ESG Integration Forum – Winter

Thursday, November 30, 2023

etc.venues 360 Madison Avenue, New York

ESG AT A CROSSROADS

The rise of the ‘anti-ESG’ movement is gaining momentum in certain circles of the capital markets. Meanwhile, there is increased emphasis on the role of companies in delivering a smooth and ‘just’ energy transition.

ESG appears to be at a crossroads, and understanding the changing expectations of stakeholders will be critical for listed companies in 2023.

To help IR, governance and sustainability teams at public companies understand expectations for ESG reporting and communications in today’s environment, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence hosted the ESG Integration Forum – Winter 2023. View the agenda and speaker sections below to see what was discussed.


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Agenda: 2023

  • 08:15 AM
    Registration opens

  • 08:55 AM
    Welcome address

  • 09:00 AM
    Regulatory update: New disclosure requirements and implementation timelines

    As we wait for an update on the SEC’s climate disclosures rule, California has lead the charge
    on climate reporting, setting the bar on TCFD-aligned disclosure and providing a blueprint for
    other states to follow suit. In this panel, we’ll discuss the national and global impact of the
    California climate disclosure laws, how they align with the expected SEC rules, and how both
    rules align with other global standards and frameworks

    • Understand the impact of California’s climate disclosure laws on how
      companies disclose ESG information and provide a blueprint for better disclosure
    • An update on the SEC’s proposals and how they compare with California’s climate disclosure laws
    • Analyze how the US approach align and conflict with other global standards,
      including those put forward by the EU and ISSB

    Mia Overall, vice president, ESG, Newmark
    Sandy Peters, senior head, CFA Institute, and investor advisory committee member, SEC

  • 09:30 AM
    ESG data management: Managing a paradigm shift

    A paradigm shift is underway moving from voluntary and unstructured ESG data and sustainability reporting to mandatory and standardised sustainability disclosures. In this panel, we’ll share how well established global governance and data management best practices help issuers develop a robust ESG data culture.

    • Learn how the transition from voluntary to mandatory reporting will impact how ESG data is managed and disclosed 
    • Gain clarity on the standards required to meet regulatory and assurance requirements for ESG data 
    • Best practices on how to design and execute a robust data governance and oversight strategy for ESG 

    Moderator: Ben Maiden, editor-at-large, Governance Intelligence
    Raj Dave, chief securities counsel and assistant corporate secretary, Newell Brands
     
    John Truzzolino, director of business development, Donnelley Financial Solutions
     

     

  • 10:00 AM
    Fire-side chat: Refining your ESG narrative

    • Getting the basics right: What not to miss in your sustainability communications 
    • Telling your sustainability story with limited time and resources 
    • Sustainability reports vs integrated reports: Deciding on the right approach 
    • Greenwashing vs green-hushing: Finding the right balance 

    Daniel Labovitz, co-founder and CEO, Green Impact Exchange

  • 10:20 AM
    Coffee break

    Private roundtable: Conducting a comprehensive materiality assessment  

    • Getting started: Defining which issues are material in today’s environment
    • Balancing priorities: Managing evolving stakeholder pressures on material issues
    • Looking ahead: Transitioning from single to double materiality

    Steve Wade, head of content, IR Magazine  

  • 10:50 AM
    Preparing for the 2024 proxy: Meeting shifting shareholder demands

    Despite lower majority support among shareholders, the 2023 proxy season set a new record for the number of ESG proposals. In this panel we will analyze the trends from this year’s proxy, track how shareholder sentiment is changing with regards to E&S issues and discuss how to apply the lessons learned from 2023 in 2024. 

    • An overview of the key E&S proposals from 2023 and what to expect in 2024
    • Respond to enhanced scrutiny of environmental and social reporting
    • Navigate shareholder disunity on ESG as proposals become increasingly specific and divisive  

    Laurence Taylor, senior conference producer, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence
    Dana Eddis, associate general counsel – corporate, Corteva
    Greg Reppucci, senior director, sustainability & corporate governance, Morrow Sodali
    Michael Rouvina, assistant general counsel – corporate governance and securities, Lumen

  • 11:45 AM
    Telling your ESG story in 2024: Communicating and reporting effectively

    Market uncertainty, inconsistent reporting and rolled back commitments have left many feeling disillusioned with the ESG movement. Here our speakers will discuss how to reframe your ESG narrative and report ESG information in a way that is both compliant with international standards and valuable to investors.

