The FORTUNE CFO Collaborative Washington, D.C.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST AND REGISTRATION

MAINSTAGE SESSIONS

LUNCH

CONCURRENTS

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

RECEPTION

DINNER WITH FEATURED INTERVIEW

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

CLOSING LUNCH

FORTUNE COO SUMMIT

BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLES

DEI Defense: Battling the Chilling Effect

Diversity in corporate America is in the throes of a long-term legal battle, forcing more executives to question how they can avoid lawsuits from conservative activists. What are some of the strategies experienced business leaders are using to strengthen DEI initiatives while mitigating legal risks? As more major U.S. law firms develop practices to manage these challenges, we'll explore some recently successful approaches in today's climate.


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The Case For Climate Action

In 2023, a district court in Montana ruled in favor of a group of young plaintiffs, aged 5 to 22, declaring that the state must protect citizens from climate change. This decision, the first of its kind in the U.S., shows how state constitutions can be used to achieve significant civil rights victories. A discussion about this groundbreaking case and its future implications, as we see more people use the courts to fight for the planet.



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Tech Transformation: How Startups And Growth Investors Are Driving Change 

Scaling impact through technology is crucial for addressing the world’s most challenging environmental and social issues. From understanding Scope 3 emissions to advancing renewable energy adoption, innovative technology and smart investments are at the forefront of these efforts. One leading investor and a startup cofounder and CEO share their insights on financing and deploying impactful technologies.

&nbsp;

DEI Defense: Battling The Chilling Effect
Diversity in corporate America is in the throes of a long-term legal battle, forcing more executives to question how they can avoid lawsuits from conservative activists. What are some of the strategies experienced business leaders are using to strengthen DEI initiatives while mitigating legal risks? As more major U.S. law firms develop practices to manage these challenges, we'll explore some recently successful approaches in today's climate. 

&nbsp;
The Case For Climate Action
In 2023, a district court in Montana ruled in favor of a group of young plaintiffs, aged 5 to 22, declaring that the state must protect citizens from climate change. This decision, the first of its kind in the U.S., shows how state constitutions can be used to achieve significant civil rights victories. A discussion about this groundbreaking case and its future implications, as we see more people use the courts to fight for the planet. 
 

&nbsp;
Tech Transformation: How Startups And Growth Investors Are Driving Change 
Scaling impact through technology is crucial for addressing the world’s most challenging environmental and social issues. From understanding Scope 3 emissions to advancing renewable energy adoption, innovative technology and smart investments are at the forefront of these efforts. One leading investor and a startup cofounder and CEO share their insights on financing and deploying impactful technologies.
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SWITCH BREAK

DEIA's Next Act 

With legal challenges to diversity initiatives and mounting shareholder pressure, some companies are cutting DEI roles completely, while others are doubling down on skills-based hiring to include the 60% of American workers without four-year degrees. Will inclusion efforts falter, or will equity prevail? As diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies evolve, we’ll explore how the public and private sectors are reassessing to create a workforce that truly reflects America.


Building Climate-Ready Cities

By 2050, over two-thirds of the global population will live in cities, forcing urban areas and their mayors to the forefront of climate change adaptation. From coast-to-coast, American cities are building resilience against floods, hurricanes, and extreme heat through raising roads, restoring natural barriers, and pioneering water conservation techniques. A conversation about how municipal governments are driving efforts to protect urban populations and prepare for future climate challenges.


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Sustainability Goals: Are Market Movers on Track? (confirm slots with speakers)

As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, major corporations have set ambitious sustainability goals with well-publicized deadlines. But are they actually on track to meet them? Join us for a deep dive into the strategies and innovations market movers are implementing to achieve their targets–and why some companies are falling short.


&nbsp;

The Price Tag of Sustainability

Balancing sustainability with affordability is a pressing challenge in our quest for a greener future. What strategies and innovations are essential to keep sustainable food and energy within reach? With 19 million Americans living in food deserts and power bills on the rise, how can we make eco-friendly choices more accessible and affordable for everyone?

DEIA's Next Act 
With legal challenges to diversity initiatives and mounting shareholder pressure, some companies are cutting DEI roles completely, while others are doubling down on skills-based hiring to include the 60% of American workers without four-year degrees. Will inclusion efforts falter, or will equity prevail? As diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies evolve, we’ll explore how the public and private sectors are reassessing to create a workforce that truly reflects America. 

&nbsp;
Building Climate-Ready Cities
By 2050, over two-thirds of the global population will live in cities, forcing urban areas and their mayors to the forefront of climate change adaptation. From coast-to-coast, American cities are building resilience against floods, hurricanes, and extreme heat through raising roads, restoring natural barriers, and pioneering water conservation techniques. A conversation about how municipal governments are driving efforts to protect urban populations and prepare for future climate challenges. 

&nbsp;
Sustainability Goals: Are Market Movers On Track? (confirm slots with speakers)
As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, major corporations have set ambitious sustainability goals with well-publicized deadlines. But are they actually on track to meet them? Join us for a deep dive into the strategies and innovations market movers are implementing to achieve their targets–and why some companies are falling short. 
 
