315 W 35th St New York, NY 10001

The venue allows for multiple activation zones and is conveniently located just one block away from Penn Station.

Sr Managing Director and Treasurer, CCLab

Anastasia O’Rourke is Senior Managing Director of the Carbon Containment Lab, where she leads nonprofit work advancing sustainable cooling, lifecycle refrigerant management, and superpollutant mitigation. She is also a Lecturer at Yale University and lead author of the forthcoming Corporate Roadmap for Superpollutant Action. Anastasia brings deep expertise in carbon markets, green purchasing, and financing mechanisms that advance clean technologies. She holds a Ph.D. from Yale University, an M.Sc. in Industrial Environmental Management and Policy from Lund University in Sweden, and a B.A. with First Class Honors and the University Medal from the University of Sydney in Australia.

Director, Climate Campaign, EIA

Avipsa Mahapatra is Climate Campaign Director at the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), where she leads efforts to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbons and other climate super pollutants. Her work advances sustainable cooling through stronger refrigerant policy, lifecycle refrigerant management, natural refrigerants, and implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Avipsa works across U.S. and international policy arenas, combining advocacy, research, investigations, and industry engagement to accelerate the transition away from high-global-warming-potential refrigerants. She has helped shape efforts to strengthen refrigerant recovery and reclamation, improve emissions accountability, advance next-generation cooling solutions, and ensure environmental integrity as cooling demand grows worldwide.

Senior Superpollutant Reduction Advocate, NRDC

Richie Kaur leads NRDC’s super pollutant strategy development and advocacy to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the United States under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act and globally under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Prior to joining NRDC, Richie worked at the California Air Resources Board, where she helped plan, develop, and implement nation-leading HFC regulations. An atmospheric chemist by training, Richie holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis. Her doctoral research focused on atmospheric chemical processes affecting air quality and climate change. She is based in the Washington, D.C., area and works on climate policy.

Directory - Global Policy and Advocacy, Trane Technologies

Helen Walter-Terrinoni is Director of Global Climate Policy at Trane Technologies, where she works to advance policies that accelerate the adoption of sustainable heating and cooling technologies. A chemical engineer by training, Helen brings extensive experience in refrigerants, manufacturing, environmental policy, and risk management. Prior to joining Trane Technologies, she served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, where she led the Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force supporting the industry’s transition to lower-GWP refrigerants. Her work connects technology, safety, codes, standards, workforce readiness, and policy to enable practical, responsible transitions toward more sustainable cooling systems.

Sr. Consultant, VEIC

Tom Kacandes is a Senior Consultant at VEIC, where he supports utilities, government agencies, and businesses on energy, refrigerant management, and emerging technologies. Over his 35-year career in energy and facilities, Tom has worked at the intersection of efficient building systems, regulatory compliance, and real-world operations. His experience includes building several factories and managing a large multi-tenant commercial site with 10,000 tons of cooling capacity, giving him a valuable owner-operator perspective. Today, Tom helps clients navigate evolving HVAC and refrigeration technologies, utility programs, and regulations while identifying practical opportunities to improve energy performance, reduce emissions, and manage costs.

Strategist, HFCs and Energy Efficiency, ClimateWorks

Christina Starr is a Strategist with the Clean Cooling Collaborative at ClimateWorks Foundation, where she focuses on reducing the climate impacts of HFC refrigerants and advancing energy efficiency in cooling. She brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience working at the state, federal, and international levels on cooling-sector mitigation policy, refrigerant transitions, and climate campaigns. Her work spans HFC phasedown strategies, lifecycle refrigerant management, energy efficiency standards, and implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Christina holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, bringing policy expertise to sustainable cooling.

Managing Director & President, A-Gas in the Americas

Mike Armstrong is President and Managing Director of A-Gas in the Americas, where he leads strategy, business execution, and technology deployment across the region. Mike joined A-Gas in 2016 as its first Chief Operating Officer and became President of the Americas in 2017. Previously, he spent more than 15 years in engineering, commercial, and operational leadership roles with Linde, a global industrial gas company. Mike holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also served six years as an active-duty Army Officer.