    • Streamline your ESG messaging: refocusing on sustainable issues that are most material to your business
    • Back up your claims: supporting your commitments and timelines with data
    • Go beyond compliance: using new reporting requirements as a catalyst to inform and reinforce your sustainability strategy

    Moderator: Carolina Murphy, director, advisory & corporate insights, CECP
    Prabh K. Banga, vice president, sustainability, Aecon
    Wesley Gee, chief sustainability officer, Works Design
    Gina Jordan, manager, sustainability and ESG policy, Enbridge

  • 12:30 PM
    Leveraging technology and upgrading your ESG toolbox

    In this panel we will discuss how new technologies are helping to companies to identify which ESG issues are material to their businesses, improve efficiencies in collecting and managing data (including scope 3 emissions) and optimize their reporting and engagement process.  

    • Discuss which sustainability tools and technologies IR and governance teams are using to drive efficiency in their role 
    • Learn how recent breakthroughs in digital communications, automation and AI are helping companies manage and communicate their ESG performance 
    • Understand how to assess and mitigate the risks posed by AI on the reliability and accuracy of ESG information 

    Moderator: Laurence Taylor, senior conference producer, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence 
    Ed Miller, director, investor relations, Q4

    Quentin Weber, director, investor relations, WSP

  • 13:10 PM
    Lunch

  • 14:10 PM
    Managing a Just Transition: Balancing environmental and social priorities

    Businesses have a salient role to play in leading the transition to a net zero economy, but various social and financial risks need to be accounted for. In this panel, we’ll discuss how accelerating concerns around climate change and mounting ESG fatigue are impacting strategic decision making, how IR and governance teams can support their board to manage these risks and opportunities, and how to ensure your company’s sustainable transition is fair and equitable.

    • Share strategies to support your board’s oversight of climate risk, including: different governance structures, board composition and training, and feeding back relevant stakeholder information
    • Assess and evaluate the social risks associated with your environmental strategy and roadmap to net zero
    • Ensure accountability: assessing board competency, measuring progress and reporting results

    Ben Maiden, editor-at-large, Governance Intelligence
    Alexandra Higgins, managing director, Okapi partners
    Mary Morley, head of corporate communications & ESG, Sterling Infrastructure

  • 14:50 PM
    Buy-side Q&A: Investor ESG priorities for 2024

    Here we will discuss how investors are integrating ESG into their investment decisions in
    2024

    • Learn the red and green flags investors have when it comes to ESG engagement and
      communications
    • Hear which human capital issues investors are focussing on in 2024, and how best to
      communicate your social narrative
    • Understand the buy-side perspective on ESG fatigue and how companies can better
      articulate their sustainability efforts in the context of resistance

    Laurence Taylor, senior conference producer, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence
    Kiran Aziz, head of responsible investments, KLP
    Bruce Kahn, senior portfolio manager, Shelton Capital Management
    Erika Karp, chief impact officer, Pathstone

  • 15:30 PM
    Closing keynote: ESG outlook for 2024

    Our final session of the day will recap how discussions around ESG are shifting, and what to
    expect – and prepare for – next year. How are global priorities expected to change, and
    what does an effective ESG governance and communication strategy look like in 2024?

    • Identify and understand new market pressures around ESG issues
    • Balance agility with consistency: Standing by your commitments whilst being responsive to changing stakeholder expectations
    • Align your sustainability narrative with your company’s long-term strategy and objectives

    Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence
    Jennifer Motles, chief sustainability officer, PMI

  • 15:50 PM
    Champagne roundtables

    Help yourself to a glass of bubbly and discuss the topic with your peers in a highly interactive roundtable discussion. 

