Integrative Alternative Medicine

I have finally surfaced from being a bit buried from aftermath paperwork and loose ends that are associated with putting on the LOHAS Forum. (Whew!) I have to say that I feel this event was the best LOHAS yet. We had over 550 people attend who were representing 360 different companies. The green eyes of the world descended upon Boulder Colorado the Longmont Times claimed as people came as far as Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South America to attend the event.

It appears that many enjoyed the LOHAS Forum’s speakers and sessions. Rob Delwo, a scholarship recipient for the event stated in his blog, “It was an incredible conference that brought together pioneers of the green industry, such as Ray Anderson from Interface, with the new emerging class of green thinkers, such as eighteen year old Carly Wertheim , Co-President of Teens Turning Green. The topics discussed included everything from Engineering to Yoga.”

There is uniqueness to the event that is hard to describe. As ecopreneurists.com states, it brings together companies wanting to attract "conscious consumers, green capitalism and  and great connections." There is permission to be connected beyond business but at a soul level. Anthony Zolezzi has seen this also. As an opening session speaker he states in his blog “From what I observed, the attendees seemed to want to hug, network and truly get to know each other, right from the opening session.” 

LOHAS is such a large all encompassing concept with the goal to create relationships that may not occur at other events. I had stated in my opening address for the event that many of us get caught in the groove of our daily grind that indirectly places blinders on us. We cannot see the opportunity that is right next to us if we engage with others. We wanted people to take those blinders off and be able to connect with each other on a heartfelt level to establish beneficial relationships. These connections are not only for green environment but also to understand our social accountability and maintain a sustainable economy.

The buzz generated from various companies being in one location such as Mr. Ellie pooh to Wall Mart and MINI Cooper.  “It was a huge learning experience for me,” said Kate Alini, marketing communications manager for Mini USA, a division of BMW in a Colorado Daily news article.  Alini said because she represents the automotive industry, she thought she would be “ostracized by tree-huggers,” but she found a unique cross-promoting network at the conference. “The automotive industry is not moving fast enough sustainability-wise,” she said. “I thought they were going to think I was the plague, but everyone wants know how they can help each other.”

Brent Green author of the Boomers Blog agrees with most that the keynote sessions such as Ray Anderson, Wade Davis, NMI and Carly Wertheim were well received by attendees. Based on the feedback we received, the favorite was Hunter Lovins of Natural Capitalism Solutions. "She is one larger-than-life tour guide. Cowboy hat, long hair, and booming voice she seems like she should be herding cattle rather than wrangling opinions." says Ecoscene.com. SolveClimate.com summarized Hunter's session as the business case for climate protection.  She gave several cool eco facts that stuck with many. Wade Davis was a close second who was tremendously inspiring and according to Belief.net has the ‘best job ever’.  Some other speakers were interviewed by Elephant Journal’s Waylon Lewis.

It is difficult to describe the energy and the diversity of the LOHAS Forum to those who do not experience it. To have green fashion specialists next to socially responsible investment brokers who both find common ground with holistic alternative medicine businesses is quite exciting and unique.

We were also able to connect live via Skype to a German LOHAS conference occurring at the same time. Themed Karma Consumption, it demonstrate the growth and internationalism of LOHAS.

According to the Boulder County Business Report the LOHAS Forum provided a good boost for the local economy too.  

I want to thank the LOHAS team, sponsors and attendees for contributing to such a successful event.