The closing ceremony officially ends Houston Energy and Climate Week.

Following WWII and the Great Depression, Houston invested significantly in oil and gas, leading to a thriving industrial society. Nearly a century later, the city is again daring to dream and invest boldly in the energy transition. What holds us back is often fear of failure. How can we transform that fear into a driving force for action? As we conclude the week under the theme "We do hard things," we will reflect on how to move forward, embrace our learnings, and become comfortable with taking risks.

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - Registration, Networking & Book Signing with James Keyes

12:45 PM - Opening and Welcome Lindsay Roe, President, Allies in Energy, and Juliana Gairazar, co-chair, Houston Energy and Climate Week

1:00 PM - Lessons on Hard Things: The Collapse of Blockbuster

Keynote James Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, and fireside discussion with Katie Mehnert, co-chair of Houston Energy and Climate Week

Growing up in poverty in central Massachusetts, James Keyes seemed destined for a life of hardship. His ascent to the role of CEO at 7-Eleven is a testament to his ability to not only dream big but also to execute effectively, achieving a remarkable tenfold increase in shareholder value. As Chairman & CEO of Blockbuster, he navigated the tumultuous waters of the company's epic decline amid the digital age. His book, Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands, emphasizes that tackling tough challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities for sustainable success, advocating for educational investment. His insights offer a compelling narrative that challenges industry leaders to rethink their approaches to the energy transition, adapting in ways that safeguard their futures while driving societal progress. The bridge he builds between personal growth and broader societal benefit lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable energy landscape.

2:00 PM— In This Together America: Reimagining The New Energy Future

Moderated by Bill Shireman, President, In This Together America

Trevor Best, Chief Executive Officer, Syzygy Plasmonics
Adam Lake, Head of Engagement North America, The Climate Group / NYC Climate Week
Elizabeth Carlson, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tricon Energy and Chair, Sustainability, Houston 2026 World Cup
Jason Fischer, Director, Officer of Sustainability, Houston Methodist

Join us for an inspiring wrap-up session featuring special guests from NYC Climate Week, The Texas Medical Center, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Houston energy innovation ecosystem. This interactive discussion will explore how diverse stakeholders collaborate to create a sustainable energy future for all Americans. The panel will delve into innovative solutions, share success stories, and highlight the collective efforts necessary to address the pressing challenges of the energy transition. Together, we will reimagine how unity and collaboration can drive impactful change and foster an environment where communities thrive.

3:00 PM - What Hard Thing Will You Do?

In this engaging session, we reflect on the insights gained and the connections made throughout Houston Energy and Climate Week. Participants will share what they learned and the inspiring individuals they met and identify their next 'hard thing' to tackle. This interactive discussion will focus on actionable steps to build on the collaborative momentum generated during the week. Join us to explore how we can collectively amplify our efforts and kick off an even more significant, impactful week in the coming year.

Event terms and conditions

2024 Houston Energy & Climate Week Closing Ceremonies

Friday September 13, 2024

Team Members