Agenda
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Day 1
October 16, 2024
Networking Breakfast and Registration
James CottonAssistant Corporate Secretary – Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation & ESG Managing CounselUnited Airlines
John HodgesDirector, ESG Strategy & EngagementBristol Myers Squibb
Nancy ReynoldsManaging Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity OfficerWestern Union
Exploring the Current State of Corporate ESG: How Companies Are Addressing ESG Risks and Obligations Amid a Proliferation of Mandatory ESG Reporting Requirements
Dominique AlepinSenior Corporate Counsel - ESG ComplianceSalesforce
Michael MurphyPartnerGibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Nancy ReynoldsManaging Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity OfficerWestern Union
The current landscape of ESG considerations for corporations is rapidly evolving, largely driven by a combination of regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and societal demands. During this panel discussion, we will take a closer look at how companies are addressing ESG risks and obligations amid increasing mandatory reporting requirements, including:
- A look at the current regulatory landscape – current legislation, including SEC proposed rules and alignment with global standards
- Enhancing transparency through financial and ESG disclosures
- How companies are integrating ESG risks into overall risk management
- Leveraging AI and big data to enhance the accuracy of ESG reporting
- Top pitfalls to avoid, including inadequate data, insufficient data integration, and failing to consider non-financial climate impacts
Extended Networking Break
REPORTING IN PRACTICE - CALIFORNIA
Looking Ahead to Satisfying California’s Climate Disclosure Mandates: SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305
Carrie ChristopherSenior Director of Governance - People Policy and PurposeCisco
Douglas ThompsonPartnerSnell & Wilmer LLP
Natalie LeeAssistant Division Chief, Industrial Strategies Division
California Air Resources Board (CARB)State of California
Synchronizing Your Approach to Reporting Data Related to SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305 California’s Climate Disclosure legislation introduces stringent requirements for businesses operating within the state, requiring comprehensive reporting on climate-related risks and mitigation strategies. Compliance with these mandates requires a thorough understanding of the legislation’s intricacies related to the integration of climate considerations into corporate disclosures. Discussion points during this panel, include:
- The finer points of complying with key requirements in practice:
- SB 253’s mandates for GHG emissions disclosures from large companies
- SB 261’s requirements for climate-related financial risk disclosures
- AB 1305’s focus on long-term climate goals and carbon-neutrality strategies
- Developing robust strategies for climate data collection and management, covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and where relevant, Scope 3
- Implementing robust internal controls and third-party verification to ensure the accuracy and reliability of disclosed data
- Understanding and aligning the requirements of SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305 with the SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule
- Engaging with stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and the public, to communicate the company’s climate strategy and progress
Networking Luncheon
Sponsored by:
CSRD COMPLIANCE
Behind the Scenes of Preparing for CSRD Reporting Obligations: Concrete Examples of How U.S. Companies Are Preparing—Data Collection, Reporting and Beyond
Shea JameelSenior Director, Head of SustainabilityMarsh McLennan
Justine RobertsDirector, SustainabilityGates Corporation
Gulzar BabaevaVice President, Deputy General CounselAPi Group
As U.S. companies prepare to meet the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements, they are implementing several concrete steps to ensure compliance and effective reporting measures. A proactive approach ensures that companies are positioning themselves to not only comply with the CSRD, but to also lead in sustainability reporting and ESG practices. During this panel, we will explore:
- Putting key CSRD requirements into practice, including the expanded scope, reporting requirements, auditing, and alignment with standards
- Exploring the impact of EU sustainability reporting on US companies
- How to proactively prepare for CSRD reporting requirements
- Leveraging CSRD to analyze the organization through the ESG lens
- Determining what is subject to the double materiality disclosure requirements the Scenes of Preparing for CSRD Reporting Obligations
CYBERSECURITY
Navigating the Intersection of Cybersecurity and ESG: Best Practices for Integrating Cyber Risks into the Corporate ESG Strategy
Holly CarrManaging Director, ForensicsBDO USA
Shardul DesaiPartnerHolland & Knight LLP
Navigating the complexities of cyber risks within the organization’s ESG framework requires a nuanced understanding of data privacy and robust security considerations. By integrating these critical considerations into the ESG strategy, organizations can enhance their overall risk management approach, demonstrating commitment to stakeholders, and safeguarding long-term sustainability. Key discussion points include:
- Assessing cyber risks across your organization to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure
- Evaluating how cyber incidents could impact environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance practices
- Ensuring that cybersecurity initiatives support broader ESG goals
- Proactively disclosing information related to cybersecurity measures, incidents, and response strategies as part of ESG reporting
- Fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness to cultivate a sense of responsibility among employees, reducing the likelihood of insider threats and enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture of your organization
- Implementing robust monitoring mechanisms to detect emerging threats and vulnerabilities promptly
Networking Break
Corporate Governance and Board Priorities for ESG: Real-World Takeaways for ESG Reporting to the Board, Organizational Alignment, and Securing Board Buy-In
Susan Mac CormacCo-chair, ESG + Sustainability and Social Enterprise + Impact Investing Practices Morrison & Foerster LLP
Kim LuuHead of Global Sustainability & ESGonsemi
Erin MarkeySenior Director, ESG & SustainabilityPrecision Medicine Group
John HodgesDirector, ESG Strategy & EngagementBristol Myers Squibb
In the rapidly evolving landscape of ESG, corporate governance and board priorities play a critical role in driving sustainable business practices and enhancing long-term value creation. Join us for an insightful discussion that offers practical strategies for aligning board priorities with ESG objectives and taking meaningful action to integrate ESG principles into corporate governance practices. During this panel discussion, we will explore:
- The evolving role of boards in providing oversight and accountability for ESG performance, including setting ESG goals, monitoring progress, and integrating ESG considerations into strategic decision-making processes
- Best practices for ESG reporting, including the selection of relevant metrics and the communication of KPIs
- Exploring the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving ESG initiatives and fostering a culture of sustainability within the organization
- How Boards are prioritizing ESG risks based on their materiality and potential impact on the organization’s long-term value and resilience
“ESG” SMALL-GROUP ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
Ahead of the networking cocktail reception, join one of the following smaller-group roundtables for worthwhile, productive smaller-group benchmarking and networking:
Matthew HalperinDirector, SustainabilityFox Corporation
Dara WardDirector of Global SustainabilityCoorsTek, Inc.