VP of Sales and Marketing, Hudson Technologies

Kirk Reimer is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hudson Technologies, where he oversees refrigerant sales, services, marketing, and customer engagement across the company’s portfolio. A seasoned sales and marketing leader, Kirk brings extensive experience developing go-to-market strategies, building customer relationships, and supporting growth across the HVAC/R industry. Prior to joining Hudson, he held leadership roles at Binsky and spent 24 years with DEWALT in sales, marketing, product development, brand strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. At Hudson, Kirk helps customers navigate an evolving refrigerant market while advancing awareness of recovery, reclamation, and the role of circular refrigerant management.

Co-Founder and COO, FMHero

Adam Dykstra is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of FMHero, a refrigerant management platform connecting technicians, contractors, and equipment owners through improved tracking, documentation, and compliance. Adam began his HVAC/R career at age 14 working in his uncle’s refrigerant reclamation business. In 2002, he co-founded Rapid Recovery, helping grow the company into the world’s largest refrigerant recovery business before its acquisition by A-Gas. Drawing on decades of field and leadership experience, Adam now focuses on improving refrigerant accountability across the HVAC/R lifecycle and helping the industry use better data to strengthen compliance, recovery, and responsible refrigerant management.

Managing Director & President, A-Gas in the Americas

Mike Armstrong is President and Managing Director of A-Gas in the Americas, where he leads strategy, business execution, and technology deployment across the region. Mike joined A-Gas in 2016 as its first Chief Operating Officer and became President of the Americas in 2017. Previously, he spent more than 15 years in engineering, commercial, and operational leadership roles with Linde, a global industrial gas company. Mike holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also served six years as an active-duty Army Officer.

VP of Supply Chain, Hudson Technologies

Rob Stoody is Vice President of Supply Chain at Hudson Technologies, where he provides strategic and operational leadership across supply, production, and distribution. He brings more than 20 years of experience managing compressed industrial and specialty gases, refrigerants, cylinders, and related products, and was named an executive officer of Hudson in 2026. Previously, Rob led Hudson’s Military & Gases Division, overseeing the development and execution of major U.S. Department of Defense contracts, including a $500 million, 10-year agreement supporting military and federal agencies worldwide. His experience brings a valuable supply-chain perspective to refrigerant availability, management, reclamation, and the evolving circular refrigerant economy.

President, RTI

Rodney Pierce is President of Reclamation Technologies USA (RTI), where he leads the company’s growth and delivery of comprehensive refrigerant management solutions. He brings nearly three decades of experience in environmental services, sustainability, innovation, and business development, including leadership roles with Heritage Environmental Services. Rodney’s work focuses on advancing responsible refrigerant recovery, reclamation, reuse, separation, and end-of-life management while creating practical value for customers. Under his leadership, RTI has expanded its national footprint and capabilities to support a more circular approach to refrigerant management. Rodney holds a degree from Purdue University and brings deep experience connecting environmental outcomes with practical business solutions.

Executive Director, REEF

Aleisha Khan is Executive Director of the Refrigerant Emissions Elimination Forum (REEF), where she leads efforts to accelerate market transformation toward climate-friendly refrigerants and lifecycle refrigerant management. She brings more than 25 years of experience spanning building energy efficiency, climate policy, international development, research, and program implementation. Previously, Aleisha served as Senior Climate Advisor at RTI International and has worked with organizations including the World Bank, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She holds a master’s degree in resource economics and policy from Duke University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in architecture from the University of Illinois.

Founder and CEO, Aris Hydronics

Robert Benjamin is Founder and CEO of Aris Hydronics, where he leads the development of integrated heating, cooling, and hot-water systems designed to make building electrification more accessible and practical. His work combines air-to-water heat pumps, hydronic distribution, natural refrigerants, and thermal energy storage, with particular focus on overcoming barriers to multifamily retrofits. Under Robert’s leadership, Aris won the U.S. Department of Energy’s $1 million Equitable and Affordable Solutions to Electrification Grand Prize in 2024. His work focuses on translating advanced building technologies into scalable solutions that improve comfort and resilience while reducing energy costs, refrigerant impacts, and barriers to electrification.

CEO, Recoolit

Louis Potok is CEO and cofounder of Recoolit, a climate technology company pioneering a new approach to preventing refrigerant emissions through recovery, destruction, and high-integrity carbon credits. Operating in Southeast Asia since 2021, Recoolit equips and incentivizes technicians to recover refrigerants, digitally tracks recovered gases, and converts verified destruction outcomes into carbon credits, including through a long-term offtake agreement with Google. Previously, Louis worked in data science, machine learning, and behavioral economics. A global leader in lifecycle refrigerant management, he speaks regularly at Montreal Protocol-related convenings and has served as Chair of COPA’s Technical Working Group on Financing Mechanisms for sustainable cooling.