    Roundtable topics 

    • Managing and communicating social value in 2024

    Steve Wade, head of content, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence

    • Biodiversity: Responding to the TNFD framework

    Ben Maiden, editor-at-large, Governance Intelligence

    • Adapting to the ISSB standards: Applying S1 and S2

    Ron Llewellyn, counsel, Fenwick & West 

    • Executing an impactful ESG investor day

    Laurence Taylor, head of content, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence

  • 16:30 PM
    Closing remarks and networking drinks

    Laurence Taylor, senior conference producer, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence 

Speakers: 2023

To inquire about future speaking opportunities, contact [email protected] or +44 20 8004 4818


What our attendees say

"The speakers were very knowledgeable on the topics that they were discussing."

The Home Depot

"I thought the roundtables were incredible, as it provided a more natural opportunity to network."

Anonymous

"The sessions were moderated very well with a quick pace. The panellists were well prepared and provided relevant insights."

Murphy Oil Corporation

"Great venue and food, very competent IR team enabling everything to flow. Great content and SME's speaking. Well done!"

Anonymous

"The guests and content are fantastic. Really appreciate all the work that goes into getting these sessions together. Thank you."

Nano One Materials

Who attends our event

Our attendees are leading governance, IR and sustainability practitioners with an established track record and strategic role within their company.

Below is a sample of some of our past attendees:

Company Job title Company Job title
Farmland Partners CFO ViacomCBS ESG specialist
PotlatchDeltic CFO Hewlett Packard Enterprise ESG strategy and operations
Array Technologies CMO, head of ESG Bristol-Myers Squibb Global head, sustainability strategy & operations
United States Steel Corporate counsel Vistra IR and sustainability director
Nano One Materials Corporate secretary & director of sustainability The Water Council President & CEO
KEB Hana Bank Canada Corporate secretary and governance officer Duke Realty Senior corporate responsibility and brand manager
McDonalds Corporation Corporate VP and associate general counsel The Kroger Senior Director, ESG
Easterly Government Properties Director of Sustainability Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior director, investor relations
Micron Technology Director of sustainability MEG Energy Senior sustainability advisor
Unitil Director of sustainability & shared services Sprouts Farmers Market Sustainability manager
South Jersey Industries Director, ESG Capstone Mining SVP, risk, ESG and corporate secretary
Coeur Mining Director, ESG, Community & government relations Whitestone REIT Vice president, corporate communications
IAC Director, finance and IR Exterran Corp Vice president, finance
AMN Healthcare Services Director, investor relations & strategy The Estee Lauder Companies VP, global corporate citizenship & sustainability
Ideanomics Director, Sustainability Modern West Advisory VP, ESG & sustainable business practice
Murphy Oil Corporation Director, sustainability MetaBank VP, ESG and DEI
Adtalem Global Education Director, sustainability & government relations OGI VP, investor relations
DaVita ESG director Columbia Banking System VP, investor relations, ESG

 

Request full attendee list 

Become a partner

Why partner with us?

The ESG Integration Forum – Winter brings together some of the most influential people in the IR, governance and sustainability communities.

The event offers an effective approach to targeting clients when they are exploring how they can improve their ESG engagement and communication practice. Through our unrivalled knowledge of the subject matters and commitment to in-depth agenda research, our events are guaranteed to attract a qualified audience.

The unique buzz we create at our events makes them multi-faceted and highly interactive with great engagement in particular with decision-makers at listed companies. This allows our partners to have meaningful conversations with corporates who are deciding which parts of their ESG program to invest in, which service providers to engage and which consultants to retain. By partnering with us on an event, you can generate leads, showcase your thought leadership and position yourselves as the partner of choice.

We’d love to have a chat with you about how you can get in front of a truly engaged and motivated audience at the ESG Integration Forum – Winter. Get in touch with Ian Richman or call on +1 212 430 6895.

Partners

Coalition for the homeless

IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence are long-term supporters of the Coalition for the Homeless. The Coalition is doing all in its power to ensure that homeless New Yorkers get the help and protection they need.

Thank you to our attendees for bringing items to the event to be donated to those in need through the coaliation.

For further information about their work, please visit coalitionforthehomeless.org

Venue

We were delighted to host the event at:

etc.venues
360 Madison Avenue
New York
NY 10017

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