The future of energy is solar, and the U.S. Department of Energy is a global force at the forefront of solar innovation. Their Solar Decathlon challenges students nationwide to develop innovative new technologies to secure an energy-independent future for homeowners the world over. Linder’s team of brand and event experts partnered with the US Department of Energy to develop and manage over 20 experiential, integrated events empowering students across the nation to design, build, and operate solar-powered homes that are beautiful, cost-effective, and energy-efficient.

For three weeks, hundreds of thousands of visitors and VIPs from across the nation flocked to the Solar Decathlon. The spectacular success of the event cemented the US Department of Energy’s status as an international leader, inspiring tomorrow’s workforce to devote their energy and intellect to the pressing social and environmental issues of our time. Together, Linder and the US Department of Energy developed the first-ever “Solar Village,” boasting 10 full-scale solar-powered homes developed by students and displayed on DC’s biggest stage: The National Mall. Vision and logistics came together under Linder’s guidance: we managed over 1,300 volunteers, an online registration system, developed training materials, and conducted over twenty web-based training sessions to ensure the Solar Decathlon was an unequivocal success.