2023 Agenda
Conference Program
Flip through our 2023 conference brochure and discover what’s new this year.
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Pre-Conference Workshops
Workshop A — Comprehensive Guide to Building, Maintaining, and Operationalizing a Robust ESG Program
Oct 10, 2023 9:00am – 12:30 PM
Speakers
Alyse Mauro Mason
Associate Director, ESG
Protiviti
Michael Murphy
Partner
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Workshop B — Navigating the Complex World of ESG Ratings and Rankings
Oct 10, 2023 1:30pm – 05:00 PM
Speakers
Jessica Butts
Principal
ESG Global Advisors, Inc.
Boris Couteaux
Chief Strategy Office, Head of Indices
impak Analytics
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 11, 2023
8:00 |
Networking Breakfast and Registration |
9:00 |
Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs |
9:15 |
SEC Watch: Preparing for the Future of Mandatory ESG Disclosures |
10:00 |
Navigating the ESG Whistleblower Landscape: What Companies Need to Know About ESG Whistleblower Rights and Corporate Obligations |
11:00 |
Networking Break
|
11:15 |
Establishing and Maintaining the Global Supplier Diversity Strategy: Promoting Utilization of Diverse Suppliers Globally to Stakeholders |
11:45 |
Networking Luncheon |
1:00 |
Aligning the ESG Function in Your Organizational Strategy and Partnering with Business Units to Strengthen ESG Opportunities |
2:15 |
Leveraging ESG and DEI Strategies that Shape Long-Term Sustainability and Deliver Value Creation |
3:15 |
Networking Break
|
3:30 |
Tackling the Climate Crisis: Rapid Decarbonization, Risk Management, and Investment Opportunities |
4:30 |
Keynote Presentation |
5:00 |
Day 1 Adjourns |
Day 2 - Thursday, October 12, 2023
8:00 |
Networking Breakfast and Registration |
9:00 |
Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs |
9:10 |
Keynote Presentation |
9:45 |
Navigating the Landscape of Pro- and Anti-ESG Regulatory Action in the U.S. |
10:45 |
Networking Break
|
11:00 |
Sustainable Finance and ESG Investments: Risks and Opportunities |
12:00 |
Networking Luncheon |
1:00 |
Corporate Strategies for ESG Data Management to Drive Positive Impact, Informed Decision-making, and Long-term Value Creation |
2:00 |
Designing an ESG Strategy that Mitigates the Risks of Greenwashing, Greenhushing, and Green Claims |
3:00 |
Networking Break
|
3:15 |
Advancing Gender Equity through ESG Imperatives |
4:15 |
California’s Climate Risk Disclosure Rules: Breaking Down the Landmark Legislation of Bills SB 253 and SB 261, and Cross-Industry Impacts |
5:00 |
Closing Remarks from the Co-Chairs and Conference Adjourns |
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 11, 2023
8:00 |
Networking Breakfast and Registration |
9:00 |
Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-ChairsMatthew Cullinen Nicole Karlebach |
9:15 |
SEC Watch: Preparing for the Future of Mandatory ESG DisclosuresDavid Carlin Frank G. Zarb, Jr. Moderator:Conor T. Chell ESG factors have gained significant importance among investors and stakeholders, and there has been a growing demand for standardized and consistent ESG reporting to support informed decision-making. During this critical panel on the future of mandatory ESG disclosures, we will discuss:
|
10:00 |
Navigating the ESG Whistleblower Landscape: What Companies Need to Know About ESG Whistleblower Rights and Corporate ObligationsHolly Carr, CPA Howard A. Fischer Navigating the ESG whistleblower landscape is crucial for companies to ensure compliance, ethical practices, and mitigate potential risks. Understanding whistleblower rights, corporate obligations, and taking appropriate next steps is essential in today’s sustainability focused climate. During this panel, we will discuss some key points for companies to consider, including:
|
11:00 |
Networking Break
|
11:15 |
Establishing and Maintaining the Global Supplier Diversity Strategy: Promoting Utilization of Diverse Suppliers Globally to StakeholdersKevin Kwok Egwu Nwankpah Developing and maintaining a global supplier diversity strategy requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing commitment. During this panel, we will explore steps to establish and maintain a strategy that promotes the utilization of diverse suppliers globally to stakeholders, including:
|
11:45 |
Networking Luncheon |
1:00 |
Aligning the ESG Function in Your Organizational Strategy and Partnering with Business Units to Strengthen ESG OpportunitiesChad Breckinridge Hervé P. Duteil Nicole Karlebach Joanna Rice Moderator:Joe Rozza Identifying ways to strengthen ESG opportunities requires a collaborative effort between sustainability professionals and business units within an organization. During this panel, we will explore steps to consider when partnering with business units to identify and strengthen opportunities that will ultimately drive overall business value. During this panel discussion, we will explore:
|
2:15 |
Leveraging ESG and DEI Strategies that Shape Long-Term Sustainability and Deliver Value CreationKelly Fisher Angela Jhanji Tequila Smith Moderator:Clarence Mingo ESG and DEI strategies have gained significant importance in the business world as they contribute to long-term sustainability and value creation. By incorporating these strategies into their operations, organizations can enhance their performance, mitigate risks, attract investors, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. During this panel, we will review ways to leverage ESG and DEI strategies for long-term sustainability and value, including:
|
3:15 |
Networking Break
|
3:30 |
Tackling the Climate Crisis: Rapid Decarbonization, Risk Management, and Investment OpportunitiesThomas Abdallah Kirby Brendsel Sarah Kapnick, PhD Subho Mukherjee Rishi Shah Tackling the climate crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, but energy efficiency and rapid decarbonization are crucial components of any comprehensive strategy. During this panel, we will explore how these two factors can contribute to mitigating climate change. We will explore:
