Sustainable Brands 2011 in Monterey, CA

The Monterey Conference Center is also going green and the team there are on the path to joining the Portola Hotel on US Green Building Council's list of LEED-certified properties.

Read more about this project and the facility where SB'11 will be held. Click here for Monterey Conference Center's Sustainability Statement.

Monterey's world-famous historic district, Cannery Row, is just steps away, as is Fisherman's Wharf, the renowned Monterey Aquarium and dozens of restaurants to enjoy with your peers.

Whatever your interests and pleasures, Monterey has a little something for everyone! Whether you like to hike, bike, surf, golf or walk on the beach, you will be able to indulge in your favorite activities while attending SB'11!

Here are just a few of our favorites and suggestions.

Take advantage of the opportunity to test-drive a brand new Specialized bicycle and get an expanded experience of the gorgeous Monterey Peninsula at the same time! Jump on the bike and head south down the bikepath to explore the natural beauty and bounty of the area! Take a ride through Pacific Grove, along Asilomar Beach, through Del Monte Forest and into the beautiful Pebble Beach. This ride is known for beautiful vistas, wildlife and rarely disappoints.

SB'11 is a stone's throw from one of the most productive and diverse ocean habitats in the world - The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Most kayak tours follow the rocky shoreline and explore many different marine habitats. You will learn about the ecology, history and habitats of the Sanctuary and see many types of wildlife including seals, sea otters and many kinds of sea birds.

Hop from dry spot to dry spot along the sea coast at low tide, and checking out what kind of marine life has been stranded in the pools of water formed by depressions in the rocky coast. Very popular with the kids, and adults who enjoy the simple pleasures. Some of the best spots are along the recreation trail between Cannery Row and Pacific Grove, just past Lover's Point!

The fertile soil in Monterey County supports more than 20 different varieties of grapes and a burgeoning organic wine making industry. This unique and diverse habitat is particularly susceptible to global warming, and is rapidly becoming a front line issue in regional environmental debates. We invite you to join the debate over a glass of local Chardonnay or Merlot. There are many local tasting rooms around town, with several located on Cannery Row. Take a stroll down the recreation trail to taste some fine local wines or visit a vineyard which offers winery tours and tastings!

Fishing has long been one of the economic mainstays of the Monterey Bay region, leading locals to take an increasing interest in the sustainability of its precious natural resources. More than one "Eco-Bay Tour" boat now sails from nearby, providing locals and visitors alike the opportunity to watch dolphins, seals, sea otters and other coastal sea life, while learning about the fragile eco-system underpinning this industry and others like it that depend on the ongoing availability of our natural resources. Just steps from the Conference Center, this wharf is steeped in history. Smell the ocean, feel the sea breeze, and sample some local chowders!

Take a walking tour led daily by The Monterey Historic Parks District or walk around "Old Town" and experience the history for yourself. Monterey has preserved many of it's historic adobe's and gardens, and many are right downtown! Visit the Custom House where the first American Flag was raised in California and Colton Hall where the California Constitution was signed. There is no better place to experience California history than the original State Capital!