About The BSR Conference 2017
The Leading Event for Collaboration and Action on Sustainable Business
The BSR Conference is one of the most important annual gatherings dedicated to finding solutions to our most pressing global challenges. Every year, nearly 1,000 sustainable business experts from Fortune 500 companies, as well as leading foundations, nonprofit organizations, and government, gather for unparalleled networking experiences, powerful plenary addresses and breakout sessions, and interactive professional development opportunities.
Join us this October to be a part of innovative solutions to the world’s biggest sustainability challenges.
BSR Conference 2017 Theme
How Business Leads
It’s BSR’s 25th anniversary year, and profound change is shaping sustainable business.
Be Inspired
Spotlight on Speakers
Wei Dong Zhou
Executive Secretary-General, Alliance of Green Consumption and Green Supply Chain, China
Chief Representative, The Sustainability Consortium
Wei Dong Zhou
Executive Secretary-General, Alliance of Green Consumption and Green Supply Chain, China, Chief Representative, The Sustainability Consortium
Wei Dong Zhou is responsible for setting the strategic direction of all of The Sustainability Consortium’s projects in China as chief representative. He has also been newly selected as executive secretary-general of the Alliance of Green Consumption and Green Supply Chain in China. Zhou has more than 20 years of experience in Chinese government, nonprofit organization management, CSR and sustainability strategy, philanthropy, the state owner sector, and multinational companies. Prior to joining The Sustainability Consortium, Zhou worked for a private foundation in China as general manager for one year, and for seven years prior to that, worked as BSR’s China Country Director. At BSR, he founded offices in Beijing and Guangzhou and provided advice and counsel to BSR’s member companies and their sustainable supply chain partners.
Nancy McFadden
Executive Secretary, Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown
Nancy McFadden has served as executive secretary for Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. since 2011—the title in law for the chief of staff position. Throughout her career, McFadden has served as a key legal, political, and policy official at both the federal and state levels, as well as in the private sector. McFadden was a senior vice president for Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation. A high-ranking member of the Clinton Administration for eight years, McFadden served as deputy chief of staff to Vice President Al Gore, general counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and deputy associate attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Kara Hurst
Worldwide Sustainability, Amazon
Kara Hurst leads Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon. Utilizing Amazon’s scale, speed, and innovation, Sustainability at Amazon includes core teams focused on packaging innovation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, social responsibility and human rights, sustainability science and innovation, sustainability technology, partnerships and external engagement, and sustainable transportation. Prior to Amazon, Hurst served as CEO of The Sustainability Consortium and as a Vice President of BSR for 11 years, where she built global industry practices in technology, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and entertainment. Prior to BSR, Hurst worked in Silicon Valley as executive director of the public-private venture OpenVoice, in corporate affairs for the Children’s Health Council, as a research lead at the Urban Institute, and as a policy staffer for both Mayor Willie Brown of San Francisco and the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York.
Cecile Richards
President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Cecile Richards is a nationally respected leader in the field of women’s health and reproductive rights who leads a movement that has worked for more than 100 years to build a healthier and safer world for women and teens. Every year, approximately 650 Planned Parenthood affiliate health centers nationwide provide healthcare services to 2.5 million patients, and sex education and outreach to 1.5 million people. Since joining Planned Parenthood in 2006, Richards has expanded its advocacy for access to healthcare and ensured that Planned Parenthood played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare coverage and services for women under the Affordable Care Act. In 2011, she led an unprecedented nationwide campaign to preserve access to Planned Parenthood preventive care through federal programs. Under her leadership, the number of Planned Parenthood supporters has more than doubled, reaching 10 million. Previously, Richards served as deputy chief of staff for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
Why Attend
Connect with Global Business Leaders
Join an influential community of changemakers at more than 20 networking events over three days.
“A great group of people attend this conference—exactly the kind of people I want to meet and talk with … Definitely worth the time, effort, and money.”
Why Attend
Never Stop Learning
Get unrivaled access to more than 30 candid discussions offering practical solutions to build a better future.
“The quality of the content and the networking opportunities are the best I've seen in this field.”
Why Attend
Redefine Sustainable Business
A new approach and a new voice to build a better future.
“You are the sustainability conference. I always feel challenged and inspired.”