Jerry Woodall, National Medal of Technology Laureate and Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University:

Lee Hartwell, Nobelist, and President and Director, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center:

"I found the meeting a delightful coming-together of highly motivated and accomplished people with a strong interest in using their talents and resources for the social good."

Sidney Rittenberg, Founder, Rittenberg Associates, and Author, The Man Who Stayed Behind:

"[Yulin and I] felt we were in the presence of genius and greatness, and that Mark and his sisters were the Oistrakh violin trio that produced these three days of wonder."

Larry Brilliant, Executive Director, Google.org:

"I feel like FiRe is my home, the place I come back to every year. It's great to see old friends."

William A Haseltine, Ph.D.; President, The William A. Haseltine Foundation for Medical Sciences and the Arts:

"The FiRe conference is an excellent opportunity to view cutting-edge emergent technology for the most relevant applications presented in a compelling manner by leaders in their field in an intimate and delightful setting."

Bruce Sterling, Science Fiction Author:

"I prophesized something like this FiRe conference in 1998, a new artistic and social movement - the Viridian Movement. Green tech is advancing as fast as global warming. The new cyber solar and wind energy systems are different entities from the old Dutch windmills. It's a 30-year overnight success.

I've seen this social innovation perk through layers of society to the Silicon Valley heights.

Ricardo Salinas-Pliego, CEO, Grupo Salinas:

"I'm glad I came. FiRe has been extremely enlightening, and I am happy about that. The whole issue of climate change has taken on a new perspective for me. This is my first time at FiRe, and I have had the opportunity to meet lots of very interesting new people."

Erik Blachford, CEO, TerraPass Inc.:

"As usual, the insights [at FiRe] flowed fast and furious, not only on the panels, but at all the breaks and social events."

Stephen Evans, Presenter, Business Daily, BBC World Service

"Every time I do one of these [FiRe] sessions, I feel more and more enthused, and feel better about humanity."

Larry Smarr, Director, Calit2 ["The FiRe Lab"], UCSD:

"It was a great thrill for me and all of the Calit2 staff to see the level of response from such a high-level audience. I have next year on the calendar and will start planning for it now."

David Brin, Author and Physicist:

"The future is made by hard-nosed optimists, and there are few places where you'll get as fine a mix of horizon technologies, economic insight, and focused truth-telling than at FiRe."

Steve Broback, President, Parnassus Group:

"As someone who's been producing technology conferences since 1991, I have to say that FiRe is a truly a stellar gathering. The eclectic mix of forward-thinking people and topics is unlike any other event I've attended. Mark and his associates show a remarkable dedication to editorial quality, and their focus on providing a first-class experience to the attendees is unparalleled. Can't wait until next year's event."

Stephen A. Di Biase, Senior VP and Chief Scientific Officer - Research, Development, and Engineering, JohnsonDiversey Inc.:

"I found [FiRe] refreshing, especially committed to gathering some of the best minds available to discuss some very serious topics. I was specifically impressed at how the audience and speakers embraced the climate change and healthcare agendas with such passion. It speaks volumes about how meaningful these topics are today. Most important, however, was Strategic News Service bringing us all together and facilitating a meaningful outcome."

Hank Coleman, CEO and Director, OpenLabs Inc.:

"I cannot express the experience of FiRe 2008 by saying anything other than we will be back next year, and we plan to tell everyone we know about this astounding gathering."

Bruce Harned, President, MarketFit Associates:

"FiRe is truly the unifying force in technology. This year's 'Rapid Response' theme empowered many disparate disciplines into an amazing core of innovation, action, and hope about the Earth's future."

David Engle, Superintendent of Schools, North Platte Public Schools (Nebraska); and Director of Operations (U.S.), SNS Project Inkwell:

"FiRe 2008 infused a sharply focused scientific examination of climate change into the usual FiRe mix of technological innovation, business wisdom, geopolitical acumen, fun, and futurism to give us the most cohesive FiRe yet. In terms of creating a focused sense of urgency, and then modeling what an intelligent response might look like through the technology leaders' challenge exercise ["CTO Design Challenge"], this conference had no equal! Imagine how exciting FiRe 2009 will have to be just to measure up to this year's edition!

Jean Wooldridge, President, St. Cloud Communication; and Research Affiliate, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center:

"I feel so honored to have been in the company of Mark, his amazing team, and the people brought to this extraordinary FiRe08. At home now.... I know it will inform my thoughts and actions for the foreseeable future."

Michael Pfeffer, Managing Partner, Kolohala Ventures:

"Best FiRe ever! As always, one of the most thought-provoking events I attend. This year we are finally seeing the rubber meet the road. This year we are seeing things being done."

Jeannette Hammock, CTO, TrueNorthLogic:

"FiRe continues to be the conference to facilitate the meeting of great minds, discuss pressing world issues, and share our future of ideas. I came away feeling more informed on making decisions, personally and in business."

