With a slow economy consumers are looking for ways to spend less and waste less. New technologies and innovative business models are changing the way people consume and invest.  Yerdle is opening up the overstuffed garages of old trumpets, unused camping tents, and rarely used power tools to the wider community. Airbnb is making spare bedrooms and empty apartments available to thrifty travelers and homeowners looking to make a profit. Solar Mosaic is taking solar investment to the people to fund community solar projects around the country. Is crowd-funding the future of investment? Does sharing really cut down on waste? How is the sharing economy forcing slow moving tax and regulation models to change with the times?

 Dave Bartmuss, Group Communications Manager, General Motors

Scott Griffith, Chairman and CEO, Zipcar Susan Sheen, Co-director, Transportation Sustainability Research Center, UC Berkeley

Innovative companies such as Zipcar are moving in on an expanding market of consumers looking to escape the burdens of car ownership.  The cost of parking, insurance, maintenance, and gas can add up quickly for auto owners. Car sharing companies tout lower costs and reduced traffic emissions as benefits of their service model. Does car sharing really reduce emissions? Are automakers threatened? Join us for a discussion on innovative mobility.

 Cost:$55 standard, $35 members, $7 students (with valid ID). Includes both programs.