August was packed with opportunities to reconnect, learn, and expand my network across sustainability, marketing, and innovation communities in Austin. Each event brought something unique to the table, here’s a look at the highlights.
USGBC Texas Green Coffee Hour
After bouncing back from my fifth round of COVID, it felt incredible to return to the USGBC Texas Green Coffee Hour at Easy Tiger. Conversations ranged from fire prevention strategies to career journeys and even how solar can be more seamlessly integrated into design. More than anything, I realized how much I’d missed being surrounded by green-minded peers. This morning left me recharged and ready to rebuild momentum in my networking efforts.
FIESTA
FIESTA (Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers) delivered its usual mix of big ideas and fresh connections. From ten one-minute founder pitches—including innovations like turning methane into jet fuel and an RV-sharing platform—to sponsor companies like FreeWater and SoberWater leading with purpose, there was no shortage of inspiration. I walked away with fresh perspectives, valuable conversations, and a renewed sense of just how dynamic Austin’s startup ecosystem has become.
AMA Austin Coffee Meetup
The AMA Austin coffee meetup at Cosmic Coffee was the perfect way to start the day. It was a blend of familiar faces and newcomers, all swapping stories about freelancing, event marketing, and how AI is shaping the future of mar/comm. There’s always something energizing about being around marketing professionals who truly love what they do—it reminds me of why I chose this field in the first place.
BASHH (Big A** Social Happy Hour)
BASHH felt like a reunion with nearly every marketer I’ve crossed paths with recently at that event. Between catching up with old connections and welcoming newcomers to Austin’s professional scene, I found myself sharing my go-to networking events and tips with people eager to dive deeper into the community. It was a great reminder of how much value comes from both giving and receiving in Austin’s tight-knit networking circles.
Ecosystem Space
This month’s Ecosystem Space at Capital Factory was a celebration of innovation and collaboration. A highlight was the short film on Rice Eclipse Rocket Team’s win in Midland, followed by Austin Claybrook’s insights into lunar missions. Seeing a full-size competition rocket from Austin Community College on display added an inspiring visual element. What struck me most is how space technology and sustainability intersect—satellites monitoring our climate, or resource-efficient systems designed for space that can also improve life here on Earth. These conversations left me optimistic about the future of aerospace in Austin.
Austin Climate Innovation Meetup
The Austin Climate Innovation Meetup tackled one of Texas’s most pressing issues: water. Two incredible companies showcased technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible. One is reclaiming and desalinating water from oil, gas, and fracking—not just cleaning it, but extracting valuable minerals for batteries and energy applications. The other is pulling drinkable water straight from the air with atmospheric harvesting technology, applicable from homes to industrial use. These innovations remind me that climate solutions aren’t abstract—they’re being implemented right here in Austin and could shape the future of water access in Central Texas.
