Plain Green 10 was a kick. Now we’re sifting through all the bytes of information needing organization and wrap-up, and the headless snowman napkin sketch I woefully described during the “good morning welcome” has emerged. Had we been able to bring this simple diagram up on the screen, it would have illustrated our intent and mission for the day.

It was a quick illustration by Brian Dunbar from the Opening Party the night before. Brian was explaining three very different places in the way we design our world.

Degenerate. The bottom of the illustration is where most of us reside, and usually design if that is our profession, and if we’re being honest.

Sustain. The middle is really a misnomer, but worthy target.

Regenerate. At the top is what the future holds for those who truly dream, stretch and look long into the future when designing and making our world.

The ‘belly button,’ by the way, is where Brian sees green building these days.

Nathan is also a communications ninja. He’s a prolific blogger and tweeter, and posted his slideshow online prior to his talk, asking his Twitter followers who could not be there to submit questions that he would answer during the session. Now, he’s posted his slides, with real time audio from his talk, on Slideshare.

Enjoy.

Now, we need your help. We’re already planning for Plain Green 11, coming to Sioux Falls again in April next year. Would you take three minutes to answer a few questions in a survey we put together? It would be hugely helpful.

Just click here to take our easy breezy survey. We’ll even be giving away a free registration to next year’s conference to one lucky survey picker-upper.

And, once again, super massive thanks to the sponsors, exhibitors, presenters and volunteers who stepped up to make Plain Green 10 possible for all of us to enjoy. Our cup overfloweth, big time.

Mitchell Joachim and Steve Clark on SD Public Radio’s Dakota Midday with Paul Guggenheimer.

“Plain Green 10 Was Kick A**” on Greenway Comunique blog.

“New Green Idea in Sioux Falls” on KDLT News.

“Green Vibe Strong as Plain Green Gets Underway” on Argus Leader.

“I Think We Can, I Think We Can” on Mighty Good Planet.

faces @ plain green 10 from Plain Green on Vimeo.

Plain Green 10 got started yesterday with a bale raising (photos coming soon). This morning the bales will get a new coat of stucco, and we launched three pre-conference workshops, with two more coming this afternoon.

It’s all a build up to the Opening Night Keynote and Marketplace Party starting at 5pm in the Great Hall. If you haven’t reserved your spot yet, there’s still time.

If you carpool, we’ve just secured additional parking for Plain Green attendees. You can park in the First Lutheran Church lots South of the Washington Pavilion for $5 all day on Thursday, April 29.

Plain Green exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers can park for free in the First Lutheran Church lot across Dakota Avenue, south of the church. Signage and volunteers will be out to help you.

Putting on the region’s premiere sustainability conference and marketplace takes brains and brawn. And moxie. This year, our team of on-site volunteers are calling themselves the “Moxie Squad.” Why? Because they can.

They are an awesome bunch, and they’ll be helping you along your Plain Green experience. There are many more Moxie Squad members behind the scenes too.

To all of them, a great big thank you in advance.