Carbon accounting plays a pivotal role in providing accurate climate data by quantifying and tracking GHG emissions across various sectors and activities. During this roundtable, we will explore the role of carbon accounting on the path to accurate climate data and the latest best practices.
Chris Fletcher, Esq.Global Director, Human RightsArcadis
Companies that effectively manage human rights risks and uphold human rights standards mitigate legal and reputational risks while creating critical long-term value for stakeholders. During this roundtable, we will compare notes on how to integrate human rights disclosures into ESG reporting processes.
James CottonAssistant Corporate Secretary – Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation & ESG Managing CounselUnited Airlines
The majority of S&P 500 companies are tying executive compensation to ESG performance. During this roundtable, we will discuss how organizations can incentivize executives to effect change across the company’s value chain through critical sustainability and ESG-focused factors such as climate change and human rights.
Roundtable #4: “Technology Focused”
Leveraging Generative AI to Simplify and Strengthen ESG Reporting: Risks and Opportunities to Consider
Jennifer SimileSenior Counsel, Director, and Head of ESGLumen Technologies
The implications and opportunities of AI on ESG are significant, offering the potential to improve decision-making, enhance efficiency and transparency, and drive innovation. Join this roundtable for an engaging discussion on the promise of Generative AI to fortify ESG data and reporting.
Day 1 Concludes to Networking Cocktail Reception
Day 2
October 17, 2024
Networking Breakfast and Registration
Alyse Mauro MasonAssociate Director, ESGProtiviti
James CottonAssistant Corporate Secretary – Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation & ESG Managing CounselUnited Airlines
John HodgesDirector, ESG Strategy & EngagementBristol Myers Squibb
Nancy ReynoldsManaging Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity OfficerWestern Union
CROSS-INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING - DECARBONIZATION
Implementing Cost-Effective Decarbonization Strategies and Climate Transition Plans: Companies Discuss Transitions to a Low-Carbon, Circular Economy
Christopher LibrieSenior Director, ESGApplied Materials
Megan LorenzenDirector, Climate and Energy Salesforce
Irina MarkinaManaging Director, Chief Decarbonization OfficerAra Partners
Rishi ShahVice President, Global Sustainability & ESGWyndham Hotels & Resorts
Crafting cost-effective decarbonization strategies and climate transition plans on the journey to achieving net-zero emissions demands a comprehensive approach that balances environmental ambition with economic feasibility. During this panel discussion, we will explore:
- Turning consumption and emissions data into action, and enabling real and significant progress toward a lower organizational footprint
- Conducting thorough assessments of current emissions sources and identifying opportunities for emissions reduction across operations and supply chains
- Implementing technology-driven solutions and innovative practices to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and optimize resource utilization
- Engaging with stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and local communities, to foster collaboration and garner support for decarbonization initiatives
- Establishing clear targets, timelines, and performance metrics to track progress towards net-zero goals and hold stakeholders accountable for implementation efforts
Networking Break
Mitigating Greenwashing and Other Litigation Risks: What the Latest Cases Reveal on Carbon Offsets, Sustainability, ESG Fraud, and More
Sarah GreyPartnerArnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Juge GreggPartner Crowell & Moring LLP
Holly LeeserCounsel – LitigationCivitas Resources
As the focus on corporate sustainability intensifies, so does scrutiny around greenwashing, leading to a surge in litigation related to carbon offsets and greenwashing claims, and various kinds of ESG frauds. Companies must be prepared for the latest trends in greenwashing litigation to mitigate associated risks effectively. Key discussion points for this panel discussion include:
- Staying ahead of emerging legal and regulatory developments related to greenwashing claims: New and anticipated cases that will inform risk management strategies
- Navigating key emerging trends in the ESG fraud landscape
- Lessons for rolling out robust due diligence processes to vet carbon offset projects and ensure their legitimacy and effectiveness
- Enhancing transparency and accuracy in sustainability disclosures to mitigate the risk of allegations of greenwashing
- Developing proactive communication strategies to address greenwashing allegations promptly and transparently, safeguarding corporate reputation and stakeholder trust
Networking Luncheon
Karin JohnsonVice President, Ethics and ComplianceVF Corporation
Richard MojicaPractice Lead, Customs & Import TradeMiller & Chevalier Chartered
Natalie QuinnStaff Attorney, ESG, Corporate Governance & ProductsThe Container Store
Upholding ethical standards and sustainable practices within supply chains necessitates a concerted effort to strengthen human rights due diligence. This requires a thorough examination of supplier practices and product traceability to ensure compliance with human rights standards. During this panel, we will explore:
- How companies are addressing and synchronizing the varying human rights due diligence laws globally
- Supporting regulatory compliance and supply chain transparency through ethical and sustainable due diligence practices
- Conducting comprehensive audits and assessments of suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with human rights standards and ethical labor practices
- Fostering collaboration and transparency by engaging with suppliers, stakeholders, and industry partners to foster dialogue, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement in human rights due diligence
Heather PalmerPartner, Global Co-Chair, ESG and Climate Change PracticesSidley Austin LLP
Mikayla WinterDirector of ESG ReportingWiley
Adam GordonAdjunct Professor, ESG and Corporate SustainabilityColumbia University
Aligning strategies for global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance across jurisdictions such as the EU, US, UK, and California is essential for organizations operating in diverse regulatory environments. This requires a comprehensive approach that considers the unique ESG frameworks and requirements of each region while striving for consistency and coherence in sustainability efforts.
Key components of this alignment include:
- Conducting thorough assessments of ESG regulations and standards in each jurisdiction to identify commonalities and differences
- Developing integrated ESG strategies that address the specific regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations of each region
- Implementing robust governance structures and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in ESG compliance efforts
INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING
Decoding the CSDDD: Unraveling the Complexities of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and Shedding Light on its Mandatory Scope
Dominique AlepinSenior Corporate Counsel - ESG ComplianceSalesforce
Jennifer LeechSenior Legal Counsel, ESG, Regulatory, and RiskBCG
Michael LittenbergPartner, Global Head of ESG, CSR and Business and Human Rights PracticeRopes & Gray
Navigating the CSDDD requires a comprehensive understanding of its mandatory scope. Aimed at promoting sustainable business practices, the CSDDD mandates specific obligations for companies across various sectors. Discussion points include:
- Clarifying the applicability of the CSDDD to different types of entities, including large corporations, SMEs, and multinational enterprises, to ensure a nuanced understanding of regulatory obligations
- Identifying the key focus areas and requirements outlined in the directive, such as supply chain transparency, environmental impact assessments, human rights due diligence, and complex reporting standards
- Strategies for effective implementation and compliance with CSDDD obligations, including the development of robust due diligence processes and stakeholder engagement initiatives
- Addressing challenges and opportunities related to navigating the mandatory scope, including resource constraints, data management complexities, and cultural barriers to sustainability integration
Networking Break
Lucy JensenAssistant General CounselVail Resorts
Nicole KarlebachSustainability General Counsel, Mars WrigleyMars
Jennifer SimileSenior Counsel, Director, and Head of ESGLumen Technologies
By proactively addressing ESG issues within a legal framework, organizations can enhance risk management, stakeholder engagement, and boost value creation. Join us as we explore strategies for aligning ESG considerations with legal and compliance to foster sustainable business practices and intensifying risks. Discussions points include:
- Integrating ESG factors into legal processes like due diligence, contract negotiations, and risk assessments
- Managing ESG-related litigation and compliance risks related to ESG issues, including climate change litigation and associated regulatory enforcement actions
- Utilizing legal tools like sustainability-linked bonds and green financing, alongside ESG disclosures, to incentivize and reinforce sustainable business practices
- Aligning financial incentives with ESG objectives
- Fostering collaboration among legal, compliance, sustainability, and risk management teams to develop cohesive approaches for tackling ESG challenges and opportunities
Town Hall on The Future of ESG: Navigating the Anti-and Pro-ESG Landscape, and Takeaways on What’s Ahead for ESG Post-Election
Clarence MingoVice President, Corporate Affairs & ESGT. Marzetti Company
Tara GiuntaPartner, Global Co-Chair, ESG & Sustainable FinancePaul Hastings LLP
Sarah E. ForttPartner, Global Co-Chair, ESG Practice Latham & Watkins LLP
Nancy ReynoldsManaging Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity OfficerWestern Union
- Navigating the politicization of ESG – and post-Presidential election predictions
- Delving into the evolution of anti- and pro-ESG viewpoints
- Anticipated trends and developments in ESG regulations, reporting standards, and investor preferences
- Identifying emerging issues and challenges that may shape the future of ESG, including regulatory changes, technological advancements, and societal expectations
- More guidance for companies, investors, and policymakers to navigate the evolving ESG landscape effectively