The second day of the Food Tank conference at SXSW 2025 continued the momentum from Day 1, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and advocates to discuss the future of food sustainability, agriculture, and nutrition. Held once again at the scenic Barr Mansion in Austin, TX, the event provided a deep dive into critical topics, from organic farming to food justice. Below is a recap of the most insightful discussions and key takeaways from Day 2.
Panel of speakers on young farmersFireside chat with Mama KPanel of speakersSlide line up of speakers
Welcome Remarks
Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, opened the second day of the conference by emphasizing the importance of sustainable food systems and the role of collaboration in addressing global food challenges. She highlighted the growing consumer interest in organic and regenerative agriculture, setting the stage for the day’s discussions. Watch her remarks here.
This year’s Food Tank conference at SXSW took place on March 13-14 at the beautiful Barr Mansion in Austin, TX. As a returning attendee from 2024, I was eager to dive into the discussions shaping the future of food, sustainability, and nutrition. Food Tank consistently brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and changemakers to explore how food impacts our health, communities, and environment. The event fosters critical conversations about how we produce, distribute, and consume food in a way that supports both people and the planet. Below is my recap of Day 1, which was filled with insightful panels, inspiring speakers, and thought-provoking conversations that left me feeling energized for the future of sustainable food systems.
Milking SimulationSelfie in front of backgroundBrochure in front of stageThe moderator, Dani, making announcements
Welcome Remarks
The event opened with a powerful address from Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President of Huston-Tillotson University. She set the stage with some punny jokes and by emphasizing the importance of equitable access to nutritious food and the role of community-driven solutions in tackling food insecurity. Dr. Wallace highlighted the interconnectedness of food, health, and socioeconomic status, reminding attendees that systemic change requires both grassroots efforts and policy-driven initiatives. Her remarks underscored the significance of partnerships between educational institutions, nonprofits, and policymakers in advancing food justice. It was an inspiring start to the conference, reinforcing why discussions like these are crucial in addressing the disparities in our food systems. Watch her remarks here.
I’ve had a very interesting roller-coaster of a career track, and wouldn’t want it any other way. I began my marketing career at a boutique automotive firm and then worked my way up to larger communications agencies. While I learned and my skills grew, I felt like there was still something missing. Passion. So I took a step back from a traditional path to find it. Through environmental education and adventures in sustainability, I found a career track I’m passionate about using my seasoned marketing skills.
The list below starts with my most recent job and goes back in sequence below:
Design Workshop, Inc.
After my experience in the waste resource management industry, I joined Design Workshop – a national landscape architecture and urban planning firm with projects across the world. In fact, Design Workshop was the same design firm who developed the initial plans for the Southwestern Medical District Urban Streetscape Master Plan legacy project for the Texas Trees Foundation – of which I was intimately familiar with that project and Design Workshop’s graphic work.
I joined the firm as a Marketing Coordinator, who’s primary responsibility was managing project proposal submissions and supporting business development for the Austin studio and Texas region.
As a Marketing Coordinator at Design Workshop, I played a vital role in supporting the Austin Studio while frequently supporting the Houston Studio. My work spanned various aspects of proposal coordination, marketing, business development, and industry research, ensuring the Texas studios made their annual goals and the firm remained competitive in securing projects across the state and the nation. My primary proposal coordination responsibilities required exceptional attention to detail, strong project management skills, and the ability to facilitate multidisciplinary teams across different locations and time zones.
Proposals & Qualifications
Proposals are a crucial part of winning new projects, and I was responsible for managing the entire process from start to finish. This included:
Leading kick-off meetings to align the team and set clear directives for proposal development.
Developing custom InDesign RFP/RFQ bid submissions for Texas, national, and international projects.
Ensuring compliance by reviewing and submitting all necessary legal documents and forms.
Coordinating deadlines to maintain efficiency and ensure high-quality deliverables.
Editing proposals for grammar, formatting, and design consistency.
Communicating with subconsultants and partners to gather required materials.
Managing content libraries for past proposals to streamline future submissions.
Providing design recommendations to enhance the visual appeal of proposals.
Tracking proposal success rates and analyzing feedback to refine content and formatting approach.
In today’s fast-paced world, taking a moment to reflect on personal journeys and achievements can offer valuable insights into who we are and what drives us. I’m Taylor Nelson, and I’m excited to share a glimpse into my life, career, and interests through this personal overview.
A Snapshot of Me
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, my journey has taken me from the vibrant city life of my hometown to the eclectic and dynamic environment of Austin, where I now call home. Alongside my supportive network and my passion for “all things green”, I’ve embraced the diverse experiences life has offered me.
As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for sustainable products. More consumers are looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint, and businesses that prioritize reusability are stepping into the spotlight. However, the success of reusable products, such as refillable containers and sustainable packaging, depends not only on their design and functionality but also on how they are marketed. Here’s how brands can craft compelling marketing strategies to promote reusable products while emphasizing their environmental and financial benefits.
1. Emphasize the Environmental Impact
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to reusable products is their positive impact on the environment. Your marketing should clearly communicate how these products help reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and lower carbon footprints. For instance, highlight how a single reusable water bottle can replace hundreds of single-use plastic bottles over its lifetime. Use data, statistics, and visuals to illustrate these benefits—such as infographics showing the cumulative impact of using reusable items. Making these benefits easy to understand and visually appealing will help consumers grasp the real difference they can make by choosing reusable products.
