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Tandem Global Conference 2025

Agenda

Subject to change

Badge Pick Up and On-Site Registration  |  7:00am – 3:30pm

Exhibit Hall Open  |  8:00am – 4:00pm

Breakfast Briefing  |  Shaping the Future of Ocean Conservation One Day at a Time |  8:00am – 9:00am
Restoring our planet requires bold ideas and transformative action – not one-size-fits-all solutions. In this session, discover two innovative projects taking distinctly different approaches to ecosystem restoration. One initiative is the construction of a large-scale artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico, designed to revive marine habitats and explore the potential for carbon capture beneath the ocean’s surface. The other leverages cutting-edge biodiversity science, including environmental DNA technologies, to monitor and safeguard sensitive marine ecosystems around the world. Together, these pioneering efforts illustrate how innovation, research, and determination are shaping the future of conservation, one ecosystem at a time.

  • Gina Jordan, Enbridge
  • Karen Westley, Vice President of Sustainability, Shell

Mainstage Keynote Presentation   |  9:15am – 10:15am
In this keynote address, we will explore how corporations, communities, and scientists can work together to safeguard our oceans and protect marine habitats. By fostering collaboration, corporations can leverage their resources and influence to support sustainable practices and make large impacts on communities and ecosystems. Through shared responsibility and innovation, we can create meaningful solutions to address pressing issues like pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. This keynote will highlight real-world opportunities where partnerships with the corporate world, local stakeholders and scientists can inspire a collective effort to preserve the health of our oceans for future generations.   

  • Jasmin Graham, Marine Biologist, Author, Co-Founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Session  |  10:30am – 12:00pm

Scaling Impact with Biodiversity Credits and Innovation
As biodiversity credits gain momentum as a market-based mechanism for funding nature-positive outcomes, corporate actors are looking for credible, scalable ways to engage. This interactive session brings together experts in credit systems, restoration, pilot innovation, and nature tech to explore how nature projects can be designed and scaled using biodiversity credits and cutting-edge technologies.

Concurrent Sessions  (there are 2 concurrent sessions during this time)  |  10:30am – 12:00pm

Doing More with Less: Tech-Powered Strategies for Effective Ecosystem Management
With growing demands and limited resources, conservation work is evolving, and technology is leading the way. This session explores two innovative approaches: one focused on boosting field efficiency through practical tools and workflows, and the other on using remote sensing and AI to scale biodiversity assessments. Together, these perspectives highlight how blending hands-on expertise with emerging tech can help conservation professionals do more with less, delivering meaningful, measurable impact across landscapes. Whether you’re in the field or behind a screen, this session offers fresh ideas for smarter, more scalable conservation.

  • Umarfarooq Abdulwahab, Applied Ecologist, ExxonMobil
  • Shara Herman, VP of Ecological Operations, Steward Green

Rooted in Community: Advancing Equity and Biodiversity Through Local Collaboration
Environmental sustainability is most impactful when it starts at the community level. In this session, we’ll explore how meaningful engagement and a focus on environmental equity are driving more successful, lasting conservation outcomes. Through real-world case studies and lessons learned, we’ll share strategies for integrating environmental initiatives that empower underserved communities while fostering collaboration with local stakeholders. Discover how restoration projects, environmental leadership, and community-driven efforts can weave equity into the fabric of conservation, creating resilient ecosystems and stronger, more inclusive outcomes. Attendees will gain insights to engage authentically, foster collaboration, and ensure environmental programs reflect the needs, voices and values of the communities they aim to serve.

  • Steven Gray, Professor, Michigan State University
  • Esmeralda Zamarron, Mgr. Foundations Program, DTE Foundation

Lunch and Mainstage Presentation |  State of Corporate Conservation   |  12:00pm – 1:45pm

  • Margaret O’Gorman, CEO, Tandem Global

Concurrent Sessions  (there are 2 concurrent sessions during this time)  |  2:00pm – 3:00pm

Greening the Urban Grid: Bringing Nature Back to Cities

As cities evolve, so do the expectations around sustainable and livable urban environments. This session explores the growing role of green infrastructure in shaping the future of urban development, and what it means for businesses. Discover how reconnecting cities with nature can support long-term resilience, align with corporate sustainability goals, and create value across sectors. Ideal for professionals interested in the intersection of urban growth, environmental responsibility, and strategic innovation. 

