions; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Noah Miller, Rho Impact, and Jon Erickson, University of Vermont, participate in the “Innovators in Sustainability: Businesses Generating Change for Big Impact” workshop; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Kate Williams, 1% for the Planet, and Derek Peebles, American Independent Business Alliance, engage during the “National Leaders Talk Capitalism & The Purpose Economy” workshop; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

 

32nd Annual VBSR Conference

Attendees conclude the conference with an outdoor networking reception on the Hula patio overlooking Lake Champlain; Burlington, Vermont, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (photo by Stephen Mease Photography)

The 32nd Annual VBSR Conference was generously supported by:

Conference Sponsors

Champion Underwriters

Underwriters

Gold and Exhibiting