Fred Schindler IEEE #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year + 1.5 with Ruud Janssen

In this episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, Ruud Janssen and Fred Schindler reflected on the inaugural IEEE Clean Tech and Climate Change conference, held in Glasgow in October, which attracted 200 attendees from IEEE’s global membership of over half a million. Fred, the event owner, shared insights into organizing this cross-disciplinary event, designed to embody IEEE’s motto, “Advancing technology for humanity,” by fostering collaboration across technical communities and breaking silos. The opening reception at Glasgow City Chambers featured Bailey Annette Christie reading a poem that emphasized the importance of the next generation, a theme that resonated deeply with Fred, who symbolically referenced his grandson in the closing remarks. The conference’s structure included two days of sessions, panels, and pitch competitions, with the ideation and startup tracks emerging as highlights. Judges faced a tough decision in the startup track, naming two runners-up alongside the winner, showcasing innovative solutions that energized participants. A notable panel on aviation sustainability sparked discussions about clean energy in air travel, while the overlapping EGRID conference in Glasgow presented logistical challenges and collaboration opportunities. Fred acknowledged the difficulties of hybrid event formats, citing technical issues with a remote speaker as a lesson learned. He credited David Stankiewicz and Crystal Edwards for their pivotal roles in program development and event logistics. The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning event destinations with themes, such as Glasgow’s sustainability mission and COP26 legacy, and looked ahead to COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Fred concluded by reflecting on the need for IEEE to enhance its relevance and influence in advancing technology for the benefit of humanity and future generations, underscoring the urgency of addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration.