Helena Viñes Fiestas
Sustainability and ESG-focused professionals:
Prepare to convene with your peers this October in Denver, for an unparalleled event centered around Global ESG reporting and risk management, the only comprehensive, practical one of its kind.
We've reimagined the agenda for the 2024 conference to offer an internationally focused program on the “E”, along with a specific emphasis on reporting, disclosures, decarbonization strategies, and risk management.
Taking place in Denver based on popular demand, this pivotal gathering brings together thought leaders in legal, compliance, sustainability and ESG roles from diverse industry sectors. Forge invaluable connections through engaging discussions, insightful case studies, and the newest best practices to take back to your organization.
Alongside the rich content, don't miss out on the expanded networking sessions for this year— and much more!
AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOP A 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (Registration opens at 8:30 am)
A Complete Primer on EU, U.S., and State-Level Climate Disclosure Rules
MAIN CONFERENCE DAY
1 Wednesday, October 16, 2024
8:00 am Networking Breakfast and Registration
9:00 am Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs
9:15 am Keynote Address with the SEC
9:45 am Exploring the Current State of Corporate ESG: How Companies Are Addressing ESG Risks and Obligations Amid a Proliferation of Mandatory ESG Reporting Requirements
10:30 am Extended Networking Break
11:00 am REPORTING IN PRACTICE - CALIFORNIA
Looking Ahead to Satisfying California's Climate Disclosure Mandates: SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305
12:00 pm Networking Luncheon Sponsored by:
1:15 pm 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
2:00 pm CYBERSECURITY
Navigating the Intersection of Cybersecurity and ESG: Best Practices of Integrating Cyber Risks into the Corporate ESG Strategy
2:45 pm Networking Break
3:00 pm Corporate Governance and Board Priorities for ESG: Real-World Takeaways for ESG Reporting to the Board, Organizational Alignment, and Securing Board Buy-In
4:00 pm “ESG” SMALL-GROUP ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS - Select Your Table!
ROUNDTABLE 1: Carbon Accounting: Path to Accurate Climate Data
ROUNDTABLE 2: Integrating Human Rights Disclosures into ESG Reporting
ROUNDTABLE 3: Current State of Play: ESG-Linked Executive Compensation
5:00 pm Day 1 Concludes to Networking Cocktail Reception
ROUNDTABLE 4: Leveraging Generative AI to Simplify and Strengthen ESG Reporting
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
WORKSHOP B 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm (Registration opens at 1:00 pm)
ESG Metrics Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective ESG Data Integration and Reporting
MAIN CONFERENCE DAY
2 Thursday, October 17, 2024
8:00 am Networking Breakfast and Registration
8:15 am EARLY RISER SESSION — Unpacking Scope 3 Emissions: Measuring the Unmeasured
9:15 am Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs
9:30 am Keynote: EU Platform on Sustainable Finance
10:00 am CROSS-INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING – DECARBONIZATION
Implementing Cost-Effective Decarbonization Strategies and Climate Transition Plans: Companies Discuss Transitions to a Low-Carbon, Circular Economy
11:00 am Networking Break
11:15 am Mitigating Greenwashing and Other Litigation Risks: What the Latest Cases Reveal on Carbon Offsets, Sustainability, ESG Fraud and More
12:00 pm Networking Luncheon
1:00 pm Human Rights and Global Supply Chain Risks: Strengthening Due Diligence to Optimize Risk Management
1:45 pm Aligning Strategies for Global ESG Compliance: EU, US, UK, and California
2:30 pm INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING
Decoding the CSDDD: Unraveling the Complexities of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and Shedding Light on its Mandatory Scope
3:15 pm Networking Break
3:30 pm Strengthening Collaboration at the Intersection of ESG, Legal, and Compliance
4:15 pm Town Hall on The Future of ESG: Navigating the Anti-and Pro-ESG Landscape, and Takeaways on What’s Ahead for ESG
5:00 pm Closing Remarks from the Co-Chairs and Conference Concludes
SPEAKING FACULTY 2024
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Kimberly L. Frederick
Assistant Director, Division of Enforcement, Asset Management Unit
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Helena Viñes Fiestas
Chair of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Co-Chair, Taskforce on Net Zero Policy
James Cotton
Assistant Corporate Secretary - Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation & ESG Managing Counsel United Airlines
INDUSTRY SPEAKERS & THOUGHTLEADERS
Dominique Alepin
Senior Corporate Counsel - ESG Compliance Salesforce
Gulzar Babaeva
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel APi Group
Holly Carr
Managing Director, Forensics BDO USA
Carrie Christopher
Senior Director of Governance - People, Policy, and Purpose
Cisco
GOVERNMENT SPEAKER
Natalie Lee
Assistant Division Chief, Industrial Strategies Division California Air Resources Board (CARB) State of California
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
John Hodges Director, ESG Strategy and Engagement Bristol Myers Squibb
Nancy Reynolds
Managing Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity Officer Western Union
Chris Fletcher, Esq. Global Director, Human Rights Arcadis
Adam Gordon Adjunct Professor, ESG and Corporate Sustainability Columbia University
Matthew Halperin Director, Sustainability Fox Corporation
Shea Jameel
Senior Director, Head of Sustainability Marsh McLennan
Lucy Jensen
Assistant General Counsel Vail Resorts
Karin Johnson Vice President, Ethics and Compliance VF Corporation
Nicole Karlebach Sustainability General Counsel, Mars Wrigley Mars
Jennifer Leech Senior Legal Counsel, ESG, Regulatory, and Risk BCG
Holly Leeser Counsel – Litigation Civitas Resources
Christopher Librie Senior Director, ESG Applied Materials
Megan Lorenzen
Director, Climate and Energy Salesforce
Kim Luu
Head of Global Sustainability & ESG onsemi
Erin Markey
Senior Director, ESG & Sustainability Precision Medicine Group
Irina Markina
Managing Director, Chief Decarbonization Officer Ara Partners
Alyse Mauro Mason
Associate Director, ESG Protiviti
Clarence Mingo
Vice President, Corporate Affairs and ESG
T. Marzetti Company
Natalie Quinn
Staff Attorney, ESG, Corporate Governance & Products The Container Store
Justine Roberts
Director, Sustainability Gates Corporation
Rishi Shah
Vice President, Global Sustainability & ESG Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Andrea Sheridan
Sustainability Manager CBRE
Jennifer Simile
Senior Counsel, Director, and Head of ESG Lumen Technologies
Matt Toohey
Chief Sustainability Officer and VP, ESG and Climate Impact Modern West
Dara Ward Director of Global Sustainability CoorsTek, Inc.
Mikayla Winter Director of ESG Reporting Wiley
LAW FIRM SPEAKERS
Emma Bichet
Special Counsel Cooley LLP (Brussels)
Shardul Desai Partner Holland & Knight LLP
Sarah E. Fortt Partner, Global Co-Chair, ESG Practice Latham & Watkins LLP
Tara Giunta Partner, Global Co-Chair, ESG & Sustainable Finance Paul Hastings LLP
Juge Gregg Partner Crowell & Moring LLP
Sarah Grey Partner
Arnold & Porter
Michael Littenberg
Partner, Global Head of ESG, CSR and Business and Human Rights Practice Ropes & Gray LLP
Rachel Lowe
Special Regulatory Counsel
Proskauer Rose LLP (London)
Susan Mac Cormac
Co-chair, ESG + Sustainability and Social Enterprise
+ Impact Investing Practices
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Richard Mojica
Practice Lead, International Trade, Business & Human Rights
Miller & Chevalier Chartered
Michael Murphy
Partner
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Heather Palmer
Partner, Global Co-Chair, ESG and Climate Change Practices
Sidley Austin LLP
Douglas Thompson Partner
Snell & Wilmer LLP
Frank Zarb
Partner
Proskauer Rose LLP
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP A
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
9:00 am–12:30 pm (Registration opens at 8:30 am)
A Complete Primer on EU, U.S., and State-Level Climate Disclosure Rules: Navigating the Nuances, Including The CSRD, SEC Climate Disclosure Rules, and TCFD Recommendations
During this deep-dive workshop, ESG professionals and legal practitioners will explore the evolving landscape of climate disclosure rules and risks across multiple jurisdictions. We will dive into the nuances and challenges of the diverse regulatory landscapes that multinational companies must navigate globally, including best practices for integrating varying climate-related frameworks and considerations into corporate strategies. Join us for an in-depth review of the requirements as we explore the grey areas of multijurisdictional rules. Key discussion points include:
• Comparing and contrasting the climate disclosure rules between the EU and the U.S., highlighting specific mandates, reporting frameworks, and key differences
» Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) applicability, requirements, and standards
» SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules
» Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations
• Developing a comprehensive approach to climate-related reporting
• Exploring "double materiality" as required by the EU under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) –benefits, enhanced transparency, and risk management
» Navigating the intricacies and challenges of Scope 3 Emissions reporting across different jurisdictions
• Developing consistent and transparent reporting mechanisms that align with the comprehensive, varying regulatory regimes and requirements
• Best practices for enhancing climate-related reporting, ensuring compliance and building trust with stakeholders
Emma Bichet
Special Counsel Cooley LLP (Brussels)
Rachel Lowe
Special Regulatory Counsel
*Each workshop qualifies for 3 hours of CLE credits
Proskauer Rose LLP (London)
Frank Zarb Partner
Proskauer Rose LLP
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP B
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
1:30–5:00 pm (Registration opens at 1:00 pm)
ESG Metrics Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective ESG Data Integration and Reporting
Integrating and reporting ESG data effectively is critical for companies and financial institutions seeking to demonstrate the commitment to sustainability and transparency. This comprehensive deep-dive workshop offers guidance on best practices for ESG data integration and reporting, helping organizations align with regulatory requirements, meet stakeholder expectations, and drive sustainable business practices. During this deep-dive workshop, we will explore:
• Identifying relevant ESG data sources through industry standards, frameworks, and regulatory requirements to inform reporting practices
• Developing a robust ESG data collection framework while ensuring data accuracy and consistency across different reporting periods and organizational units
• Adhering to recognized ESG reporting standards such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD to ensure your reports meet industry best practices and regulatory requirements
• Assessing your organization’s readiness for ESG reporting and the risk and legal considerations related to voluntary disclosures
• Establishing clear reporting methodologies and data collection processes
• Analyzing ESG performance against predefined benchmarks and targets to track progress and identify areas for improvement
• Engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback and insights on ESG reporting practices, fostering transparency and accountability
Andrea Sheridan
Sustainability Manager
CBRE
Matt Toohey
*Each workshop qualifies for 3 hours of CLE credits
Chief Sustainability Officer and VP, ESG and Climate Impact
Modern West
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
8:00 Networking Breakfast and Registration 9:00 Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs
James Cotton Assistant Corporate Secretary - Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation &
John Hodges Director, ESG Strategy and Engagement Bristol Myers Squibb
Reynolds Managing Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity Officer Wednesday,
Nancy
Kimberly L. Frederick
Assistant Director, Division of Enforcement, Asset Management Unit U.S. Securities and
Commission (SEC)
Companies Are Addressing ESG Risks and Obligations Amid a Proliferation of Mandatory ESG Reporting Requirements
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
Michael
Partner Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Nancy Reynolds Managing Associate General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity Officer Western Union
Dominique Alepin
Senior Corporate Counsel - ESG Compliance Salesforce
Murphy
11:00 REPORTING IN PRACTIC E - CALIFORNIA
Looking Ahead to Satisfying California's Climate Disclosure Mandates: 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
Carrie Christopher
Senior Director of Governance - People, Policy, and Purpose
Cisco
Douglas Thompson
Partner
Snell & Wilmer LLP
MODERATOR:
Natalie Lee
Assistant Division Chief, Industrial Strategies Division
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
State of California
• 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
12:00 Networking Luncheon Sponsored by:
1:15 CSRD COMPLIANCE
Behind the Scenes of Preparing for CSRD Reporting Obligations: Concrete Examples of How U.S. Companies Are Preparing for the EU’s CSRD — Data Collection, Reporting, and Beyond
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
Shea Jameel
Senior Director, Head of Sustainability
Marsh McLennan
Justine Roberts
Director, Sustainability
Gates Corporation
MODERATOR:
Gulzar Babaeva
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel
APi Group
2:00 CYBERSECURITY
Navigating the Intersection of Cybersecurity and ESG: Best Practices of Integrating Cyber Risks into the Corporate ESG Strategy
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
Holly Carr
Managing Director, Forensics
BDO USA
Shardul Desai
Partner
Holland & Knight LLP
2:45 Networking Break
3:00 Corporate Governance and Board Priorities for ESG: Real-World Takeaways for ESG Reporting to the Board, Organizational Alignment, and Securing Board Buy-In
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
Erin Markey
Senior Director, ESG & Sustainability Precision Medicine Group
Susan Mac Cormac Co-chair, ESG + Sustainability and Social Enterprise + Impact Investing Practices Morrison & Foerster LLP
MODERATOR:
John Hodges
Director, ESG Strategy and Engagement Bristol Myers Squibb
Kim Luu Head of Global Sustainability & ESG onsemi
4:00 “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:
Roundtable #1: “E-Focused” Carbon Accounting: Path to Accurate Climate Data
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.