  • Daniel Goldfarb, Director, Ecosystem Restoration, Tandem Global (Moderator)

The Language of Sustainability: Communicating with Clarity and Credibility
In today’s business environment, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it’s a core component of corporate strategy. But telling your sustainability story clearly and credibly can be challenging, especially with growing scrutiny around greenwashing and greenhushing. This session will examine how organizations can craft clear, credible, and authentic sustainability communications that build trust with stakeholders. Through real-world examples and expert insights, we’ll explore strategies for navigating complex sustainability narratives, leveraging digital platforms for transparency, and achieving internal alignment across teams Gain practical guidance on communicating your sustainability journey with integrity, balancing ambition with accountability, and driving meaningful impact through your messaging.

  • Karin Perissinotto, Sustainability Manager, CalPortland

Networking Break Sponsored by Chevron  |  3:00pm – 3:30pm

Session  |  3:30pm – 4:30pm

Redefining Restoration Through Practice and Partnership
As the world pushes forward in the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and strives to meet the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, the meaning of “restoration” is evolving. Once confined to academic and scientific circles, it is now shaped by a wide range of perspectives, from scientists, indigenous knowledge holders, artists, and organizations working together to meet the urgent challenge of reversing biodiversity loss. This interactive session explores restoration as more than a science or an art, it’s a dynamic, collaborative process rooted in culture, and shared purpose. Through hands-on activities and open dialogue, we’ll examine how diverse ways of knowing and doing are converging to redefine what effective, equitable, and lasting restoration looks like on the ground. Join us to spark bold ideas, build unexpected connections and imagine new paths toward a thriving planet.

  • Carolyn Jewell, Senior Mgr. Biodiversity & Natural Resources, CRH

Tandem Global Elevate Networking Event  |  4:30pm – 6:00pm

Badge Pick Up and On-Site Registration  |  7:45am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Exhibit Hall Open  |  9:00am – 3:00pm

Breakfast Briefing  |  Wild Returns: How Business is Powering Biodiversity and Economic Growth in Latin America |  8:00am – 9:00am
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge on corporate conservation techniques or gain inspiration for your own efforts, hearing the stories of successful projects is a valuable learning opportunity. From partnering with federal agencies to trying innovative new techniques, these three conservation programs — which have all been in the running for WHC Awards — will illustrate their journeys to success and share the information they’ve learned along the way to go above and beyond for nature.

  • Jorge Calderon, Communications & Alliances Manager, The Earth Lab
  • Camilo Sanchez, Biodiversity, Cemex

Mainstage Keynote Presentation  | Growing Fast. Growing Impact. And Protecting Nature. |  9:15am – 10:15am
For over a century, Ecolab has grown fast by growing its impact. This includes delivering sustainable offerings to customers and harnessing solutions to protect nature and biodiversity. In this keynote address, Emilio Tenuta, Ecolab’s Chief Sustainability Officer, will present a case study for how Ecolab connects  water, climate and nature to support the Task Force on Nature-related Disclosures (TNFD). He will also demonstrate how to map, manage, monitor and safeguard biodiversity through a robust water stewardship program, climate action and consistent performance against ambitious environmental targets.

  • Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Ecolab

Makers’ Pavilion  |  10:00am – 2:00pm

Concurrent Sessions (there are 3 concurrent sessions during this time)  |  10:30am – 11:30am

Integrating Biodiversity Data into Strategic Action: Building Effective Nature-Based Business Frameworks
Sustainability initiatives, particularly biodiversity conservation, are central to building smarter, more resilient companies. From setting ambitious nature goals to leveraging innovative tools to track progress, companies are finding creative and transparent ways to integrate nature into their strategies.

In this special, invitation-only session, Tandem Global, alongside sustainability executives from member companies BP and General Motors, and data experts from Eco+ Foundation and NatureMetrics, will unpack the critical components of developing a strong corporate nature strategy. Together, we will explore key questions: What sparks action? What obstacles arise? And how can momentum be sustained?

We’ll also highlight how using biodiversity data to meet corporate goals can unlock new opportunities, strengthen operational resilience, and position companies as industry leaders. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or looking to elevate your existing frameworks, this session will leave you with actionable, industry-tested advice and fresh perspectives to turn your nature goals into action.

