Here’s What You Missed

This year’s NACD Global Board Leaders’ Summit did not disappoint. In fact, we upped the ante with hard-hitting keynote addresses (including an “orbital” governance perspective, a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, and a geopolitical-risk outlook), unprecedented networking opportunities, and can’t-get-them-anywhere-else experiences.

Our 1,300 attendees represented just about every state, 15 countries, and nearly 30 percent of the Fortune 1000. And 60 percent were “Summit regulars”—they keep coming back for more.

Couldn’t join us live? We’ve got the ultimate recap (in no particular order). Here’s what you missed.

Dancing With the Start-Ups

We no longer live in the Mad Men era, when several large brands dominated a particular industry. Start-ups are changing the business landscape and the ways in which we live and work. In partnership with KITE and KPMG, Dancing With the Start-Ups was a competition that invited 12 promising start-ups in three industries to pitch their company in four minutes—and the winner received a prize package worth $30,000. Read this press release to find out who won.

The No. 1 Risk Your Company Is Likely Overlooking

Conversations about culture risk dominated the Strategy and Risk Board Committee Forum and other breakout sessions. Discussions focused on red flags, establishing a stronger onboarding process, and concrete methods for fully engaging board members in their duties as directors.

Diversity

Diversity was not only embodied and discussed during its eponymous half-day Symposium—which focused on the realities of unconscious bias, building the twenty-first century board, and unlocking innovation through diversity—but also was enhanced by the diverse industries, attendee experience levels, and types of companies represented at the Symposium, as well as the learning formats, input, and content of each session throughout the entire Summit. 

Who did our attendees represent?               

38% – Female
62%- Male
30% – Fortune 1000
48 States
15 Countries
190 Board Chairs
43 Industries
47% – Audit Committee
35% – Compensation Committee
39% – Nominating/Governance Committee
7% – Risk Committee

Crickets, Divorce, and the Strategic-Asset Board

Supported by programming that ranged from the newest technologies and emerging ideas to compensation challenges and company strategy, we worked hard to ensure Summit struck the right balance of innovation and need-to-know governance guidance. (See more on eating crickets, the future of divorce, and ways to build a strategic-asset board.)

How to Land Your Next Board Seat

Back by popular demand, this session was standing room only. Whether you were seeking your first board seat or your fifth, “Landing Your Next Board Seat” offered practical takeaways for directors at all career levels.

Higher Ambitions

“Society needs financial wealth . . . but it matters how you make the money,” said Rajendra Sisodia, cofounder and cochair of Conscious Capitalism Inc., and director of the Container Store Group. “Businesses not only create—they can destroy financial wealth, as well.” This keynote by Sisodia was followed by lively discussions on how to develop a higher-ambition board.

Exclusive Opportunities for NACD Fellows

To recognize NACD Fellows (479 in attendance!), several special events were held, including a reception that offered a sneak peek of Innovation Nation, exclusive access to content, networking, and a special gift.

Golf Simulation, Virtual Reality, and Georgetown Cupcakes

Our Innovation Nation and Partner Showcase offered attendees a unique environment to practice their swing, check out the latest in virtual reality, sample famous local fare, and network. (If you didn’t want to try the crickets, you could taste a glass of wine—sans sulfates.)

Our Members Are Raving

Here are just a few of the glowing reviews attendees left at the end of Summit.

“Summit was the best ever, by a wide margin. This year, you made it a must-attend event!”

“This is the best conference—I [have attended] every year for four years running—the most innovation, the best new governance ideas, and the best networking. Thank you!”

“Fast paced and exciting! I loved the emphasis on introducing us to innovations happening in the business world today.”

“Thank you for leaning into conscious capitalism and socially responsible business. I’m pleasantly surprised that NACD is so progressive in [its] thinking.”

“NACD has become a thought-provoking forum for the future of business. Governance is important, but is table stakes. Kudos for being on the leading edge of business sustainability and disruptive strategy.”

Like what you’ve heard? MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US IN 2017

SAVE BIG BEFORE DECEMBER 31
NACD Global Board Leaders’ Summit
Oct. 1–4 | National Harbor, MD
National Harbor, MD