Join us for the 2026 Profit & Purpose Sustainable Business Conference, where leaders and changemakers will come together to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable business.
This year’s conference features a keynote presentation from Joris Veldhoven, President of New York Transco, along with four engaging panel discussions examining the intersection of sustainability, policy, innovation, and responsible growth. Discussions will explore New York’s changing environmental policy landscape, the future of sustainable business solutions, the role of innovation in advancing environmental progress, and how organizations can responsibly navigate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Through thought-provoking conversations and practical insights, this conference will highlight emerging trends, actionable strategies, and collaborative approaches to advancing sustainable growth and creating lasting environmental, social, and economic value across Westchester and beyond.
Details
12:30: registration/networking lunch
1:00pm – opening session including keynote presentation from Joris Veldhoven, President of New York Transco
2:00pm – A Panels
2:45pm – Break
3:00pm – B Panels
4:00pm – networking reception
5:00pm – end
Panel Discussions:
Policy Track Panel A – 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Navigating New York’s Changing Environmental Policy Landscape
This year saw big changes in statewide environmental policy with tactical rollbacks of New York’s landmark climate transition law, environmental quality and land use reform, and a moratorium on large scale data centers. Are the state’s clean energy plans dead, dormant, or delayed? Can we address the housing challenge while still protecting our natural resources? Will we miss out on the economic benefits of AI infrastructure needs? This panel explores the practical significance of these policy shifts for New York’s long term sustainability goals and what they mean for your organization.
Speakers to be announced.
Policy Track Panel B – 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Profit & Purpose Action Award Competition
Sustainable business is at a crossroads. Risk management is as important as ever, but the shifting political landscape, rapid technological advancement, and regulatory transformation has changed the trajectory of sustainability, ESG, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. To successfully operate in this volatile area requires a constant eye towards cutting-edge solutions that are defensible both in the boardroom and in the eyes of the public. Students often bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to address these challenges. This panel highlights and rewards student focused innovation. After a competitive review process of student submissions, three finalists will present their real-world, practical solutions to advance sustainable business goals amidst today’s challenges. An expert judging panel will then select the second annual recipient of the Profit & Purpose Action Award, jointly presented by the Sustainable Business Law Hub at Pace University and the Westchester County Association.
Judges to be announced.
Business Track Panel A – 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Innovating for Impact: Advancing Sustainable Solutions
Innovation is essential to advancing more sustainable business practices and outcomes. As businesses, governments, and entrepreneurs rethink products, technologies, business models, and policy frameworks, new opportunities are emerging to drive growth while reducing environmental impacts. Advances in areas such as renewable energy, the circular economy, and regenerative agriculture illustrate how innovative solutions can align economic success with environmental stewardship. This panel explores how continued innovation and collaboration amongst law, policy, and business stakeholders can accelerate this transition and generate lasting environmental, social, and economic value.
Speakers to be announced.
Business Track Panel B – 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Responsible AI in Business: AI Value Creation for All
How are businesses capturing the genuine value AI creates while balancing its costs onto people, communities, and the planet? This panel brings together executives operating at the intersection of AI and corporate responsibility to confront the central tension of our moment: How do we capture the genuine value AI creates without externalizing its costs onto people, communities, and the planet?
Speakers to be announced.
