Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 – Greenbuild 2009 has been an overwhelming success, considering the down economy. Phoenix was a hotbed of optimism in green design and construction, with an estimated 28,000 attendees. Although I’m exhausted, I’m sad that Greenbuild is over. I still had so many more people to see!

So who were all these people? In addition to all the green product exhibitors on the expo floor (I visited with a handful, but there were just too many), the attendees were very mixed. There were people from places near and far. Hats off to Phoenix: I saw many local folks, including those within the city government, surrounding municipalities, local schools (including ASU!) and more. At the keynote session, USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi introduced a handful of international green building leaders, including representatives from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Italy and just about everywhere in between.

There were architects, designers, building owners, facility managers, consultants, engineers and contractors. I also chatted with school district and healthcare personnel. I personally saw fewer students than usual (in my eight-year history of attending Greenbuild), but I saw many more families this year. There were Birkenstocks, but more business suits. As usual, PR pros and media were everywhere. This year, there were a few celebrities on stage and even a few on the expo floor.

Overall, the attendance at Greenbuild 2009 demonstrates the broad reach that the green building industry has developed. And it’s great.

Were you at the show? Who made an impression on you?

Michelle