Telling Your Sustainability Story 2.0: Session One

February 27, 2025 11:00 AM ET - 12:30 PM ET | Hybrid Meeting

In 2021, The Conference Board convened a series of Roundtable discussions to explore how companies can communicate their sustainability efforts authentically, reliably, and effectively to multiple constituencies. Bringing together 300 executives from 150 leading companies, these discussions led to key insights and actionable strategies, including:

Defining materiality: Align internally on whether you will use materiality as a standard for disclosures and what it means for your organization. While both companies and stakeholders emphasize material information, their interpretations often vary.

Balancing transparency:Companies often hesitate to disclose negative information, yet omitting or downplaying it risks credibility and accusations of greenwashing. Understanding the legal and reputational implications is crucial.

Enhanced reporting assurance: External sustainability assurance services can boost investor confidence, improve ratings, and strengthen internal controls – though they require time and resources. A phased approach may be best.

Navigating ESG ratings: With a growing number of ESG rating firms, companies must strategically decide which to engage with to optimize time and resources.

Now, in today’s environment of increasing ESG scrutiny, evolving regulatory regimes, and growing backlash, we are turning our attention back to this critical topic in a two-part Roundtable Series. These discussions will explore the challenges companies face in sustainability messaging and engagement, helping organizations navigate shifting expectations and refine their communication strategies.

Session One: The Current State of Corporate Sustainability Messaging & Stakeholder Engagement

February 27, 2025 | 11:00 AM EST – 12:30 PM EST

This session will examine how businesses communicate sustainability – focusing on language, tone, and channels – while evaluating whether these efforts effectively engage key audiences. We’ll also explore the balance between transparency, regulatory compliance, and evolving stakeholder expectations.

Key Discussion Points:

Common communication styles and formats (e.g., reports, social media, press releases, interactive storytelling, etc.)
Tone and positioning – formal, aspirational, technical, transparent, or promotional?
Identifying key sustainability stakeholders and their influence on messaging
How different stakeholder groups shape communication strategies

Session 2: Deepening Stakeholder Engagement & Driving Meaningful Behavior Change

Forthcoming in March

This session will focus on leveraging storytelling as a strategic tool to build deeper connections with diverse audiences, align sustainability efforts with broader business goals, and make sustainability data both credible and compelling.

To Attend:

Both sessions will be held both virtually and in person at The Conference Board, located at 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

To register for in-person attendance or inquire about speaking opportunities, please contact Lindsay Beltzer, Lead Program Producer, at lbeltzer@tcb.org.
To join virtually, please log in to our website using the link at the top of this page.

These discussions provide a confidential platform for business leaders to engage in strategic, cross-functional peer discussions on pressing ESG issues, all conducted under the Chatham House Rule. Participants gain practical insights to navigate the evolving ESG landscape and strengthen their corporate sustainability strategies.

Participation is exclusive to US and EU ESG Center Members, Members of the Marketing & Communications Center, and there is no fee associated with this program.

For registration issues or questions about your company’s membership status, please contact Jon Yankelewitz, Member Engagement Director, at Jon.Y@tcb.org.

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