Russ Daggatt, Founding General Partner, Denny Hill Capital:

"Wow. What a great FiRe. The best yet. But I thought this was a TECH conference? Why was everyone hugging each other?"

Erin Keleher, Marketing Communications Manager, vlingo Corp.:

"Thank you for a fantastic conference. Both [CEO Dave Grannan] and I took away so much from the sessions and the networking. We met many fascinating people, both in our industry and others who are not. We are excited to attend future events!"

Bill Spencer, CEO, Hawaii Oceanic Technology Inc.:

"[FiRe's] focus of intelligence on important secular trends carries us into the future. Everyone I talked to is a brilliant mind. Private conversations were as valuable as the presentations."

Marcel Vinay, CEO, Investment Media Group:

"The FiRe conference is first-class. We all learn so much from the person we sit next to... "

Jim Peoples, Vice President, Marketing, GrassRoots Marketing Inc.:

"FiRe is a very optimistic conference, and I like being around optimistic people. I look forward to Mark's newsletter: when I see it in my Inbox, it's the first thing I read... I give all my intellectual capital to the SNS newsletter."

Thorgeir Einarsson, Founder and CEO, Afriversity.org (Goteborg, Sweden):

"This year the FiRe conference theme of global responsibility is important. FiRe is the best conference combining technology, sustainability, and humanity, creating a synergy between the three rather than just technology. Putting technology in the context of social responsibility works! I like that [FiRe] is action-oriented rather than just talk: debate with action."

Bill Jones, Advisor to Accelegrow Technologies and EcoVerdance Inc.:

"It has been one of the most fascinating, stimulating, and exciting opportunities in my life to be a participant in this conference and have the opportunity to share ideas and discuss objectives with extraordinary thinkers. It is an extraordinary opportunity to discuss the future."

Ian Sandy, Principal Advisor, Technology Investigation, Royal Dutch Shell (ret.):

"A key differentiator between this conference and others one could go to is that the attendees here are typically people in a position to actually do something to affect a change."

Ross Bringans, Manager, Electronic Materials and Devices Laboratory, Palo Alto Research Center (PARC):

"This is my first time at FiRe. I really enjoy the breadth of topics covered and the way clean tech is infused into all the topics."

James McCarthy - A Leader of the Nobel Prize-Winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and Professor of Oceanography, Harvard University:

"Many people concerned about the consequences of future climate change would find abundant reason for optimism, were they to witness the spirit of innovation and commitment to solve this problem that pervades the discussions at FiRe."

Davin Juusola, Vice President, Research and Development, Info-Tech Research Group, London, U.K.:

"Exhilarating, scary, eye-opening - all at the same time! Vinod Khosla and James McCarthy were my favorites."

Gary Ritner, President, Ritner & Co.:

"This is my second year at FiRe. It is a great benefit to meet a lot of sharp, intelligent people."

Jim Marggraff, Chair and CEO, Livescribe:

"Delightful and productive, both for business and personally."

Curtis Wong, Principal Researcher and Group Manager, Next Media Research, Microsoft Corp.:

"Mind-expanding experience! I go to lots of conferences, some very high-profile, but with FiRe I see things at a spark, just before it ignites, when it has the potential to be the next big thing. The unique element of FiRe is Mark's insight about what is the coming new thing at its early stage. This helps distill our thinking about what is coming."

Phil Missimore, Senior VP, Technology Practice, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide:

"Is it possible to simultaneously be completely terrified and yet compellingly hopeful about who we are and where we are going? At FiRe 2008, the answer is Yes."

Lanier Davenport, Founding Partner, EcoVerdance:

"FiRe stretches the mind to be around so many bright people in one place. Truly amazing… see you next year!"

Gustav Toppenberg, "FiRe Enthusiast," Hilti Inc.:

"FiRe 2008 didn't meet my expectations; it didn't exceed my expectations; it changed my expectations. I can't wait for FiRe 2009."

Simon Hackett, CEO, Internode:

"One of very few Australians who come to FiRe, I consider myself at a competitive advantage. FiRe means I know more than my Australian competitors about the state of the future."

Rajiv Salimath, President and CEO, Amperion:

"FiRe is the best set of disruptive ideas I've seen in one place. It has the most realistic optimism about the planet."

John Fallisgaard, President, Jet City Electronics:

"Jim McCarthy was very interesting in his talk about global warming and the IPCC. We hear in the press all the negative global-warming stuff, but we still give credence to fake science. Sometimes science doesn't have the other side: the 'flat earth' people, 'intelligent design.' There is no 'other side' to global warming. McCarthy explained to us the 100% consensus of scientists from 140 countries in the IPCC. Who knew it? Hearing it from the horse's mouth is the importance of this presentation."

Martin Rutte, President, Livelihood:

"Last night at Calit2, when I saw the wall of video screens, I couldn't speak.

