Pre-Conference Trainings

This interactive training will explore the core aspects of corporate responsibility and how to integrate CSR into the overall business agenda. In particular, the training will examine the definitions of and expectations for corporate responsibility and sustainability for multinational companies. Participants will learn about the business drivers for CSR performance, as well as how to articulate the factors necessary to define the scope of CSR, identify important and relevant trends, and define the core functions and practices all companies must maintain for a successful CSR program. Participants will also explore the critical elements of a global reporting process and learn how to create a CSR report that provides a clear, accurate, and balanced account of a company’s performance. We will also discuss trends in CSR reporting and explore what’s next through presentations and group activities. Participants will leave with a broader understanding of CSR and the base information necessary to begin introducing and integrating sustainability into their business.

Who should attend: corporate responsibility practitioners who are new to the field and those from companies that are at the early stages of CSR and sustainability

Schedule: Breakfast: 8 - 9 a.m.; Training: 9 a.m. - noon

A year after the UN Human Rights Council endorsed John Ruggie’s Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, the principles have quickly emerged as the new global standard for corporate responsibility for human rights. Companies in all sectors are developing and implementing appropriate management systems based on the principles. In this half-day workshop, participants will learn about the key elements of effective human rights due diligence, including human rights policies, impact assessments, and integration. Using interactive exercises and real examples, we will share a step-by-step approach to minimizing human-rights-related risks and maximizing opportunities for positive impact.

Schedule: Breakfast: 8 - 9 a.m.; Training: 9 a.m. – noon

Whether ensuring conflict-free minerals, avoiding cotton produced by child labor, or verifying local food ingredients, companies in all sectors have an interest in increasing transparency throughout their supply chain. Achieving better line of sight throughout the supply chain, down to the raw material, is a key way to manage sustainability risks. However, today’s complex global supply chains present a challenge to traceability systems. This interactive session is intended as a time for learning and dialogue for attendees to explore the drivers for investing in greater traceability, learn about the practical tools and systems that leading companies have put in place, identify the specific challenges to be overcome.

Who should attend: practitioners from companies in all industries who are interested in cross-sector lessons

Schedule: Breakfast: 8 - 9 a.m.; Training: 9 a.m. - noon

This interactive training will draw on insights gleaned from BSR’s research and client engagements to highlight emerging trends and innovations in CSR. Participants will have an opportunity to share their knowledge and discuss ways to break through the typical challenges practitioners face in successfully innovating and implementing new CSR approaches. Topics will range from hypertransparency and new models of stakeholder engagement to sustainable product development and the future of supply chain sustainability, and will be built around the specific objectives of the participants. Examples and case studies will provide practical guidance on how your company can capitalize on these trends to take CSR to the next level.

Who should attend: experienced practitioners seeking to evolve and invigorate their existing CSR initiatives, and to better anticipate and respond to future trends

Schedule: Lunch: Noon - 1 p.m.; Training: 1 - 4 p.m.

We know that stakeholders of all kinds—employees, investors, NGOs, public officials, communities, issue advocates, and campaign groups—hold insights and influence that affect business strategy. We also know that companies need to engage stakeholders systematically, with adaptable and appropriate methods, in order to gain valuable insights and address critical risks and opportunities. In this training, a team of experienced staff will present BSR’s approach and perspectives on innovative stakeholder engagement, explore case studies from leading companies, and lead interactive segments to highlight the “do’s and don’ts” of engagement. Attendees will walk away with a sharpened ability to identify and prioritize critical stakeholders, and enable their organizations to take control of issue agendas through proactive, two-way dialogue.

Who should attend: external stakeholder managers, and issue managers and senior leaders who need to understand sustainability trends, build critical relationships, and bring external insights into company decision-making

Schedule: Lunch: Noon - 1 p.m.; Training: 1 - 4 p.m.

This training will introduce participants to BSR tools and methodologies for creating high-impact CSR strategies that drive CSR leadership, propel business success, and generate results through integration. In group discussions and exercises, the presenters will walk participants through the development of business-aligned CSR strategies using BSR’s innovative strategy tools. Along the way, we will look at best practice case studies on leading companies that have successfully aligned business and CSR goals, and we will discuss how companies address the challenge of measuring impact from CSR strategies. Participants will leave the training with a stronger understanding of how to develop powerful, integrated sustainability strategies that mitigate potential risks and produce value through new opportunities.

Who should attend: managers tasked with creating CSR approaches that enable business success

Schedule: Lunch: Noon - 1 p.m.; Training: 1 - 4 p.m.