The conference’s exceptional blend of high-profile speakers, which include actor, author, and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr., and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army John Paul Woodley, Jr., combined with insightful learning tracks and forward-thinking roundtable discussions are sure to provide attendees with valuable information, thought-provoking insights, and exclusive networking opportunities.

There are other environmentally themed conferences, but Engineering Unplugged is unique in that it is targeted toward a wide variety of engineers who are designing, building, operating, and maintaining green buildings, shipping facilities, watercraft, or future supply chain for Wind Energy—plus attendees will earn 0.8 CEUs—all at the affordable rate of $195 for a full-day’s conference. Selected sessions will have the added benefit of LEED CEUs.

“Past attendees have been floored that they receive such an enriching educational experience and earn as many CEUs as they do all in one day at such a great price,” says Clair Dorsey, director of the ODU Business Gateway’s Professional Development Center, which is hosting the event. “We developed the conference with guidance from engineers because they represent the people whose needs we want to meet—those who work every day to better our world by bettering the environment.”

But it is not just engineers who benefit from the conference; past attendees include architects, facility managers, construction professionals, building managers, manufacturers, designers, researchers, the military, and the government.

 “I think having John Paul Woodley, Jr., as our keynote speaker and Ed Begley, Jr., as our guest luncheon speaker demonstrates the breadth of appeal and  interest this area of expertise has on such a vast audience,” says Dorsey.  

Woodley served as Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources, and he convened the first Governor’s Conference on Sustainability in the Commonwealth. In 2001, Woodley was the principal environmental advisor to the Secretary of Defense, and from 2003 to 2009, Woodley served as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army (Civil Works). Woodley is currently a consulting director with Advantus Strategies, LLC, providing strategic counsel to clients in water resource development nationwide. 

Ed Begley, Jr., will attend a VIP reception for special guests, sponsors, and the media and will serve as guest speaker at the conference luncheon. People may recognize Begley from TV, film, and the recent HGTV reality series on Begley’s sustainable home called “Living with Ed”. Just last month Begley was cast as a lead in the NBC comedy pilot, “Brave New World.” He has been an active environmentalist since the 1970’s, and his lectures on sustainability continue to attract sold-out crowds around the country.

Other local and national experts are scheduled to speak on such environmental topics as green building, energy conservation, greenhouse gasses, and wind energy. In addition, these and other experts will take part in roundtable discussions with attendees, providing an excellent opportunity for conference-goers to network and get answers to their most pressing questions.

Conference attendees who register by March 20th receive exclusive access to participate in a Live Web Chat with Ed Begley, Jr., and John Paul Woodley, Jr.

During March, there will be a weekly drawing for people who have entered to win a free registration to the event. To enter to win and to register for Engineering Unplugged 2011, go to www.engineeringunplugged.com/green or call 757-683-5479.

The ODU Business Gateway provides a single, consistent entry point to the intellectual capital, innovative technologies, and exceptional infrastructure of the University. The activities of the Business Gateway will have a direct impact in creating jobs, encouraging capital investment, and supporting the business attraction activities of the governor.

Photographs and other background media are available upon request.