Director Of Sales, RTI

Russell Pryor is a refrigerant management leader with Reclamation Technologies USA (RTI), bringing extensive experience in refrigerant recovery, reclamation, supply, and lifecycle management. He founded DFW Refrigerant Services, building the company around on-site recovery, refrigerant buyback, reclamation, and supply before it was acquired by RTI in 2021. Russell brings a practical, field-based perspective to helping facility owners capture the financial and environmental value of refrigerants already in circulation. His work connects recovery and reclamation with operational efficiency, refrigerant availability, and smarter asset management, helping organizations reduce waste, avoid unnecessary costs, and create value through responsible refrigerant management across their portfolios.

VP, Therm

Adam Shorey is Vice President of Origination at Therm, where he helps facility owners and operators turn refrigerant emissions reductions into practical, financeable projects. An engineer by training, Adam brings extensive experience in energy efficiency, refrigeration, heat pumps, project development, and decarbonization. His work connects operational opportunities with carbon finance, utility incentives, and other funding mechanisms that can help overcome barriers to adopting climate-friendly technologies. At Therm, Adam works with businesses to accelerate investments in natural refrigerants, leak detection, reclamation, and advanced refrigeration systems. He also chairs the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration’s Responsible Refrigerants Committee, helping advance sustainable refrigerant practices across the industry.

Director, Beyond Alliance

Luke Pritchard is Director of Beyond Alliance, a coalition of leading companies and NGOs working to scale corporate finance for high-integrity climate solutions. He works at the intersection of corporate climate strategy, carbon markets, and market-based mechanisms, helping companies translate climate commitments into credible investment and action. Luke leads Beyond’s work on emerging climate solutions, including efforts to accelerate corporate action on superpollutants and refrigerant emissions across value chains. His work focuses on connecting private-sector demand with measurable, high-impact interventions while strengthening integrity and transparency in climate finance. Luke brings a market-focused perspective on mobilizing corporate investment to accelerate practical, scalable climate solutions.

Founder and CEO, Blue Frontier

Daniel Betts is CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Frontier, where he leads the development and commercialization of next-generation air-conditioning technology combining liquid desiccant cooling with integrated thermal energy storage. He brings nearly three decades of experience in advanced energy systems, spanning research and development, product commercialization, consulting, and executive leadership. Previously, Daniel led clean technology companies focused on advanced air conditioning, distributed power, batteries, and fuel cells. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Thermal Sciences and an MBA from the University of Florida, as well as a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from George Washington University.

Co-Founder and CEO, Enersion

Dr. Hanif Montazeri is Co-Founder and CEO of Enersion, where he leads the development of advanced refrigerant-free heating and cooling technologies. A mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, Hanif brings deep expertise in computational physics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and clean energy technology. Enersion’s technology uses water as a refrigerant and can harness low-grade waste heat to produce cooling, creating new opportunities for energy-intensive facilities such as data centers. Hanif holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, where he has also served as an adjunct faculty member. His work focuses on translating scientific innovation into scalable cooling solutions.

Vice President, Digital CHVAC, Trane Technologies

Dominic Hand is Vice President, Digital CHVAC Americas at Trane Technologies, where he aligns digital strategy and capabilities with business priorities across the Americas. A growth-focused digital leader, Dominic brings more than two decades of experience leading technology-enabled business transformations across startups, consulting, Thermo King, and Trane Technologies. He has helped drive significant growth in connected solutions and played a key role integrating BrainBox AI and Nuvolo capabilities into Trane’s digital portfolio. Dominic also serves as interim Vice President of Operations at BrainBox AI. He holds both a BSB and MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Director, Climate Campaign, EIA

Avipsa Mahapatra is Climate Campaign Director at the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), where she leads efforts to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbons and other climate super pollutants. Her work advances sustainable cooling through stronger refrigerant policy, lifecycle refrigerant management, natural refrigerants, and implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Avipsa works across U.S. and international policy arenas, combining advocacy, research, investigations, and industry engagement to accelerate the transition away from high-global-warming-potential refrigerants. She has helped shape efforts to strengthen refrigerant recovery and reclamation, improve emissions accountability, advance next-generation cooling solutions, and ensure environmental integrity as cooling demand grows worldwide.

