Weber State University’s 17th annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit, or ISS, is set for March 19-20 at the Shepherd Union Building on the WSU campus.

Bonnie Christiansen, Intermountain Sustainability Summit organizer, told the Standard-Examiner in an email Thursday this year’s theme of “Building Resilience” is especially important.

“This is an opportunity to learn from experts, policy makers, peers and students, which is especially important right now as we face intertwined planetary, climate, and community challenges,” she said. “That’s why so many of the sessions will focus on ways to address becoming more resilient by exploring innovative ideas, adapting infrastructure, and strengthening cross-sector relationships.”

She said the conference has come a long ways from its origins.

“It was started in 2009 as a recycling event by a Weber State student — the late Chris Brown — and formalized as the Intermountain Sustainability Summit the following year,” she said. “This high-energy, two day event will showcase expert-led sessions, new innovations by student researchers, and host Utah’s businesses, non-profits and others who are spearheading sustainability solutions at the Eco Expo. Those who attend can expect to learn from over 50 sustainability experts, as well as hundreds of other sustainability-minded professionals, students, and emerging leaders.”

Christiansen said this year’s workshops will be a great opportunity to immerse visitors in how resilience is being put into practice across many industries.

“Next week’s in-depth workshops will cover some really new, innovative topics,” she said. “They’re a great opportunity for folks who want to dig a little deeper, learning about things like increasing energy efficiency in the industrial sector or building community-based resilience hubs. Participants walk away not just with big ideas, but with practical tools they can use.”

She also noted some of the specific topics that will be discussed during next week’s summit.

“Major energy innovations, ranging from municipality-wide net-100% renewable energy programs to small scale plug-in solar, will be explored at this year’s ISS,” she said. “Plug-in-solar, also known as Balcony Solar, was first enabled in the U.S. in Utah, through legislation championed by Utah State Representative Ray Ward, as a plug-in, behind-the-meter solar solution for homeowners and renters.”

The public is invited to attend — whether they are a professional or just eager to learn about sustainability. Registrations can be submitted online through Monday or at the event.

“When people come together from across sectors, and with differing knowledge sets, anything is possible, Christiansen said. “Building resilience across our infrastructure, our ecosystems and our communities is taking place today, and can continue to do so, when we put our minds, and hands to work in collaboration.”

For more information and to register for the 2026 summit, visit https://www.weber.edu/issummit/.