Colorado Mountain College’s sustainability studies program will host its sixth sustainability conference from 9 a.m. to noon on Earth Day, which is Friday.

“Be the Change,” will be accessible via Zoom throughout the college’s nine-county district and beyond. The conference is free, and the public is encouraged to register.

Matt Hamilton will provide the keynote address, discussing his perspectives on leading sustainability efforts within the business sector. Hamilton spent nearly 14 years with the Aspen Skiing Co., first as sustainability coordinator, then sustainability manager, and finally, as director of sustainability.

Hamilton is now the director of corporate sustainability at VF Corp., one of the largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies in the world focusing on socially and environmentally based operations and products.

The 123-year-old corporation has 12 brands including The North Face, Vans, Smartwool and Timberland. Hamilton said that VF Corp. produces 400 million units of apparel, footwear and accessories every year, and, “as practitioners, we’re able to influence and help reduce environmental and social impacts by producing sustainable products,” he said.

The conference will also feature Colorado Mountain College President Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, who will describe the college’s educational and operational visions regarding sustainability.

Additionally, graduating sustainability studies students will give brief research presentations in five breakout rooms. Virtual attendees may select which breakout room to visit: biodiversity as goal and solution; social justice and education; infrastructure for transformation; food and the future; or rivers, fire and climate action.

Spots for the virtual conference are filling fast. Following the conference, three Colorado Mountain College campuses — at Vail Valley at Edwards, Steamboat Springs and Spring Valley — will host free Earth Day celebrations.

For more information about all the on-campus activities and to register for the virtual conference, visit coloradomtn.edu/sustainabilityconference.