Spotlight: Tom Chinnock and Simon Hayman, Theme Leads for Policy & Advocacy Day
As part of our behind-the-scenes series at DC Climate Week, we sat down with each of the powerhouse leads shaping the daily themes of the week — from Climate Innovation to Nature. These aren’t just organizers. They’re dreamers, builders, and provocateurs who’ve helped bring this city’s first-ever climate week to life. Today, we’re spotlighting Tom Chinnock and Simon Hayman - Co-Founders of the Tech for Climate Action event series and the driving force behind Policy & Advocacy Day.
DCCW: Let’s start with the beginning — when did climate work first become personal for you? Was there a moment that changed everything?
Tom: Climate work has always been important to me. From a child growing up in South Wales and being around nature from a young age has really helped me stay connected to the environment. But it's the time during my professional career that has really helped drive my desire to see change. Working with policymakers and tech companies and seeing first hand the good that tech can bring to the climate fight gave me the idea of Tech for Climate Action - the world's largest series of events that explore the role of technology and innovation as enablers of climate action.
DC Climate Week is no small lift — what compelled you to take the lead on Policy & Advocacy Day?
Simon: We run a variety of climate policy-related events in DC, so this was a no brainer. We wanted to be part of something new and impactful for the city, and getting the chance to be part of the wider team was truly exciting.
What was your vision for the day — and what are you most proud of in how it came together?
Simon: Our vision was to bring together various stakeholders from different communities to showcase the latest policies and innovations. We wanted to ensure the event remained non-partisan and encouraged as much dialogue as possible.
Climate change often feels like a race against time. How do you personally stay grounded — and hopeful — in the work?
Tom: We work with hundreds of change makers across the world week in, week out. Seeing folks come together.
What’s next for you personally or professionally and where can people find you?
Tom: Next week we will be in DC again for the U.S. AI & Energy Summit and U.S. Clean Energy Transition Conferences.
You can find more about us and these events at techforclimateaction.com
Tom and Simon’s contributions remind us that meaningful change is driven by those who bridge bold ideas with practical action. Through Policy & Advocacy Day, they created space for honest dialogue, cross-sector collaboration, and the kind of momentum that continues long after speeches and panels end. Their work exemplifies what DC Climate Week is all about: uniting visionaries who don’t just imagine a better future — they build it. Be sure to keep the conversations going with the U.S. AI & Energy Summit and U.S. Clean Energy Transition Conferences.