&nbsp;
The Price Tag Of Sustainability
Balancing sustainability with affordability is a pressing challenge in our quest for a greener future. What strategies and innovations are essential to keep sustainable food and energy within reach? With 19 million Americans living in food deserts and power bills on the rise, how can we make eco-friendly choices more accessible and affordable for everyone?

WELCOME & MAINSTAGE SESSIONS

OPENING RECEPTION

Co-hosted by EVERFI from Blackbaud

Co-hosted by EVERFI from Blackbaud

DINNER AND PROGRAM

NETWORKING BREAK

Recalibrating ESG:  Mastering The Message Amidst The Backlash

Let’s face it: The term “ESG” has become increasingly polarized. In today's divided world, it is crucial for companies to refine their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies to avoid backlash and effectively engage stakeholders. Business leaders need innovative approaches to reshape ESG narratives and manage public perception. How can companies create transparent and compelling messages, and demonstrate the business case for ESG-driven profitability?

Warming And Well-being: Why The Climate Crisis Is Leading To A Health Crisis  

As climate change accelerates, its impact on health is intensifying. Record-breaking heat waves have increased heat-related deaths among people over 65 by about 85% in the last 20 years, leading many American cities to appoint heat officers to address this issue. What’s more, it’s been reported that climate change disproportionately affects people of color, the elderly, laborers and children. How can the public and private sectors collaborate to safeguard health as the climate crisis escalates? What changes are necessary to ensure health equity and protect the most vulnerable populations as our planet warms?

Clean Wheels, Clear Skies: Powering A Green Transportation Transition

The transportation sector accounts for approximately 14%of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the biggest emitters with the greatest potential for transformation. As numerous industry giants have promised big changes,, what will transportation become as we transition to more electric mobility on the roads and sustainable aviation fuel in the sky? Here’s how major transport players are introducing more sustainable practices across their enterprise and driving the green energy transition.

Additional sessions to be announced.

Recalibrating ESG:  Mastering The Message Amidst The Backlash
Let’s face it: The term “ESG” has become increasingly polarized. In today's divided world, it is crucial for companies to refine their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies to avoid backlash and effectively engage stakeholders. Business leaders need innovative approaches to reshape ESG narratives and manage public perception. How can companies create transparent and compelling messages, and demonstrate the business case for ESG-driven profitability?
Warming And Well-Being: Why The Climate Crisis Is Leading To A Health Crisis  
As climate change accelerates, its impact on health is intensifying. Record-breaking heat waves have increased heat-related deaths among people over 65 by about 85% in the last 20 years, leading many American cities to appoint heat officers to address this issue. What’s more, it’s been reported that climate change disproportionately affects people of color, the elderly, laborers and children. How can the public and private sectors collaborate to safeguard health as the climate crisis escalates? What changes are necessary to ensure health equity and protect the most vulnerable populations as our planet warms?
Clean Wheels, Clear Skies: Powering A Green Transportation Transition
The transportation sector accounts for approximately 14%of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the biggest emitters with the greatest potential for transformation. As numerous industry giants have promised big changes,, what will transportation become as we transition to more electric mobility on the roads and sustainable aviation fuel in the sky? Here’s how major transport players are introducing more sustainable practices across their enterprise and driving the green energy transition.
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Additional sessions to be announced.

LUNCH IMPACT STRATEGY SESSIONS

Climate-Proofing the World: Adaptation and Resilience Strategies

The realities of climate change are faced by millions around the world on a daily basis. Flooding, heat waves, and drought are just a few of the symptoms of a global problem that experts across technology, infrastructure, and government are already fighting. To meet current climate resilience targets, $200 billion is needed annually to bolster cutting-edge tech, smart policies, and public-private partnerships. What critical strategies are needed to climate-proof  the economy and forge a resilient future?

Additional sessions to be announced.

Climate-Proofing The World: Adaptation And Resilience Strategies
The realities of climate change are faced by millions around the world on a daily basis. Flooding, heat waves, and drought are just a few of the symptoms of a global problem that experts across technology, infrastructure, and government are already fighting. To meet current climate resilience targets, $200 billion is needed annually to bolster cutting-edge tech, smart policies, and public-private partnerships. What critical strategies are needed to climate-proof  the economy and forge a resilient future?
Additional sessions to be announced.

CLOSING MAINSTAGE SESSIONS

The Fortune Impact Initiative™ is a membership community dedicated to supporting executives who manage the risks and growth opportunities that put people, planet, and purpose at the core of their business strategies.

Upcoming Conferences

The FORTUNE CFO Collaborative Washington, D.C.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 | Washington, D.C.

FORTUNE COO SUMMIT

OCTOBER 07-08, 2024 | MIDDLEBURG, VA

Fortune Impact Initiative 2024

OCTOBER 08-09, 2024 | Atlanta, GA

Stacey Abrams

Jason Buechel