The first in-person symposium for members of The Climate Toolkit, presented by Phipps Conservatory and Duke Farms

The Climate Toolkit Symposium
OCT. 26 – 28, 2025
PHIPPS CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS; PITTSBURGH, PA

Since 2020, The Climate Toolkit has served as a network to gather cultural institutions to share, mentor and learn how to address climate change within their institutions and inspire the communities they serve. This fall, the Toolkit is pleased to announce its inaugural in-person symposium, to be held at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA. At this multi-day event, which kicks off the evening of Sun., Oct. 26 with an opening night soiree and runs through Tuesday afternoon, we seek to convene partner institutions from around the world, strengthen relationships, spark conversations and collaborations, and bond the network of the Climate Toolkit community towards achieving greater efforts in climate-aligned operations and impactful public engagement.

Tickets to the symposium are available now. A $150 ticket includes full symposium admission and all food and beverages.

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Opening Evening

SUN., OCT. 26, 6 – 9 P.M.

This welcoming event, held against the backdrop of Phipps’ lush Tropical Forest Panama exhibit and Special Events Hall, features an opening address, refreshments, a buffet dinner, live music and networking.

Day 1: Case Studies in Climate Success

MON., OCT. 27, 9:30 A.M. – 5 P.M., DINNER AND KEYNOTE PRESENTATION 6 – 9 P.M.

The first full day of the symposium will be devoted to panel presentations and workshops focusing on a number of climate-related topics including decarbonization and electrification projects, water conservation, green investments, case studies of climate-aligned operations, engagement, public programs and more.

Sustainability tours held during the day will give conference attendees an intimate look at Phipps’ state-of-the-art living buildings, green infrastructure, native landscaping, water retention and recycling systems, LEED-certified production greenhouse, and east-wing decarbonization.

A poster session will also be held, allowing individual organizations to showcase their work.

Breakfast, lunch, and coffee will be provided; after a brief recess at 5 p.m., attendees will reconvene for a buffet dinner and guest keynote presentation in the evening.

Day 2: A Deep Dive Into the Future

TUES., OCT. 28, 9:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.

On Day 2 of the Climate Toolkit Symposium, institutions come together for a collaborative deep dive into the future of climate action within the cultural sector. This day emphasizes shared learning, strategy development, and innovative approaches to sustainability, as museums, gardens, zoos, field stations, science centers and other cultural organizations explore collective pathways towards amplifying our greatest climate impact possible.

Phipps President and CEO Richard Piacentini and the Climate Toolkit team will lead interactive sessions on Regenerative Thinking that push beyond traditional modes of decision-making and leadership structure. The schedule will include time for breakout groups to work on climate-related projects or to create institutional climate action plans.

Through focused discussions and workshops, participants will envision a resilient, climate-conscious future, grounded in cross-sector collaboration and bold institutional leadership.

Breakfast, lunch, and coffee will be provided.

Your $150 admission ticket includes full symposium admission and all food and beverages. Information on travel and lodging will be provided soon. The Climate Toolkit Symposium is immediately followed by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Conference, also in Pittsburgh – we encourage interested attendees to extend their stay and join both events.

Questions? Contact alampl@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-622-6915, ext. 6752

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PRESENTED BY

About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA is a globally recognized green leader with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Encompassing 15 acres including a historic 14-room glasshouse, 23 distinct indoor and outdoor gardens and industry-leading sustainable architecture and operations, Phipps attracts more than half a million visitors annually from around the world. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.

About Duke Farms: Duke Farms is a living lab where we develop model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation, and clean energy transition.  Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, our campus is a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to spark change. Duke Farms is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation which strives to build a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. Learn more at dukefarms.org.