Chief Specialist, Finnish Environment Institute

Tapio Reinikainen is a Leading Specialist at the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), bringing more than 30 years of experience in environmental research, policy, and implementation. His work focuses on international climate negotiations, the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol, ozone protection, F-gases, sustainable cooling, and the chemical-safe energy transition. Tapio has extensive experience connecting refrigerant policy with energy efficiency and technology transitions, including work on the Kigali Amendment and its implementation. He also contributes to international dialogue on financing mechanisms, environmental goods and services, and next-generation cooling solutions. His work bridges science, policy, technology, and international cooperation to advance sustainable environmental outcomes.

Head of Secretariat, Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

Martina Otto is the Head of Secretariat of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Martina has over 25 years of experience in Environmental Policy and Programme Management, with a particular focus on energy, buildings, transport and sustainable cities, as well as partnership building. At UNEP, she has served in different functions out of Paris and Nairobi, including in the Executive Office, heading UNEP’s work Transport, Bioenergy, Energy Policy and UNEP's work on on Cities and the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. Before joining UNEP, Martina worked on Trade and Environment and Economic Instruments in the Area of Environmental Protection with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the European Commission and the Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development. She is a fully qualified lawyer specialised in environmental law.

Minister of Environment, Republic of Rwanda

Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye is the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Rwanda. Previously, she was Senior Manager for Africa Restoration Programs at the World Resources Institute (WRI), where she mobilized resources for large-scale restoration, led a team of experts across seven African countries, and oversaw a portfolio focused on investing capital and in the capacity of restoration actors, enabling implementation, monitoring progress, and motivating stakeholders to scale restoration. Earlier in her career, she led restoration monitoring at WRI, generated and analyzed ecosystem services data at Conservation International in the United States, and conducted biodiversity research at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International in Rwanda. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University in Massachusetts, where she received the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship, a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Rwanda.

Senior Strategic Director, Climate and Clean Energy Program, NRDC

David Doniger is Senior Attorney and Strategist for Climate & Energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he has been a leading advocate on climate and clean air policy for decades. He helped formulate the Montreal Protocol, the landmark international agreement to protect the ozone layer, and played important roles in amendments to the U.S. Clean Air Act. David has also served on the White House Council on Environmental Quality and in senior positions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. His work has helped advance global efforts to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals and reduce high-global-warming-potential HFCs through policy and international cooperation.

Bureau Chief of GHG Mitigation, NYSDEC

Suzanne Hagell is Chief of the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Bureau in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Climate Change. Her work focuses on identifying and advancing opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York’s economy, including efforts addressing hydrofluorocarbons, refrigerant management, and the transition to natural refrigerants. Suzanne brings a multidisciplinary background spanning climate change adaptation, forest science, natural resource management, molecular genetics, and decision analysis. She has helped shape New York’s refrigerant policies and programs, connecting regulatory requirements with technology demonstrations, workforce development, and practical implementation to support the state’s ambitious climate and emissions-reduction goals.

VP of Engineering, DMG North

Cory Palmer is Vice President of Engineering at DMG North, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the commercial HVAC industry. His background spans engineering applications, technical support, sales, and leadership, with expertise in heat pumps, central plants, building controls, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. Cory helps lead DMG North’s Decarbonization Training Center in California, where owners, engineers, contractors, technicians, and students gain hands-on experience with emerging building technologies, including transcritical CO₂ heat pumps. His work focuses on bridging technology and field implementation by helping the industry understand, design, install, and maintain the next generation of high-performance building systems.

HVACR Instructor, Minneapolis Pipefitters Local 539 Training Center

William “Bill” Mingo is an HVAC/R instructor with Pipefitters Local 539 in Minnesota, bringing more than 30 years of hands-on industry experience to workforce training. He began his career in pipefitting and has worked extensively in commercial HVAC and supermarket refrigeration before moving into education. Today, Bill helps prepare apprentices and experienced technicians for an industry undergoing rapid technological and refrigerant transitions. His teaching emphasizes practical field skills, safety, proper refrigerant handling, troubleshooting, and the realities technicians encounter on the job. Bill brings a practitioner’s perspective to preparing the workforce for A2Ls, natural refrigerants, advanced equipment, and the next generation of cooling.

