Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Enjoy a networking breakfast with a yogurt bar from Chobani, La Colombe coffee drinks, and other breakfast treats.
Corporate purpose has never been static, nor has the world it operates in. In this opening Purpose Talk, Shannon Schuyler traces the arc of corporate philanthropy from relief-driven charity to today's era of integrated value creation. This session will open minds, spark reflection, and send you into the 2026 conference with a helpful perspective on our changing society and the positive role corporate purpose will continue to have.
This opening panel will explore how leaders are evolving business impact for a changing society — aligning purpose, philanthropy, and partnership to deliver meaningful, lasting solutions.
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to the 2026 finalists:
- Allstate
- Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce
- Joyner Family Insurance
- Successful Innovations, Inc.
What does it take to rebuild trust in a fractured world, and what is the role of business in making it happen? In this candid fireside chat, explore how trust-building connects to broader civic and economic health, and gain new insights into the future of corporate purpose amidst today’s transforming societal backdrop.
18.5 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2025, an issue that negatively affects health, learning, and work. In a conversation that takes place at the intersection of food access and human wellness, gain solution-focused perspectives from organizations that are committed to helping solve this persistent challenge.
Visit the pop-up volunteer service project sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, plus additional attendee experiences and activations!
How is the American workforce impacted by off-the-clock family caregiving for older adults? Caregiving often comes with hidden costs that add up for the caregiver even before they’ve had a chance to anticipate or discuss it with their family members. While 81% of caregivers would reduce their own financial security to support the one in their care, stepping away from work for caregiving shouldn’t permanently impact their financial future. Based on a new study commissioned by Edward Jones, learn what Americans workers say they need to support this emotional journey.
Since 2022, Norfolk Southern has invested nearly $1 million through the first-of-its-kind Norfolk Southern Trail Activation Fund, partnering with the Trust for Public Land's National Trails Initiative to transform underutilized land into vibrant public trails across its 22-state network. This session will explore the community-centered partnership model that boosts local economies and expands equitable outdoor access.
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Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to the 2026 finalists:
- Allagash Brewing Company
- ClearCOGS
- Netafim North America
- U-Haul International
Discover the inspiring story of sight-impaired young entrepreneurs who excelled in a Make48 product design challenge. Their groundbreaking creation, a cooler designed to support homeless individuals, demonstrates the incredible impact of creativity, determination, and mentorship in tackling societal issues. This segment will explore how inclusive innovation fosters meaningful change.
A Special Recognition for World-Changing Partnerships to Advance Global Health
Sponsored by Kohler Chocolates
Learn the outcomes achieved through an employer initiative that helps service members, veterans, and military spouses launch a high-paying career in the skilled trades and build long-term economic opportunity.
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to this year's finalists:
- Citi Foundation
- Marriott International
- Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
- Nasdaq Foundation
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has worked intensively for the past three years to strengthen the systems that the business community depends on overseas. The initiative is called the Judicial Fellowship Program and it aims to build a global network of leaders committed to rule of law, anti-corruption, and judicial independence. Fellows from 21 countries have participated so far. Learn what’s coming up in 2027 and how this work connects to CSR and corporate purpose.
Earlier this year, Citi announced its Blueprint for Housing Opportunity Initiative, a $60 billion pledge to help unlock U.S. housing affordability over five years. In parallel, Citi Foundation is deploying $50 million in philanthropic grants to nonprofit housing partners. As one of the grantees, learn how the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders is partnering with Citi Foundation to tackle this important issue.
Community health isn't a problem any one business can solve on their own. The Interrupt is proving what's possible when leading companies and best-in-class non-profits start co-creating with communities. It's already underway in Washington, D.C., Alabama, and Philadelphia, with new places joining the network. Hear how it's done, and where it's headed next.
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to this year's finalists:
- BeneFit Personal Training
- Greenway Health
- Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
- Subaru of America, Inc.
Arun Gupta, best-selling author of The Mission Generation and CEO of NobleReach Foundation, will share how a new generation is redefining success through service and aligning careers around problem-solving and impact. That shift is an opportunity for business and government and Arun will discuss how companies and the nation can invest in purpose-driven talent.
Strong communities depend on people and small businesses that are prepared for disruption. Yet awareness of risk does not always lead to action. This conversation explores how practical resources, trusted relationships, and locally relevant solutions can help households and small businesses prepare, build resilience, and strengthen their communities and our country.
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to this year's finalists:
- Airbnb.org
- FedEx
- Tyson Foods
- Xcel Energy
- 6:00 PM
Visit the pop-up volunteer service project sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, plus additional attendee experiences and activations.
Enjoy a delicious signature cocktail by Chobani.
- 8:00 PM
(Sold Out)
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to the Small and Mid-Market Business Finalists:
- The Connor Group
- GTA
- Mimecast
- Synterex, Inc.
Congratulations to the Large Business Finalists:
- Cotton On Foundation
- Delta Air Lines
- Micron Technology
- UPS
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- 9:00 AM
Choose between Coffee and Conversation pods, a Civic Challenge Live, or networking in the Briefing Center with a pop-up volunteer service project sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, plus additional attendee experiences and activations.
Coffee & Conversation, Pod A: AI, Jobs, and the Skills Gap
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Lee Anderson Room
Capacity: 15-20 (first come, first served)
Use the QR code at the conference to sign up on Tuesday!
Coffee & Conversation, Pod B: AI and Small Businesses
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Lee Anderson Room
Capacity: 15-20 (first come, first served)
Use the QR code at the conference to sign up on Tuesday!
Civic Challenge Live
Be a civic problem-solver: small groups and a real-world issue
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Great Hall
Capacity: 100, no sign-up required
Affordability is one of the defining challenges shaping daily life. This conversation will explore how companies are using their core capabilities, partnerships, and community reach to help reduce cost pressures and expand access to essential needs.
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to this year's finalists:
- athenahealth
- Chicago Fire Football Club
- State Farm
- Total Quality Logistics
At a time when our nation sorely needs to add more skilled-trade professionals to the workforce, new research conducted by Ford and the Ad Council Research Institute found that only 11% of students surveyed plan to pursue a skilled-trades career after high school. The study identified that students and families currently have low understanding of what trade careers exist, how to enter them, what the training process looks like, and what opportunities can follow. Learn about a new public education campaign beginning in 2027 that will encourage students to consider and pursue a career in some sort of skilled trade.
As education and workforce systems evolve, the business community has an important role to play in helping more people access the skills training needed in a transforming economy. This session explores emerging ways to modernize the connection between learning and employment and support more people as they adapt to new workforce demands.
Celebrate the finalists with us!
Congratulations to this year's finalists:
- Flikshop, Inc.
- Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
- Intuit
- NC Chamber Foundation
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Visit the pop-up volunteer service project sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, plus additional attendee experiences and activations!
This panel brings together leaders from the frontier of tech-enabled social impact to explore how technology is being deployed for societal purpose and impact. Panelists will dig into what it takes to move from pilot to scale, how corporate tech platforms can serve under-resourced communities without leaving them behind, and where philanthropy and product strategy intersect to drive real change.
Bonus Speaker Content: Small Business Owners Are Defining An Empowerment Economy, by Alexandra Rosen
As the world continues to face persistent humanitarian and societal challenges, leading companies are continuing the long legacy of global corporate citizenship. This panel brings together purpose-driven leaders to share how their organizations leverage core competencies, cross-sector collaboration, community partnerships, and mission-driven operations to deliver valuable solutions that help improve lives and livelihoods.
- 1:30 PM
- 4:30 PM
Limited capacity.
2026 Registrants: Check your email on Friday, 10/23 for the sign-up opportunity!