Over 154 Years of Service to the Furniture Industry
Furniture World Logo

Registration Open for Sustainable Furnishings Council’s SFC NEXT

Furniture World News Desk on 4/19/2014


The SFC announced that registration is now open for the Sustainable Furnishings Council’s first-of-kind educational conference, SFC NEXT, a national event that will educate businesses about what’s cutting-edge in the arena of sustainability.

SFC NEXT, to be held June 13-14 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., offers equal parts education, networking and inspiration, as well as a blueprint for developing a profit-focused sustainability strategy. With custom programming for professionals in all home furnishings-related disciplines and at all career stages, SFC Next will connect forward-thinking businesses and brands with best-in-class sustainability expertise.

“SFC NEXT will prepare you to lead your company in taking the next step on its sustainability journey,” explains Susan Inglis, SFC Executive Director. “Two days of programming will spur you to think, question, discuss, connect, explore and discover what it means to lead positive social change through business—and achieve a competitive advantage as a result.”

Rates begin at $395 for SFC members and $595 for non-members; discounts for multiple registrations from a single business or company are available. The registration fee includes admission to all sessions, receptions and workshops, and continental breakfast and networking luncheons on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14. Programming highlights include:

  • “Accelerating the Adoption of Business Solutions that Reduce Carbon Emissions and Advance the Low-Carbon Economy” presented by Hilary McMahon, director of research, Carbon War Room.
  • “What Does it Mean to Continuously Innovate?” featuring Roger G. Jones, Vice President Global Logistics, Century Furniture, LLC, in conversation with Mark Comolli, Director of Markets, Forestry Division, Rainforest Alliance.
  • “What Are the Trends Shaping the Future of Home Living?” showcasing speaker Scot Lachut, Director of Consulting, PSFK Labs, who will explain how home is being re-imagined as a platform to integrate balance, health and well-being into people’s everyday lives.
  • A pre-conference screening of “Toxic Hot Seat,” the documentary based on the award-winning 2012 Chicago Tribune series “Playing with Fire.” The film details how a handful of large chemical companies convinced fire safety officials to back a standard that, in effect, requires all furniture to be filled with toxic flame-retardants. A Q&A session with filmmakers James Redford and Kirby Walker will follow.
Find registration information, details about sponsorships opportunities, speaker bios and a full conference agenda at www.SFCnext.org.

About the Sustainable Furnishings Council: Sustainable Furnishings Council is dedicated to promoting healthy environments inside and outside, providing the most comprehensive information on environmental, safety and health issues in the industry and championing initiatives that improve products and processes. The SFC and its qualifying members respond to environmental and social issues and offer specific information to consumers, the media and other partners. The SFC is the authoritative source to help companies “green as they grow.” Follow SFC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sustainable-Furnishings-Council/156054884466978. Follow SFC on Twitter at @SFCouncil.