Climate Policy Section Lead, NYSDEC

Jessica Fowler is Climate Policy Section Lead in the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Bureau of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Climate Change. She works on policies and programs implementing New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including initiatives addressing hydrofluorocarbon emissions, refrigerant transitions, and workforce development. Prior to joining DEC, Jessica spent six years in the New York State Legislature, focusing on environmental and climate policy and budgeting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Studies from Niagara University and a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College.

Vice President, Digital CHVAC, Trane Technologies

Dominic Hand is Vice President, Digital CHVAC Americas at Trane Technologies, where he aligns digital strategy and capabilities with business priorities across the Americas. A growth-focused digital leader, Dominic brings more than two decades of experience leading technology-enabled business transformations across startups, consulting, Thermo King, and Trane Technologies. He has helped drive significant growth in connected solutions and played a key role integrating BrainBox AI and Nuvolo capabilities into Trane’s digital portfolio. Dominic also serves as interim Vice President of Operations at BrainBox AI. He holds both a BSB and MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Executive Director, AEE

Bill Kent is Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM®). With more than 30 years in the energy management industry, he brings expertise in energy efficiency, automation, building systems, workforce development, and executive leadership. Since joining AEE in 2007, Bill has led initiatives spanning professional training, certification, membership, and industry engagement. He has worked with local, state, and federal agencies to develop workforce training programs and helped advance recognition and accreditation of AEE certifications. Bill is focused on equipping energy professionals with relevant, recognized skills to meet the industry’s evolving workforce needs.

Chief Operating Officer, SEI

Stephen Miller is Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI), where he oversees operations, strategic partnerships, and program delivery. With more than 20 years at SEI, Stephen has designed and scaled workforce and education initiatives connecting emerging talent with careers in clean energy and sustainability, including Climate Corps and Energize Colleges. He currently leads SEI’s expansion in the Northeast, developing strategic education and workforce partnerships across New York State. Previously, Stephen worked with the U.S. Department of Energy on solar and energy-efficiency programs. He also serves as Visiting Faculty at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and holds an MBA.

Digital Business Development Leader for the Greater NE Region, Trane Technologies

Erin Garrity is Digital Business Development Leader for the Greater Northeast Region at Trane Technologies, where she works with clients and partners to advance digital innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainability goals. A chemical engineer by training, Erin is passionate about technology’s role in creating smarter, healthier, and more sustainable spaces while helping organizations navigate change in practical, people-centered ways. Her work at the intersection of digital transformation, customer strategy, and collaboration provides firsthand insight into how the energy transition is reshaping the built environment and its workforce. Erin brings a thoughtful perspective on AI, innovation, skills development, and expanding access to opportunity.

Chief Engagement Officer, Opportunity@Work

Courtney Haynes is Chief Engagement Officer at Opportunity@Work, where she leads strategy, partnerships, and programs that expand economic mobility for workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). With nearly two decades of experience, Courtney has led initiatives and built coalitions spanning workforce development, economic development, education, and public policy. Her career includes work with the U.S. Departments of Energy and Commerce, Hope Street Group, and Turing School of Software & Design. At Opportunity@Work, she helps activate business and regional networks, advance skills-based hiring, and connect talented workers with career opportunities, bringing a cross-sector perspective to the future of work and workforce development.

HVACR Instructor, Minneapolis Pipefitters Local 539 Training Center

William “Bill” Mingo is an HVAC/R instructor with Pipefitters Local 539 in Minnesota, bringing more than 30 years of hands-on industry experience to workforce training. He began his career in pipefitting and has worked extensively in commercial HVAC and supermarket refrigeration before moving into education. Today, Bill helps prepare apprentices and experienced technicians for an industry undergoing rapid technological and refrigerant transitions. His teaching emphasizes practical field skills, safety, proper refrigerant handling, troubleshooting, and the realities technicians encounter on the job. Bill brings a practitioner’s perspective to preparing the workforce for A2Ls, natural refrigerants, advanced equipment, and the next generation of cooling.

Directory - Global Policy and Advocacy, Trane Technologies

Helen Walter-Terrinoni is Director of Global Climate Policy at Trane Technologies, where she works to advance policies that accelerate the adoption of sustainable heating and cooling technologies. A chemical engineer by training, Helen brings extensive experience in refrigerants, manufacturing, environmental policy, and risk management. Prior to joining Trane Technologies, she served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, where she led the Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force supporting the industry’s transition to lower-GWP refrigerants. Her work connects technology, safety, codes, standards, workforce readiness, and policy to enable practical, responsible transitions toward more sustainable cooling systems.