Roundtable #2: “S-Focused” Integrating Human Rights Disclosures into ESG Reporting
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.
Roundtable #3: “G-Focused” Current State of Play: ESG-Linked Executive Compensation
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
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.
Matthew Halperin Director, Sustainability Fox Corporation
Dara Ward Director of Global Sustainability CoorsTek, Inc.
Chris Fletcher, Esq. Global Director, Human Rights Arcadis
5:00 Day 1 Concludes to Networking Cocktail Reception
James Cotton
Assistant Corporate Secretary - Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation & ESG Managing Counsel United Airlines
Jennifer Simile
Senior Counsel, Director, and Head of ESG Lumen Technologies
Thursday, October 17, 2024
8:00 Networking Breakfast and Registration
8:15 EARLY-RISER BREAKFAST
Unpacking Scope 3 Emissions: Measuring the Unmeasured
Early risers, join us for a focused breakfast session on measuring Scope 3 emissions. Learn about best practices and methodologies for calculating and reporting Scope 3 emissions, as well as strategies for reducing these emissions and driving sustainable supply chain management.
9:15 Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Alyse Mauro Mason
9:30 Keynote: EU Platform on Sustainable Finance
Helena Viñes Fiestas Chair of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Co-Chair, Taskforce on Net Zero Policy
10:00 CROSS-INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING – DECARBONIZATION
Implementing Cost-Effective Decarbonization Strategies and Climate Transition Plans: Companies Discuss Transitions to a Low-Carbon, Circular Economy
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
Christopher Librie Senior Director, ESG Applied Materials
Megan Lorenzen Director, Climate and Energy Salesforce
Irina Markina Managing Director, Chief Decarbonization Officer Ara Partners
MODERATOR: Rishi Shah
Vice President, Global Sustainability & ESG Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
11:00 Networking Break
11:15 Mitigating Greenwashing and Other Litigation Risk: What the Latest Cases Reveal on Carbon Offsets, Sustainability, ESG Fraud, and More
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
Juge Gregg Partner
Crowell & Moring LLP
Sarah Grey Partner
Arnold & Porter
• 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
Holly Leeser Counsel – Litigation
Civitas Resources
• Developing proactive communication strategies to address greenwashing allegations promptly and transparently, safeguarding corporate reputation and stakeholder trust
12:00 Networking Luncheon
1:00 Human Rights and Global Supply Chain Risks: Strengthening Due Diligence to Optimize Risk Management
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
Karin Johnson Vice President, Ethics and Compliance
VF Corporation
Richard Mojica
Practice Lead, International Trade, Business & Human Rights
Miller & Chevalier Chartered
MODERATOR:
Natalie Quinn
Staff Attorney, ESG, Corporate Governance & Products
The Container Store
1:45 Aligning Strategies for Global ESG Compliance: EU, US, UK, and California
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
2:30 INDUSTRY BENCHMARKIN G - CSDDD
Mikayla Winter Director of ESG Reporting Wiley
Heather Palmer
Partner, Global Co-Chair, ESG and Climate Change Practices
Sidley Austin LLP
MODERATOR:
Adam Gordon
Adjunct Professor, ESG and Corporate Sustainability
Columbia University
Decoding the CSDDD: Unraveling the Complexities of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and Shedding Light on its Mandatory Scope
Discover how the new EU directive mandates companies to address human rights and environmental impacts in their supply chains. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, also known as the CSDDD or CS3D, was formally adopted by the European Council on May 24th. This marked the final step in the decision-making process for this directive. During this panel, we will discuss:
• 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
Dominique Alepin
Senior Corporate Counsel - ESG Compliance
Salesforce
Jennifer Leech
Senior Legal Counsel, ESG, Regulatory, and Risk BCG
MODERATOR:
Michael Littenberg
Partner, Global Head of ESG, CSR and Business and Human Rights Practice
Ropes & Gray LLP
3:15 Networking Break
