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Who is Innovation Forum
Innovation Forum is an independent London-based company with decades of collective experience in sustainability events and publishing. We research, create, and facilitate debate-driven, focused events tackling the critical business sustainability challenges around the world.Over the past few years we’ve created successful annual and regional events, including those focused on preventing deforestation, sustainable agriculture, human rights and modern slavery and industry specific conferences in sustainable apparel and sugar production.
More information can be found on our website. -
What can you expect from this conference?
- Cross-sector learning from the experiences of multiple corporates, NGOs and governments and about how to make policy into reality in the supply chain.
- The latest research on regulatory drivers, business impacts, roles and management of sustainable supply chains.
- Engagement with senior sustainability and operations executives in more than 200 companies across FMCG, retail, apparel and technology.
- Debate on HOW business should engage policy makers and government officials in driving positive sustainable changes.
- Engaging networking 1:1 or in small groups, and the chance to join workshops and speed networking sessions with likeminded executives, all focused on practical outcomes.
- Collaboration and partnerships with other large businesses, key suppliers, technology and solutions providers, governments and donor agencies, and NGOs.
- Continued access to all content and materials as the conference site stays live post-conference – so whatever time zone you’re in, you’ll have easy access to all the conference.
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What makes this conference different?
Focused content designed for action and practice – the focus of the agenda and event structure are designed to provide actionable tools and practical insights that you can then apply to your own company.More time for genuine discussion – the agenda and timings have been built to provide time for in-depth debate and meaningful exchange beyond introductions and superficial outlines of initiatives. There will be a lot of experience in the room and therefore we intend for the discussions to be participatory.Held under the Chatham House rule – this event is not intended as a PR platform – we hold the event under a covenant of confidentiality to promote honest exchange.
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What are the benefits of a virtual conference?
In March last year, we had to make a quick decision on whether to postpone our spring conferences of pivot to a virtual setting. After consulting with our network of leading executives and organisations, we decided to run our five conferences on a virtual platform. They were all a great success and speakers, delegates and sponsors alike enjoyed getting to network and debate the pressing issues in a time when physical conferences simply aren’t possible.Here are some of the benefits of our virtual conferences:
- Dynamic networking that works: Private 1:1 or group meetings, issue-specific workshops and speed networking all enable the pre-planned and the unexpected connections that make IF conferences so valuable
- Global perspectives without the carbon footprint: Connect with attendees from all over the world to ensure that all key stakeholders can contribute to the solutions
- Continued learning and connections: All main conference sessions are recorded and accessible post-conference, plus further access to side events, half day workshops and additional virtual networking amongst the IF community
Our virtual platform has been designed to ensure an engaging and interactive experience that best replicates the value of a physical conference. -
What are the objectives of this conference?
The primary objectives of this conference will be to:
- Drive progress that works for consumers, the environment, utility and business reality
- Equip business with the practical guidance to develop and implement strategies for reducing and eliminating carbon footprints
- Highlight leading company approaches and promote industry best practice
- Facilitate collaboration between key actors across the value chain
- Showcase the latest innovations and technologies that can enable companies to deliver on targets
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Who attends?
The conference will have 200+ attendees representing retailers, brands, policy makers, suppliers and NGOs and other relevant organisations.
If you would like to see a sample list of attendees please email: hanna.halmari@innovationforum.co.uk
Delegates range from senior management up to director level, primarily from CSR, sustainability, supply chain, procurement, ethical trade, corporate affairs and corporate communication functions.
Whilst the reach of the conference is global, the audience will primarily consist of representatives from North America given the US time zone. -
Do you offer group discounts?
We strongly encourage attendees to join as a team to ensure you don’t miss anything across the breakout and working group sessions and to make the most out of the connections on the platform. If you’d like to attend with two or more colleagues, we would be happy to offer a group discount. For details, please contact the conference manager, Hanna at hanna.halmari@innovationforum.co.uk
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How can I apply to speak?
Our speakers are selected and invited based on in-depth research into the leading organisations in the space. However, if you have an interesting program, initiative or partnership, then we would love to hear from you.Please direct your inquiry to Hanna Halmari at hanna.halmari@innovationforum.co.uk
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Are there any volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we offer a small number of places to students studying in relevant fields. We ask for some assistance over the two conference days in return for access to the conference sessions and learning opportunities. Get in touch for more details.
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How can I stay up to date with further Innovation Forum conferences, research and publishing?
By signing up, you’ll receive our latest analysis through our weekly newsletter. You’ll also be the first to find out about similar conferences and related content.
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How can I get updates on the conference?
If you haven't yet registered and wish to receive any updates on the conference such as new agenda items or confirmed speakers, please email hanna.halmari@innovationforum.co.uk
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What different session formats are available at the virtual conference?
The virtual platform enables a variety of different session formats. In addition to the usual plenary and breakout sessions, attendees will be able to join the following types of interactive sessions:
- Working groups: Working groups are set up a little differently. Everyone in the session will join live through their webcams and audio. We plan to ensure all voices are heard as we work to tackle a key issue or question. We will split attendees into smaller groups throughout the session to enable a constructive dialogue. Sessions are held under the Chatham House rule, with key notes and takeaways written up and shared as outputs.
- Speed networking sessions: During speed networking sessions, attendees will be matched with others for quick fire 1:1 virtual meetings. Over the course of the session, you will have the opportunity to meet a range of attendees and then follow up where appropriate with more detailed conversations via the meeting scheduler.
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What is included in your registration?
Your ticket to this year’s Future of Climate Action includes:
- Full access to the 3-day live conference, including all plenary sessions, working groups and networking
- Recordings of all main conference sessions
- Meeting scheduler: In addition to the live networking sessions, you can arrange 1:1 or group meetings in-platform with any other attendee
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What sort of networking opportunities are available?
- All attendees are able to message and set up private 1:1 or group virtual meetings with any other attendee over the conference days and the weeks following.
- Speed networking sessions: During speed networking sessions, attendees will be matched with others for quick fire 1:1 virtual meetings. Over the course of the session, you will have the opportunity to meet a range of attendees and then follow up where appropriate with more detailed conversations via the meeting scheduler.
- Group networking: During group networking sessions, attendees are put into smaller groups of 3-4 attendees. These groups are then shuffled every ten minutes or so.
- Working group sessions: Working groups are structured to enable a two-way dialogue and ensure practical problem solving around key issues. All attendees join intimate, multi-way calls to ensure engagement. Expert facilitators then lead an in-depth discussion with everyone in the ‘room’. We will look to draw on the variety of expertise to work through specific problems and deliver tangible outcomes
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How can we sponsor this forum?
At Innovation Forum, we are always looking for new organisations who are able to support the work that we do, and promote leading debate and discussion.Innovation Forum events offer a fantastic opportunity for sponsors to be able to showcase their work to, and network with, a room full of focused, relevant and senior sustainability professionals.For information on how to get involved and support this forum, please contact Anita Thomson at anita.thomson@innovationforum.co.uk