"Presentations by Bill Janeway and William Haseltine were stunning.

"I was stunned over and over by the breakthrough thinking, the architect of the living buildings, etc. There is a nice undercurrent of heart and wisdom, in addition to intellect, at FiRe. A desire to make a difference in the world and a warmth, with a little bit of craziness - like Kamran [Elahian, wearing] his shorts on-stage."

Matt Keller, SNS/Rodel Foundations Intern, Thunderbird Global School of Management:

"Being forewarned that FiRe would be a mind-numbing experience my first time, I arrived with high expectations. Not only did FiRe exceed my expectations, but my mind still feels numb with the initiatives currently underway in reducing mankind's eco footprint on this earth. Well done, SNS!"

Doug Smith, Chief Information and Quality Officer, Martin's Point Health Care:

"I was able to learn about diverse subjects which I don't usually explore. That enables me to bring new ideas back to my work."

Tim (TJ) Johnson, CEO, High Throughput Genomics Inc.:

"FiRe helped me open my eyes and get a broader vision of the issues we face. When you run a business, you get isolated. FiRe helped me see the broader issues in the world. It is great to meet and network with an incredibly smart and talented group of people. And it is fun, too!"

John Hagel, Director and Co-Chair, Silicon Valley Center of Innovation, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP:

"FiRe is an incredibly enriching experience. It brings together people from the edges of many disciplines and markets, generating lots of sparks of creativity and insight, both in formal sessions and in hallways."

Bob Warshawer, President, Black Rock Cable:

"As usual, you have fed my brain, challenged my positions, opened my mind, introduced me to new people… all at a rate like drinking from a fire hose. Thank you again. I believe you have a canny sense of the future and directions to look for answers… "

John K. Thompson, President and CEO, Marketing Sciences:

"After six years, FiRe remains the event that I look forward to each year with great anticipation. The people are amazing, the program is engaging, and the venue is beyond compare. I always come away refreshed, full of new ideas and new connections to work with. The trip to Calit2 this year was mind-blowing. Larry and the team at UCSD went beyond any of my expectations. FiRe is a must-attend event for anyone who is interested in shaping the future."

Scott Wiedeman, Chief Scientist, Global Solar Energy:

"The FiRe gathering is a forum like no other. It provides informed views of the most important problems facing mankind today, and offers dedicated individuals an opportunity to impact our world for the better. The important questions were asked in skillfully moderated talks, which were cohesive despite the broad range they covered. The common thread throughout the meeting was a positive approach to two questions: 'What problems loom largest for the human race based on our best understanding now?' and 'What innovative, but realistic, concepts represent solutions?'"

Cynthia Figge, Partner and Co-Founder, EKOS International, and Member, FiRe Advisory Board:

"This year's conference moved the domain of sustainability to the forefront of our discourse. The speakers and participants were deeply thoughtful and brilliant. I feel a greater sense of urgency in working to bring new ventures, new technology, and new business models embedded in the principles of sustainability to reality. The conference called us forward to action to create a more just, more prosperous, and hopefully more peaceful world."

Debarshi Das, SNS/Rodel Foundations Intern, Thunderbird Global School of Management:

"FiRe is far beyond a technology conference. It's gathering of great minds, incredible talent, and deep passion to use technology to improve the human condition as well as the planet we all share. FiRe truly is a window into the future that's in store for all of us."

Anonymous:

I have attended [FiRe] for the last three years. I participate very little in the networking aspects, and I rarely spend the time to read the SNS news. I'm here for the content and a bit of reflection.

While you have been building awareness of some of our global issues with each of your conferences, this year has really hit the mark regarding the massive issues facing our planet, particularly our environment.

I had lunch with a colleague right after the James McCarthy session. Frankly, I was overwhelmed with emotion and a feeling of despair through the education and dialogue you have provided, particularly McCarthy's preso. I was literally brought to tears with the realization of where we are as a planet.

This conference has made me realize what a "turtle" I have been, with my head stuck in the sand. I've been focused for so long on making money in an area that I now find totally irrelevant to anything important.

Thank you for opening my eyes and making a difference.

William Paiva, Venture Partner, Sevin Rosen Funds:

Thomas Greaves, Chair, The Greaves Group:

Cecile Thomas, Principal and Co-Founder, Silverstein Thomas Rice and Associates:

Sheldon Brown, Professor of Visual Arts and Head of New Media Arts for the California Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies (Calit2, the "FiRe Lab"), UCSD:

Martin Tobias, past CEO, Imperium Renewables:

Hugh Bradlow, CTO, Telstra Corp. Ltd.:

Bill Harris, President and CEO, Science Foundation Arizona:

Kip Harrell, Associate Vice President, Professional and Career Development, Thunderbird School of Global Management:

Mary Clark, Executive Assistant, The Rodel Foundations:

Jonathan Wilkie, Owner and President, Nicollet Technologies Corp.: