Democratic National Convention Committee and Chicago 2024 Host Committee Announce Sustainability Advisors

CHICAGO – Today, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Chicago 2024 Host Committee announced the selection of two women-owned, Chicago-based firms, BRIGHT BEAT and PURPOSE, to serve as Sustainability Advisors for the Democratic National Convention. Bright Beat and Purpose will work with the DNCC and Host Committee to oversee and develop sustainability programming for the convention, with the goal of making the event the most sustainable Democratic National Convention in history.

“President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats are taking the most transformative action in American history to tackle the climate crisis, and it’s imperative that we showcase this same commitment at the Democratic National Convention,” said Alex Hornbrook, DNCC Executive Director. “We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our partners at Bright Beat x Purpose as we strive to make this year’s convention the most sustainable in history.”

“We are thrilled to partner with two women-owned, locally based firms to ensure our strategies around sustainability can be leveraged to not only make this the most sustainable convention yet, but to leave a blueprint behind for future large-scale events in Chicago,” said Christy George, Chicago 2024 Host Committee Executive Director. “This first of its kind partnership will leave a positive, lasting impact on the city long after the convention has gone.”

“Collaboration in sustainability is vital. We commend the Democratic National Convention for leading in operationalizing sustainability, aiming not just to cut event emissions, but also to introduce climate solutions across communities and businesses city-wide. This event is pivotal for advancing Chicago’s sustainability on a national scale,” said Stephanie Katsaros, founder of Bright Beat.

“We’re excited to offer comprehensive sustainability insights – from measurement to mitigation – and to engage in discussions about the lasting legacy of the Democratic National Convention and Host Committee with regard to Chicago’s tourism and local communities,” said Marley Finnegan, founder of Purpose.

Bright Beat x Purpose will be responsible for implementing emissions-mitigation strategies and sustainability policies, resource management and recovery, resource conservation, waste prevention, material reuse, recycling, composting, and food donation. In addition, the team will empower stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility that extends far beyond the convention itself.

Bright Beat x Purpose is a partnership formed by two women-owned, local Chicago firms. Founder Stephanie Katsaros of Bright Beat has proven expertise in building collaborative, impact-oriented solutions for system-level environmental stewardship programs. Marley Finnegan of Purpose brings her accredited event sustainability education tools and technology for event emissions calculations. Bright Beat and Purpose have worked on a number of Chicago-based events, including being the sustainability partner for Savor Chicago, the food service provider to McCormick Place. Together, this partnership will ensure a comprehensive, innovative approach to sustainability at the Democratic National Convention.