Quick notes
Some quick notes as I spend time loitering in San Francisco.
First, attendence was great and, even more fantastic was that almost everyone stayed until the end.
It would be foolish of me to hand out any awards (everyone was truly great), I thought I would highlight some interesting bits.
Paul Zeven, CEO of Philips North America, answered many probing questions from the audience after his afternoon keynote: “Sustainability: Delivering on the hype or delivering the hype.”
Unsuprisingly, the toughest crowd award went to Suzanne McCarron, manager of communications, ExxonMobil Corporation, who was asked if ExxonMobile was, in essence, walking the talk. She responded with a number of iniatives the company was undertaking.
I look forward to more commentary from attendees and those who want to know about any of the panels or panelists.
Thanks Keith — i thought the crowd was particularly cold, not so much tough, on Suzanne McCarron. This, of course, was on a personal level. Whether we agree with what she had to say, she did have the courage to attend and speak on behalf of a company that takes on more than its share of criticism.
I was also struck by the comments of Jeffrey Hollender of 7th Generation. He has a great message, and I look forward to learning more and hearing more from him and his company. However, I doubt I was the only one who found it odd when he ventured into the political landscape and said, “we have an opportunity to make some fundamental changes, but under the guise of green, which has been accepted.”
Huh? I was surprised to hear this CEO advocating a political agenda hidden by the common good. Maybe I’m just too skeptical.
Very much enjoyed the conference, much applause should go PR Week’s direction for pulling it together!
All the best,
Thomas