3:30
Strengthening Collaboration at the Intersection of ESG, Legal, and Compliance
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
Lucy Jensen
Assistant General Counsel
Vail Resorts
Nicole Karlebach
Sustainability General Counsel, Mars Wrigley
Mars
MODERATOR:
Jennifer Simile
Senior Counsel, Director, and Head of ESG
Lumen Technologies
4:15 Town Hall on The Future of ESG: Navigating the Anti-and Pro-ESG Landscape, and Takeaways on What’s Ahead for ESG Post-Election
Join us for a Town Hall discussion on the future of ESG, where we'll navigate the complexities of both antiand pro-ESG perspectives and provide valuable insights for what lies ahead. In this session, we will explore the next phase of ESG, including the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and investors alike.
During our closing Town Hall, we will explore:
• 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
5:00 Closing Remarks from the Co-Chairs and Conference Concludes
Clarence Mingo
Vice President, Corporate Affairs & ESG
T. Marzetti Company
Sarah E. Fortt
Partner, Global Co-Chair, ESG Practice
Latham & Watkins LLP
Tara Giunta
Partner
Paul Hastings LLP
MODERATOR:
Nancy Reynolds
Managing Associate
General Counsel, Employment, ESG and Chief Integrity Officer Western Union
BECOME A SPONSOR
With conferences in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize participation or showcase your organization’s services and talent. For more information please contact us at: SponsorInfo@AmericanConference.com
LUNCHEON SPONSOR:
The world’s leading organizations and global players choose Proskauer to represent them when they need it the most. With 800+ lawyers in key financial centers around the world, we are known for our pragmatic and commercial approach. Proskauer is the place to turn when a matter is complex, innovative and gamechanging. We work seamlessly across practices, industries and jurisdictions with asset managers, private equity and venture capital firms, Fortune 500 and FTSE companies, major sports leagues, entertainment industry legends and other industry-redefining companies.
EXHIBITORS:
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Switzerland, RepRisk is a data science company that provides transparency on business conduct risks. RepRisk is trusted by 80+ of the world’s leading banks, 17 of the 25 largest investment managers, corporates, and the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds for their due diligence processes. RepRisk uses human curation and cutting-edge artificial intelligence to generate the world’s most comprehensive business conduct and biodiversity risk datasets on public and private companies, real assets, and countries.
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 16 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, California; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals, and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit swlaw.com.
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION CREDITS
Accreditation will be sought in those jurisdictions requested by the registrants which have continuing education requirements. This course is identified as nontransitional for the purposes of CLE accreditation.
ACI certifies this activity has been approved for CLE credit by the State Bar of California.
ACI certifies this activity has been approved for CLE credit by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board.
ACI has a dedicated team which processes requests for state approval. Please note that event accreditation varies by state and ACI will make every effort to process your request.
Questions about CLE credits for your state? Visit our online CLE Help Center at www.americanconference.com/accreditation/cle/
UPCOMING EVENTS
ABOUT US
The C5 Group, comprising American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute and C5 in Europe, is a leading global events and business intelligence company.
For over 40 years, C5 Group has provided the opportunities that bring together business leaders, professionals and international experts from around the world to learn, meet, network and make the contacts that create the opportunities. Our conferences and related products connect the power of people with the power of information, a powerful combination for business growth and success.
