AGENDA
Event agenda
View our WIP Agenda
(subject to change)
08.30-09.00 AM
Opening Remarks
A welcome to the SMARTER Infrastructure Summit. Kick off the day with an introduction from the event organizers and a sneak peek of what's in store. Ideal for: Policymakers, engineers, and activists.
09.00-10.00 AM
Keynote Address: "The Infrastructure Tipping Point: Why This Decade Decides Everything"
A data-driven manifesto on how outdated infrastructure systems are the single biggest barrier to climate goals—and how to overhaul them. Ideal for: Policymakers, engineers, and activists.
10.00-11.00 AM
Panel Discussion: Old Laws, New Tricks: How Antiquated Codes Are Being Weaponized for Climate Action
Case studies of cities repurposing zoning laws, building codes, and procurement rules to fast-track green projects. Ideal for: Policymakers, engineers, and activists.
11.00-12.00 PM
Panel Discussion: The Policy Graveyard: Why Good Intentions Fail (And How to Fix It)
A lively discussion on how AI is being implemented in sectors like healthcare, finance, and logistics, with industry experts.Ideal for: Policy shapers, NGOs, academics.
EPA Regulator
Mayor
NLC
Researcher
RMI
12.00-01.00 PM
Lunch & Networking
In the venue, exquisite light meals and various fruits and beverages have been prepared for all the distinguished guests, allowing everyone to have sufficient energy and rest at noon
01.00-02.00 PM
Workshop: Interactive: Panel Discussion: Zoning Hacks for Green Infrastructure
Hands-on exercise rewriting zoning codes to allow microgrids, bike lanes, and adaptive reuse. Bring your laptop! Ideal for: Planners, architects, activists.
2.00-03.00 PM
Postmortem: Case Study: NEPA as a Weapon: When Environmental Reviews Block Progress
A blow-by-blow account of a renewable project killed by litigation—and legal workarounds. Ideal for: Developers, lawyers, agency staff.
3.00-04.00 PM
Demo: Live Demo: AI for Permitting: Cutting Approval Times by 60%"
A blow-by-blow account of a renewable project killed by litigation—and legal workarounds. Ideal for: Policy shapers, NGOs, academics.
04.00-05.00 PM
Happy Hour
Thank you all for attending. Please enjoy your leisure time after the exhibition
9:00-10.00 PM
Keynote Address: The Hype Graveyard: Why Most ‘Green Tech’ Fails in the Wild
A ruthless analysis of overfunded flops (e.g., solar roadways) and the 5 traits of actually scalable solutions？ Ideal for: VCs, engineers, policymakers.
MIT Infrastructure Lab Director
10:00-11.00 PM
Debate: Is Hydrogen the Future—Or a Distraction?
A no-holds-barred debate on hydrogen’s role in heavy industry vs. its inefficiencies. Audience votes! Ideal for: Energy nerds, investors.
Pro-Hydrogen Engineer
Skeptical VC
11:00-12.00 PM
Fireside Chat: The EV Mythbuster: Why ICE Isn’t Dead (And Never Will Be)
A contrarian take on the "EVs for all" dogma, with data on ICE efficiency gains, EV grid limits, and right-tool-for-the-job thinking. Ideal for: Fleet managers, auto execs, realists.
12：00-1：00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Enjoy your break and our prepared lunch!
1.00-02.00 PM
Panel: Grid Modernization: Lessons from Texas, California & Iceland
How extreme weather and policy risks shape infrastructure resilience. Ideal for: Utility reps, engineers, disaster planners.
2.00-03.00 PM
Workshop: Role-Playing: How to Convince a Mayor to Bet on Unproven Tech"
Teams pitch mock proposals to a "mayor" (actor) using real-world constraints.
Ideal for: Startup founders, lobbyists. Ideal for: Startup founders, lobbyists.
3.00-04.00 PM
Postmortem-Case Study: The Solar Roadway Disaster: What Went Wrong?
A forensic breakdown of a viral flop—bad assumptions, PR pitfalls, and engineering arrogance. Ideal for: Founders, engineers, marketers.
4：00-05.00 PM
Demo: Live Pitch: The Startup That Could Make Geothermal Go Global
A 15-minute demo of breakthrough drilling tech, followed by investor Q&A. Ideal for: Funders, engineers
9.00-10.00 PM
Opening Keynote: The Infrastructure Tipping Point: Why This Decade Decides Everything
A data-driven manifesto on how outdated infrastructure systems are the single biggest barrier to climate goals—and how to overhaul them. Ideal for: Policymakers, engineers, and activists.
10：00-11.00 PM
Fireside Chat: Old Laws, New Tricks: How Antiquated Codes Are Being Weaponized for Climate Action
Case studies of cities repurposing zoning laws, building codes, and procurement rules to fast-track green projects. Ideal for: Municipal leaders, lawyers, developers.
Portland DOT Rep
Urban Design Firm Lead
11：00-12.00 PM
Panel：The Policy Graveyard: Why Good Intentions Fail (And How to Fix It)
Join Olivia Reynolds, Principal Engineer at AlphaTech, as she discusses the role of AI in creating personalized consumer experiences.
EPA
Regulator
Mayor
NLC
RMI
Researcher
12.00-1.00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Have close contact with our speakers, get the future opportunities
1.00-2.00 PM
Workshop: Interactive: Zoning Hacks for Green Infrastructure
Hands-on exercise rewriting zoning codes to allow microgrids, bike lanes, and adaptive reuse. Bring your laptop! Ideal for: Planners, architects, activists.
Urban Design Firm Lead
Portland DOT Rep
02.00-03.00 PM
Postmortem: Case Study: NEPA as a Weapon: When Environmental Reviews Block Progress
Join Olivia Reynolds, Principal Engineer at AlphaTech, as she discusses the role of AI in creating personalized consumer experiences.
Environmental Lawyer
Infrastructure Developer
03.00-04.00 PM
Demo： Live Demo： AI for Permitting: Cutting Approval Times by 60%
Live demo of machine learning tools that predict permitting bottlenecks. Ideal for: Tech teams, city IT staff, contractors.