|
4:30 |
Keynote PresentationRohit T. “Rit” Aggarwala |
5:00 |
Day 1 Adjourns |
Day 2 - Thursday, October 12, 2023
8:00 |
Networking Breakfast and Registration |
9:00 |
Opening Remarks from the Co-ChairsMatthew Cullinen Nicole Karlebach |
9:10 |
Keynote PresentationLee A. Greenwood The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will kick off Day 2 of our conference with an insightful keynote presentation focused on the landscape of ESG in the U.S. — what’s new today and where are we headed for tomorrow. |
9:45 |
Navigating the Landscape of Pro- and Anti-ESG Regulatory Action in the U.S.Demian Newman Matt Toohey ESG factors have become increasingly important for investors and companies alike. While there has been a growing interest in ESG investing and corporate sustainability, the regulatory landscape surrounding ESG in the U.S. has been somewhat fragmented and subject to change. During this panel, we will review the landscape of both Pro- and Anti-ESG Regulatory Action, with topics including:
|
10:45 |
Networking Break
|
11:00 |
Sustainable Finance and ESG Investments: Risks and OpportunitiesAllen Cheng Marie Clara Buellingen Irina Markina Nelson A. Switzer Moderator:Divya Bendre Sustainable finance and ESG investments have gained significant prominence in recent years as more investors recognize the importance of integrating ESG factors into their decision-making processes. Navigating the risks and opportunities in sustainable finance and ESG investments requires understanding the key concepts and considerations involved. During this panel, we will explore:
|
12:00 |
Networking Luncheon |
1:00 |
Corporate Strategies for ESG Data Management to Drive Positive Impact, Informed Decision-making, and Long-term Value CreationJayme Colosimo John Anthony Hodges Punita Patel Moderator:Brian Matt Mitigating the risks of greenwashing requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and accurate communication. During this panel, we will explore strategies that businesses can use to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, avoid greenwashing, and demonstrate an authentic commitment to environmental responsibility, including:
|
2:00 |
Designing an ESG Strategy that Mitigates the Risks of Greenwashing, Greenhushing, and Green ClaimsCandice Dial Ekaterina Grigoryeva Ann Lee-Jeffs Moderator:Douglas Thompson Mitigating the risks of greenwashing requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and accurate communication. During this panel, we will explore strategies that businesses can use to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, avoid greenwashing, and demonstrate an authentic commitment to environmental responsibility, including:
|
3:00 |
Networking Break
|
3:15 |
Advancing Gender Equity through ESG ImperativesAkanksha Halbe Alyse Mauro Mason During this panel, we will address the myriad ways that integrating gender equity into ESG imperatives can be a powerful catalyst for advancing social progress. We will explore best pathways to embracing diverse perspectives, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive cultures, so that the business can create a more equitable and sustainable future. Speaking points will include:
|
4:15 |
California’s Climate Risk Disclosure Rules: Breaking Down the Landmark Legislation of Bills SB 253 and SB 261, and Cross-Industry ImpactsJohn Tobin-de le Puente Kevin Christopher Amid eager anticipation for the SEC’s Final Climate Risk Disclosure Rule, California legislature has approved two landmark bills—SB 253 and SB 261— with national and global implications for businesses and their supply chains. The bills, which require large public and private companies in the state to disclose greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to investors and the public, mean that impacted companies will face significant costs for compliance, including across supply chains. During this timely panel, we will explore:
|
5:00 |
Closing Remarks from the Co-Chairs and Conference Adjourns |
Workshop A — Comprehensive Guide to Building, Maintaining, and Operationalizing a Robust ESG Program
Alyse Mauro Mason
Associate Director, ESG
Protiviti
Michael Murphy
Partner
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
What is it about?
Workshops are offered In-Person only
Building, maintaining, and operationalizing a robust ESG program is crucial for organizations that prioritize sustainability and responsible business practices. During this deep-dive workshop, we will explore some steps to help you establish and sustain an effective and robust ESG program, including:
- Commitment from Top Leadership
- Defining ESG Objectives
- Developing a Robust ESG Framework
- Conducting Materiality Assessment
- Integrating ESG into Strategy
- Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Engaging Stakeholders
- Risk Management and Compliance
Workshop B — Navigating the Complex World of ESG Ratings and Rankings
Jessica Butts
Principal
ESG Global Advisors, Inc.
Boris Couteaux
Chief Strategy Office, Head of Indices
impak Analytics
What is it about?
Workshops are offered In-Person only
There currently exists a lack of global uniform reporting standards for ESG. This lack of standards across multiple sectors has led ESG ratings providers to adopt varying methodologies, creating a number of complex challenges organizations. During this deep-dive workshop, we will discuss the complex landscape of ESG ratings and rankings. We will explore:
- Navigating varying ESG standards – ESG’s Alphabet soup
- Addressing disparities and ambiguity in current ESG ratings and rankings
- Creating a path toward more rigorous and coherent methods for ratings and rankings
- Customizing organizational ESG indices to align with your investor values
- Embedding standardized ratings and rankings into ESG strategy