  • Adriana Moraes, Applied Sustainability Coordinator, Eco+ Foundation
  • Sarah Tea, Senior Circular Economy Engineer, GM
  • Shaun Clark, Senior Consultant, Business and Biodiversity, Tandem Global (Moderator)

Restoring Balance: Innovative Strategies for Invasive Species Control
Urban forests face growing threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and degrade ecosystem health. In areas where traditional control methods like prescribed burns are not practical, innovative solutions are essential. This session presents a case study from a densely developed area where a major canopy loss created an opportunity to control invasive growth and restore native forest. Attendees will also learn how aerial drone technology enabled precise, cost-effective herbicide application, and how this scalable approach supports regeneration. The session includes strategy, implementation, and monitoring insights for applying this method in other urban or sensitive settings.

  • Vernon Burrows, Corporate Remediation Project Manager, BASF
  • Kelvin King, Alpha Drones USA
  • Kathryn Sommo, Senior Ecologist/Environmental Scientist, Roux

Transition Your Efforts to Education-Focused Projects: Guidance on Development and Implementation
As resources, staffing, and budgets shift, how can teams maintain labor-intensive habitat and species projects that have become increasingly challenging to sustain? One option is to consider transitioning to education-focused projects that place less strain on available resources. This breakout session will introduce a Education Toolkit, developed by Tandem Global in collaboration with Bayer, which outlines certification requirements, education project options, and a practical grading system to evaluate the staffing, expertise, and time commitments associated with different project types.

Learn from real-life examples from Bayer programs and a curated list of free resources to make implementation more accessible. Whether exploring new ways to maintain certification or seeking to maximize impact with fewer resources, this session will offer actionable insights and flexible strategies to help your site continue making a meaningful difference.

  • Jaime Kirsch, Corn States Operations Manager, Bayer
  • Jacque Williamson, Senior Consultant, Tandem Global

Lunch and Mainstage Session  |  Driving Impact: A Conversation with Sustainability Leaders  |  11:45am – 1:30pm
Join us for an engaging discussion with sustainability leaders from CRH, DTE Energy and others. This session, moderated by Tandem Global’s Margaret O’Gorman, will explore how organizations are addressing pressing environmental and social challenges, navigating the complexities of business and nature, and shaping the future of sustainable innovation. Gain valuable perspectives from these leaders on best practices, emerging trends, and the critical role of sustainability in creating lasting change. 

  • Eunice Heath, Chief Sustainability Officer, CRH
  • Chitkala Kalidas, Senior Vice President and Global Head, ESG, Bayer
  • Shawn Patterson, VP Environmental Management and Safety, DTE Energy
  • Margaret O’Gorman, CEO, Tandem Global (Moderator)

Makers’ Pavilion and Dessert Break Sponsored by Chevron  |  1:30pm – 2:00pm

Concurrent Sessions (there are 2 concurrent sessions during this time)  |  2:00pm – 3:00pm

Rooted in Action: Growing Biodiversity Programs and Management Systems from the Ground Up
Organizations pursue biodiversity conservation for many reasons — from environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance to community engagement and corporate responsibility. Yet, regardless of the initial motivation, the real challenge often lies in building programs that not only take root, but also evolve and thrive over time. This session explores the real-world journeys of organizations that have successfully created, maintained, and continuously improved their biodiversity conservation initiatives. Through practical examples and lessons learned, this session highlights strategies for scaling efforts, overcoming challenges, and embedding biodiversity into long-term organizational goals.

  • Amanda Young, Environmental Engineer, Toyota
  • Ronia Oisiovici, Sr. Sustainability and Innovation Manager, Solvay

The Life Cycle of Biodiversity Enhancements from Site Selection to ROI: Sponsored Content Presented by Ramboll
For many organizations, turning a commitment to biodiversity into meaningful action can feel overwhelming. This session offers a clear, practical path forward, guiding participants through the key stages of planning, implementing, and measuring biodiversity enhancements within a corporate context. We’ll explore how to make informed decisions, use the right tools at the right time, and demonstrate the value of biodiversity efforts in terms leadership understands. Whether you’re just starting or looking to strengthen your biodiversity approach, this session offers the practical insights you need to take the next step.

  • Lis Castillo Nelis, Principal Ecology and Biodiversity, Ramboll
  • Brittni Engels, Senior Consultant, Ramboll

Certification Photo Studio, Sponsored by Chevron – By Appointment  |  3:00pm – 5:00pm

Networking Cocktail Hour  |  5:00pm – 6:00pm

Tandem Global Awards Dinner, Sponsored by General Motors  |  6:00pm – 9:00pm

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