USF St. Petersburg Hosted Sustainability Panel Discussion

Students and industry experts discussed how data and AI can improve business sustainability.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a geometric data lattice merging with a leaf, symbolizing the intersection of analytics and environmental sustainability. — The University of South Florida St. Petersburg hosted industry professionals this week to discuss using data and AI to advance corporate sustainability goals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local organizations in your area are effectively implementing meaningful sustainability practices?

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg hosted a panel discussion on Wednesday focused on business sustainability and data analytics. The event was part of the university's LaunchPAD Career Exploration Program, which connects students with industry professionals.

Why it matters

The LaunchPAD program provides experiential learning to first-year students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world corporate practice. Panelists explored how companies can use data and artificial intelligence to refine their sustainability initiatives.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies have set a target to produce jerseys from recycled materials within five years. The organization currently manages plastic bottle recycling at the 85-year-old Al Lang Stadium.

The players

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

This public university system campus provides higher education programs and research opportunities in the St. Petersburg area.

Tampa Bay Rowdies

The professional soccer club participates in local environmental initiatives and professional sports management.

Ryan Helfrick

He currently serves as the president of the Tampa Bay Rowdies and has spent 15 years in the sports industry.

Rainforest Alliance

This international non-profit organization works to protect forests and improve the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities.

The details

Representatives from Workforce Development Partners, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and the Rainforest Alliance participated in the panel. The discussion highlighted how organizations like the Rowdies use beach cleanups and recycled merchandise to integrate sustainability into their operations.

Ryan Helfrick joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2010.
A previous LaunchPAD panel took place in September 2026.
The sustainability panel was held on September 30, 2026.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies aim to manufacture jerseys from recycled materials by 2031.

Market Landscape

This event highlights the increasing integration of sustainability metrics into professional sports operations. The University of South Florida LaunchPAD Career Exploration Program serves as an institutional framework for students to engage with regional corporate sustainability goals.

Local residents and students can benefit from the growing focus on corporate accountability in St. Petersburg. The Rowdies initiative to recycle materials may influence local product availability and stadium experiences for community members.

The takeaway

Businesses are increasingly turning to data analytics to track their environmental footprints and operational efficiency. Students and professionals can stay competitive by learning how to apply these emerging technological tools to their own projects.