GREEN COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
8AM-5PM
Located at the Baylor Research Innovation & Collaborative, Waco, Texas.
Registration has closed. Questions? Email alyssa@keepwacobeautiful.org.
ROOTED IN RESILIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN TEXAS.
5 YEARS OF GATHERING FOR GREEN COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE.
For 4 years now we have gathered passionate Texans to cultivate meaningful conversations around sustainable, resilient Texas communities. We are gearing up for our 5th year, to be hosted at the Baylor Research Innovation and Collaborative (BRIC) for a one-day conference. This year, we are focusing on our communities in Texas at a deeper level, by bringing together thought leaders who play an active role in energy, water, waste, and infrastructure, as it related to environmental action. This year’s conference is a one-day event at the Baylor Research Innovation & Collaborative.
To learn more about our 2025 conference and our audience members, see the impact report below.
CASE STUDIES FOR IMPACT:
As we gather for our 5th consecutive year, we are gathering case studies from attendees, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, poster presenters, and all who have been involved with the conference over the years. Share how the conference shaped, connected you to resources or collaboration, to help us better understand the impact of Green Communities Conference.
AGENDA + SESSION DETAILS
OPENING PANEL: Navigating Resilience in a Complex Economy
Join us for the opening panel discussion featuring leaders from communities across Central Texas as we explore what resilience looks like in Texas today. Through shared experiences, innovative approaches, and regional perspectives, panelists will discuss how their communities are navigating challenges, building capacity, and preparing for a stronger future. Panelists include:
Jacob Bell
Senior Vice President, Walker Partners
Tom Balk
Director of Strategic Initiatives, City of Waco
Bradley Turner
City of Hewitt Councilman
Jonathan Olvera
City of Lacy Lakeview Councilman
Darius Ewing
City of Waco Councilman, Panel Moderator
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR EXHIBITOR HALL AT THE 2026 GREEN COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE!
Student poster presentations
Baylor University
"Investigation of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of PFAS-Induced Lung Inflammation in a Human Alveolar Epithelial Cell Line"
Presenters: Sini Macheri and Madusha Malalage
Advisor: Dr. Erica Bruce
“Is History Doomed to Repeat Itself?”
Presenter: Charles Schaub
Advisor: Dr. Melinda Coogan
“Food Waste Determinants and Compost Education”
Presenter: Kelbie-Marika Pogocheff
Advisors: Emily Hills and Dr. Melinda Coogan
McLennan Community College TIDES Program
"Longitudinal Study of Rope Sponge Diversity and Heath Status in Roatán Honduras"
Presenters: Yuto Goto, Tafadzwa Duri, and Sebastian Torres
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"Aplysina Red Band Syndrome in Aplysina spp. in Roatán, Honduras"
Presenters: Yuto Goto, Tafadzwa Duri, and Sebastian Torres
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"A Diurnal Analysis of Echinoderm Assemblages in Roatan, Honduras"
Presenters: Anna Contreras and Harrison Wolf
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"Assessment for Agaricia Coral Abundance and Health in Roatán, Honduras"
Presenter: Grettel Ramirez
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"Abundance, Diversity, and Health Status for Scleractinian Corals in Roatán, Honduras"
Presenter: Gloria Dominguez
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"Sponge and Algal Associations with Health Status of Star Corals in Roatán, Honduras"
Presenters: Paola Vallejo and Mariel G. Galindo
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"Diversity and Health Status of Urchin Communities in Roatan, Honduras"
Presenters: Sarah Lucas and Kristy Do
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
"White Band Disease in Acropora Species in Roatan, Honduras"
Presenter: Ashley Tejada
Advisor: Professor Stephanie Randell
Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School
"Growing the Future: Aeroponics and Food Sustainability"
Presenters: Ruth Rogers, Aariz Velji, and Scarlet Clafferty
Advisor: Angelina Clapp
La Vega High School
"Eco-Threads: Turning Discarded Fast-Fashion Into Community Resources (Year 2)"
Presenters: Abrianna Powers and Brooklyn Gravitt
Advisor: Rachel Stolle
"Mathematically Identifying Traffic Strain and Solutions"
Presenter: Joseph Garcia
Advisor: Rachel Stolle
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND ATTENDEE INFORMATION
CONFERENCE LOCATION + PARKING
Thank you to our partner, Baylor Research Innovation & Collaborative for hosting us again this year, as we “return home” to the BRIC for the 2026 conference. The very first year of the conference we kicked off with our amazing partner and we are excited to be back.
Please Note: this space is a major collaborative and research facility. Parking is free and available on-site. As guests enter the entrance you’ll be greeted by one of our staff members to direct you on where to go. Please be mindful to not enter any rooms that are not marked by our conference signage as there are groups working diligently throughout the space!
Learn more about the BRIC here.
CONFERENCE HOTEL BLOCKS
Element Hotel Waco
2200 Robinson Dr
Waco, TX 76706
$139 Standard Kings
$169 Studio Queens
EVEN Hotel Waco
110 S MLK Jr Blvd
Building B
Waco, TX 76704
$149 Standard King
$189 Standard Double Queens
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Green Communities Conference
Planning Partners
Thanks to our collaborative community partners in dreaming up a more sustainable future for all.
The Green Communities Conference is organized by a diverse coalition of individuals and organizations from across Texas, united in their mission to tackle resiliency challenges within their communities.